Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

"Absolutely, respect for the deceased is crucial. Gossiping at a funeral? That's just asking for trouble, like biting your own tongue."

"They always praised Mrs. Gilbert, the second wife of the Gilbert family, as gentle and virtuous, a real Renaissance woman. But seeing her today, she's nothing short of disgraceful."

"She spent her whole life in a quiet rivalry with Claire, always coming out on the losing side. Now that Claire's gone, she's showing her true colors. Can't wait to stomp on Claire's memory. How petty and venomous-definitely shows her upbringing. No class whatsoever."

"And her daughter, Diana, is a chip off the old block. Like mother, like daughter."

These biting words all reached Suzanne's ears.

Suzanne was shaking with anger. Years of carefully maintaining her image were crumbling in an instant. They were even dragging Diana's name through the mud.

In truth, things weren't as they claimed. Compared to Claire, her supposed malice was nothing. Why was everyone siding with Claire now?

Desmond arrived just then, having heard similar comments about Suzanne on his way in. He walked over to her with a scowl on his face.

"What are you doing here? The Sartori family isn't something you can mess with."

The Gilbert family was indeed under the Sartori family's thumb. Despite the current scandal-induced crisis, it wasn't anything they couldn't handle. Desmond couldn't believe Suzanne had the nerve to provoke the Sartori family like this.

Suzanne shook off Desmond's hand. "What are you afraid of? Let me be clear, the Sartori family is on the brink of total ruin."

Desmond hadn't expected Suzanne's boldness. He grabbed her arm and began leading her outside. "You're out of your mind. Let's go."

"Wait a second."

They'd barely taken a step when Connor stopped them.noveldrama

Connor walked up to Suzanne, extending his hand. "Mrs. Gilbert, you've dropped something."

Connor opened his palm to reveal a small pearl earring.

Suzanne's eyes widened in shock at the sight of the earring.

Connor's gaze was cold, noting every subtle change in her expression.

Almost instinctively, Suzanne

touched her ear. It was indeed hers, but not the pair she was wearing now. It was the one Claire had ripped off at Paradise Island leaving a noticeable scar.

A wave of panic hit Suzanne. Was Connor onto her?

But after a moment, Suzanne quickly collected herself.

With a smile, she said, "Mr. Connor, you must be mistaken. I don't wear such cheap jewelry, and I haven't worn earrings for ages because of an ear infection from swimming."

Suzanne covered her tracks with a quick excuse. Whether or not Connor was suspicious, he wouldn't find any proof. Besides, with Claire out of the picture, what was there to be afraid of? en

Connor scrutinized Suzanne. She seemed calm, but her initial shock had been real.

From the moment Suzanne arrived, Connor had noticed the scar on her ear and connected it to the blood on the earring. His comment was a test of her reaction. Judging by her initial response, the earring was almost certainly hers.