Tristan’s face darkened as his gaze landed on the necklace Lisa was wearing.
“Miss Evans, today is my wife’s birthday. We’re not interested in who your boyfriend is.”
“Mr. Ford, I was just wondering who’s more devoted—my boyfriend to me, or you to Miss Snow?” Lisa said, unwilling to back down but not daring to say more outright.
“Of course, I love Nicky the most,” Tristan said without a moment’s hesitation. “There isn’t anyone in the world who loves her more than I do.”
His quick response made Lisa’s face pale with anger, her expression twitching with frustration.
Nicole glanced up at Tristan, her face calm but her stomach churning with disgust. His words made her nauseous; she felt as if she might vomit.
“Nicky, are you alright?” Tristan asked, noticing her discomfort and quickly moving to support her.
Nicole pushed him away. “I’m just a little tired.”
“Why don’t I help you upstairs after we look at the gifts?”
He clapped his hands, signaling the butler, who promptly began the fireworks display outside.
Fireworks exploded one after another over the yard, their bright sparks scattering across the night sky and illuminating everything below.
The vibrant colors intertwined, creating a dazzling visual feast that left the guests in awe.
“Wow, this is incredible! Miss Snow is so lucky to have Mr. Ford,” someone exclaimed.
“True love, right? Remember when Mr. Ford had liver issues? Miss Snow donated part of hers without hesitation. It’s only fair that he treats her so well!”
“This is so romantic. I’m honestly dying of envy.”
The crackling sound of fireworks and the murmurs of admiration blended together, but for Nicole, it felt suffocating.
Every second she stayed, every glance at Tristan’s fake, perfect smile, made her heart ache and her body feel heavier.
