Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Chloe stood at the entrance of the shopping mall, the cold wind blowing in from behind, but her expression was calm, seemingly unaffected.
Yolanda pretended to be close as she linked her arm with Chloe's. "Chloe, let's go inside. These dresses are the finest in all of Dawnridge."
Chloe didn't respond, only gently pulling her arm back.
Yolanda felt a bit awkward, but quickly regained her composure and turned to give a slight nod to the socialites around them who were watching. "It's been so long since you've seen Chloe, hasn't it? Today's such a great opportunity."
A few low laughs came from the crowd. Someone purposely lowered their voice, but every word clearly reached Chloe's ears. "It's been years since we last saw her. She's really different now."
"Well," another voice chimed in, "someone who's been to prison will definitely be different."
Yolanda pretended not to hear, waving her hand toward them. "Chloe and I are going to pick out a dress, we'll chat later." She then turned to Chloe and spoke with a soft but firm tone, "Chloe, let's go."
Chloe stepped into the mall, her gaze sweeping over the people, both secretly and openly watching her. She didn't pause, as if those unfriendly words and glances didn't exist, or perhaps, she simply didn't care.
Inside the dress shop, the lights sparkled, and every dress looked like a crafted masterpiece. Yolanda affectionately linked her arm with Chloe's, leading her to a row of display racks. "Chloe, what do you think of this one? The red really suits you."
Chloe glanced at the dress, which was covered in sequins, its design garish. She spoke indifferently, "It's too flashy, not suitable for me."
"Come on," Yolanda pouted, shaking her arm as if in a playful manner. "Just try it on. Maybe Mr. Foster will like it?"
"Whether he likes it or not, it's none of my concern." Chloe's tone was cold as she pulled her arm away from Yolanda.
Yolanda's smile froze for a moment, but she quickly masked it, then pretended to be affectionate. Turning to the sales associate, she said, "Wrap this one up. She may say she doesn't want it, but I know she must like it a lot."
The sales associate hesitated and looked at Chloe, but Chloe's icy stare made her lower her head, only nodding softly as she went to get the hanger.
At that moment, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from the entrance. A familiar, piercing voice followed. "Well, Chloe, it's been years, and you're still as charming as ever."
Quella Lambert, Carlos's younger sister, walked in, wearing a well-fitted Chanel suit that made her look both elegant and refined.
She stood in front of Chloe, eyeing her up and down before smirking. "But this is a high-end boutique. Maybe some people can't even afford it."
Xena Schmidt, who had followed behind Quella, joined in, "Quella, how can you say that? Chloe's from the Stone family. Even if she's no longer the heiress, she's still better off than ordinary people."
Though her words appeared to defend Chloe, the tone was filled with disdain, even more so than Quella's.
Demi, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but whisper, "Miss Quinn, perhaps we should try another store."
"No need,"Chloe interrupted, lifting her head to face Quella directly. Her eyes held no trace of emotion. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Quella was slightly angered by Chloe's indifferent demeanor, but she still managed to maintain her grace. "I just think it's impressive that, despite being in such a difficult situation, someone still has the heart to attend a charity dinner. Truly admirable."
"Well," Chloe chuckled, the smile full of mockery. "If I remember correctly, you were also invited. A charity dinner that someone like you can be invited to surely doesn't have high requirements."
Her words struck at Quella's sore spot. Her face instantly turned ugly, but she quickly regained her composure and retorted sharply, "At least I've never been to prison. No matter what, I'm still better than you."
Xena snickered, her eyes filled with malice as she looked at Chloe. "Well, Chloe's the famous beauty of Dawnridge. Maybe someone will be willing to spend a fortune on her at the dinner."
Demi could no longer stand it and stepped forward, standing up for Chloe. She angrily said, "Enough! Watch your words!"
"A bodyguard?" Xena sneered, her tone even sharper. "But that makes sense. Some people can't live without these lowly methods, can they? How else would they survive?"
Demi trembled with anger but was stopped by Chloe's hand. The latter slowly stepped forward, facing Quella directly. "You can keep barking," Chloe said, her voice calm but sharp. "But you'll have to pay the price for what you say."
Quella was silenced, while Xena froze for a second before her face flushed red.
Then, a steady, forceful sound of footsteps echoed from the elevator. Everyone turned to look, and a tall, imposing figure emerged from the elevator. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, exuding an imposing aura. Someone gasped, "Mr. Foster!"
The room fell into complete silence. Even in high society, Yael was a man who could not be ignored. He was not only the heir of Foster Group but also a topic of conversation among many.
His deep gaze swept over the room. When he saw Chloe, his gaze lingered for a brief moment before he walked straight toward her.
"Looks like I arrived just in time." His voice was low, yet filled with authority.
Xena and Quella instinctively took a step back, while Yolanda quickly stepped forward with a fawning tone. "Yael, long time no see! What brings you here today?"
Yael didn't even glance at her. He walked directly up to Chloe, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. His movement was tender and natural, as though it was something he had always done.
"Sorry I'm late," he said. His simple words caused the air in the room to freeze.