I Love You More Cade by Coral Hume ( Nydia and Jackson) Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Seeing the scene, Nydia’s face went pale in a heartbeat.

Today, all of Creekheim’s high society was here, including those who had reveled in her family’s downfall. They had been itching for a chance to knock Nydia down a peg, and now, her husband, Cade, had inadvertently given them ammunition.

Glances kept coming their way, and while they held back out of respect for Orson, their disdain and mockery couldn’t be

hidden.

Nydia pinched her palm, fought back the pain, and quickly put on her best smile, standing tall. However, Orson noticed everything.

He shot Cade a cold look and sharply asked, “Why bring her?”

Cade, irked by Nydia’s apparent indifference, wanted to explain but ended up keeping silent.

Josephine, feeling Orson’s dislike, turned red and squirmed uncomfortably. She longed for Cade’s help but knew approaching him would only worsen things with Orson.

With tears in her eyes, Josephine looked at Maren for help.

Maren smiled at Orson and said, “Orson, I invited Josephine. It’s on me, not her.” She then walked over, took Josephine by the hand, and stood protectively in front of her.

“Have you lost your mind? Looking to embarrass us further?” Orson barked.

Maren, used to respect and admiration, was now publicly scolded, leaving her both angry and humiliated.

“You sure know how to change sides.” Orson sneered.

Initially, Maren had looked down on Josephine for being from a poorer background and scoffed at the idea of her joining the Jacksons. But as the Brooks family thrived in the tourism business, thanks to their ties to Cade, becoming a notable name in Creekheim, Maren’s attitude shifted.

She found herself envying Josephine, thinking how perfect it would be if she were her daughter-in–law. Wealthy, compliant, and always thoughtful. Unlike Nydia, who seemed to dismiss her words and had not provided an heir after all these years.

To Maren, Nydia was nothing more than a dead weight. She thought Orson was right about her fickleness, but she saw no issue in changing sides; it seemed like the sensible choice.

“Josephine’s father has plenty of business connections abroad that could come in handy for us. That’s why I asked her over,” Maren explained.

Orson merely grunted and walked away without another word.

Maren couldn’t contain her frustration as she snapped at Nydia. “Are you just going to stand there? Attend to the guests already. Do I need to do everything myself?”

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Chapter 22

Nydia, keen to avoid confrontation and eager to steer clear of Cade in particular, complied without hesitation.

“Yes, I’m on it,” Nydia replied, accepting a glass of red wine from a servant before making her way through the crowd.

Maren, fuming, muttered under her breath, “Look at her, no grace or dignity, nothing like the elder daughter–in–law of the Jackson family should be. Orson must’ve been blind to choose someone who only takes and never gives.”

Josephine, trying to stoke the fire, gently said, “Maybe Nydia is just accustomed to acting that way. She might not see anything wrong with it.”

”

“One day, she’ll be out of our family!” Maren spat venomously.

Josephine, voice dripping with faux innocence, offered a distraction. “Mrs. Maren, remember that limited edition Hermes bag you had your eyes on? I managed to get it for you. Let’s hope it’s to your taste. Shall we check it out inside?”

Maren’s mood instantly brightened, clutching Josephine’s hand. “You’re the best, my dear.” She glanced at Cade Jackson and added, “Cade made the right choice with you.”

Josephine blushed, casting a shy glance at Cade. Under the dim lights, his striking features and the tailored suit accentuating his physique made him look like a deity, his blue eyes melding into the night.

In her heart, Josephine swore, ‘I’ll make sure Nydia is out of the picture soon. This man will be mine.

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As the dinner party began, Nydia mingled among the guests, playing her part as the Jackson family’s lady, her feet aching from the high heels.

Leaning on a table for support, Nydia glanced down at her aching feet, only to find a pair of expensive shoes appear before. her. Lifting her gaze, she met Bentley.

Quickly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she greeted him with a polite smile. “Hello, Mr. Wiley. Can I help you with anything?”

Standing against the light, Nydia radiated a captivating glow that was hard to ignore.

Bentley, his demeanor gentle, suggested, “Just call me Bentley. If you’re tired, take a seat. There’s no need to stay on your feet all night.”

His voice was as comforting as a breeze, a contrast to how everyone else treated Nydia – more like a machine than a person, never inquiring about her feelings or well–being.

Nydia looked at him, a warmth filling her heart, and for once, her smile was genuine. “Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Cade, surrounded by middle–aged men offering toasts, grew–impatient. His annoyance turned to anger when he saw Nydia. She was genuinely happy, smiling at another man.

His face darkened, his grip tightening around his glass.

The guests around him fell silent, not wanting to provoke him further, well aware of his notorious temper.

Bentley whispered, “I’ll let you in on–a secret; I’m not fond of these parties. They feel like masquerades.”

✔ ✔ MM M

Chapter 22

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“Me too,” Nydia agreed, smiling.

“And the wine? Terrible,” Bentley added with a chuckle.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Nydia responded, sharing a laugh that momentarily eased the formal atmosphere.

Just as Nydia sought a chair to rest, she stumbled. Bentley reached out, but before he could, a strong arm enveloped her, pulling her into a secure embrace.

“Can’t even stand up straight, and you’re already mingling and drinking?” Cade’s deep voice resonated, tinged with displeasure.