Chapter 9

Eugene said, "Jackie, I've made a lot of mistakes these past three years. But you've always been patient and forgiving. I can't thank you enough for that.

"I know I haven't been the best husband, but I swear from now on, you'll be the only one in my life. I want to grow old with you and spend forever by your side."

He spoke with practiced sincerity. Every word sounded full of affection, but to Jacklyn, every sentence dripped with irony.

She used to fall for it, no doubt.

If Eugene hadn't cheated, he really would've been the ideal partner. He was attentive, gentle, wealthy, and always full of romantic gestures and little surprises.

Unfortunately, a cheating man was never worth keeping.

Jacklyn smiled faintly, letting Eugene fasten the necklace around her neck.

Her fingers brushed over the raised diamonds, which were glinting under the lights. The necklace looked exactly like the one in that photo.

Who else in the world could end up in a situation like this? A necklace from her husband, chosen by his mistress. It was downright absurd.

"This necklace is stunning. I love it."

Even if she was fuming inside, Jacklyn still smiled sweetly. She had to finish this performance, at least for now.

"Eugene, you treat Jackie so well!"

Seeing this scene from the side, Penelope fumed with jealousy but was completely powerless. Eventually, she couldn't hold it in any longer.

Eugene shot her a cold look that seemed to say, "Back off."

He had just managed to make Jacklyn happy. He wasn't about to let Penelope ruin everything again.

But Penelope pretended not to notice. Her eyes stayed locked on the necklace.

"Jackie, you and Eugene have been married for three years now, and you two are still going strong. You two seem even closer than when you were newlyweds. I'm honestly so jealous! This necklace is gorgeous, too. So big and sparkly. Eugene really spoils you."

What a thick cloud of sarcasm. Jacklyn frowned.

Penelope's words sounded sweet, but every line was laced with poison—and very much on purpose.

Did she really think this would rattle her?

How ridiculous!

Jacklyn raised her gaze. "Do you like it?"

Penelope froze. Was Jacklyn out of her mind? Why was she saying something like that in front of everyone?

She smiled awkwardly. "What woman doesn't like jewelry?"

"Then, why don't I give it to you?"

Jacklyn's carefree tone sent Eugene into panic mode. He immediately stepped in to shield her, terrified she might actually follow through.

"Jackie, I picked this out just for you. It's a token of my love. You can't just give it away."

As he spoke, he shot Penelope a warning glare.

Penelope put on a pitiful face, but her eyes brimmed with fake innocence and flirtation.

"I'm not feeling well. I need some air," Jacklyn pulled her hand back. Uninterested in watching the two exchange looks, she casually made up an excuse to leave. She wandered off until she found a quiet corner.

Not far away, Liam had just stepped out of the banquet hall and happened to spot her.

A breeze lifted a few strands of her hair, sweeping them gently across her face. She leaned against the railing, looking effortlessly relaxed.

Liam stepped forward and greeted her, "Jacklyn!"

When Jacklyn looked up, she was surprised for a moment but understood immediately.

The Robertsons were a powerful family in Swanford, and Liam was the favored oldest son. Plenty of elites had shown up at this banquet, so it wasn't shocking to see him there, too.

"Thanks for the ride home last time," she said coolly.

"Don't mention it." Liam's tone shifted slightly. "But… you and Eugene don't really seem that close."

Sure, Eugene had thrown a grand, over-the-top banquet, all to show Swanford how deeply committed he was.

But Liam hadn't seen a flicker of joy in Jacklyn's eyes. Just that fake smile stretched across her face.

Jacklyn's heart jumped. Had she been that obvious? And if Liam noticed, did Eugene?

She was just about to respond when a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist. The familiar and repulsive scent hit her instantly.

It was Eugene.

"Mr. Robertson, I can assure you, my wife and I are just fine. You don't need to worry about us." Eugene stared down Liam, pulling Jacklyn tighter as if afraid she'd be snatched away.

Ever since Liam had given her a ride home, Eugene had secretly looked into him.

It turned out that Liam wasn't just anyone. He was the heir to the Robertson family.

Liam let out a low, amused laugh.

So, Eugene had marked him as a threat.

Liam said nothing, but that silence made Eugene even more uneasy.

They were about the same age, but Liam had this natural, suffocating pressure about him. Especially those eyes—lazy, amused, and somehow sharp enough to see right through people.

The softness of Jacklyn's body in his hand steadied his mind.

For Jacklyn, he couldn't afford to lose!

"Mr. Robertson, I know you're known for your flirtations, and people often let you get away with it. But if you're going to flirt, at least do it with some class. There are plenty of single women here today, some of them absolutely stunning. You should focus on them, not keep your eyes on my wife."

Liam scoffed. If they were really so in love, wouldn't there be a baby by now?

"I was just catching up with an old friend. That's all. There's no need to be so petty."

His reply gave Jacklyn the courage to speak up. "Liam and I go way back. What exactly are you accusing me of now?"