Chapter 528

Throughout the entire evening banquet, Lambert didn't exchange a single word with Irene, completely ignoring her presence. This cut her deeply. She couldn't tell whether Lambert had truly fallen out of love with her or if he was still haunted by the past. The thought sent a sharp pang through her heart. Madelyn, sitting beside Irene, watched her friend's distress with growing frustration. "Don't lose heart, Irene," she urged. "I'm certain Lambert still cares for you." Irene's eyes flickered with hope, only to dim again almost instantly. After a pause, she gave a bitter smile. "He stopped caring long ago. It's been years. It's only natural he'd move on to someone else." Madelyn scoffed. "Move on to a cheap imitation? Impossible." Irene stayed silent, her expression heavy with dejection. Seeing her like this twisted Madelyn's heart. Then, suddenly, an idea struck her. "Earlier, I spent some time with Lambert's older brother, Arnold," she said quickly. "While we were talking, he mentioned