Chapter 189 She Is Not Bella Harris
Elissa had remained silent, sensing that I could still manage the situation and not wanting to add to my burden. But Jerry's remark caused her to choke on her own saliva.
Skylar was usually quick to slice me up with her words. Yet when it came to Jerry, especially with Grace nearby, she couldn't muster her usual venom. Her face flushed with restrained anger.
Even though Grace indulged Jerry, she still maintained a facade of peace and glared at him. "Who taught you to talk like that?"
Jerry shrugged, unperturbed. "Grace, you did. Stand up for what's right."
Grace shot him a withering look but found herself at a loss for words, her fury palpable. After all, it was evident to everyone present that Skylar was instigating trouble, her barbs unnecessarily sharp.
Just when the topic seemed ready to die down, the usually reticent and timid Bella spoke up, her voice soft and innocent. "But Jerry, my mother isn't wrong. Girls should be chaste and faithful."
Elissa was instantly incensed, though she maintained an even tone. "Ms. Harris, failing in a relationship or marriage is never something to be ashamed of. You haven't walked in someone else's shoes, so don't judge their journey."
"Bella!" Claire scolded, her brow furrowing. "Who told you that? If you get married and find yourself unhappy, I will be the first to bring you home. Divorce has nothing to do with chastity. Don't listen to others' nonsense."
"Mom!" Skylar didn't want to hear it anymore. "You're being too biased. Bella isn't wrong."
"Not wrong?" Claire's calm was now edged with steel. "Have you forgotten the circumstances under which you married into the family?"
The room's atmosphere grew tense and heavy. Skylar's face turned pale, clearly unprepared for Claire's reminder. Even Jerry appeared slightly bewildered.
Claire's words implied Skylar had experienced a marriage before her current one.
Claire's face hardened. "It's been twenty or thirty years, and I've never mentioned it because, like Jerry said, it's the least important thing. But why do you use it to belittle others again and again?"
Skylar clenched her fists, trembling with humiliation, and ran out.
Grace, seeing Claire's mounting ire, tried to soothe her. "Let it go, she's always been like this. It's not worth getting upset."
"You always speak for her without principles." Claire shot Grace a scolding look before turning to me. "Hope, don't take their words to heart. Divorce doesn't mean anything. Plus, your design skills are outstanding. When the guests arrive, many will ask about my dress. Be ready for the attention."
Claire was resplendent in a light purple dress that I had crafted for the occasion. The dress featured a perfectly cinched waist, enhancing her figure while offering comfort. The floral print bestowed an air of elegance.
As people age, the comfort of clothing takes precedence. But if it looked fabulous, all the better. So when designing for Claire and Grace, I had meticulously considered their personal tastes and the comfort of the design and fabric.
Nevertheless, I suspected Claire's praise was not solely for my craftsmanship. It likely stemmed from a shared understanding, perhaps even influenced by a past dream of hers.
As dusk drew near, guests began to trickle in. Claire rose, guiding Bella, today’s focal point, to welcome them.
The butler led us to the banquet hall. Elissa and I forged ahead, with Jerry trailing us, idly kicking pebbles like a bored child. "Why didn't you respond to my messages?"
I stopped and looked back at Jerry. "You know why."
By now, Jerry had likely delved deeply into my marriage with Christopher. He should understand that I was disinterested in a relationship muddled with a third party's complications.
Jerry frowned, glancing at the distant butler before speaking in hushed tones, "She's not Bella Harris."
I was a bit exasperated. “The paternity test confirms it.”
Jerry insisted. "There must be something wrong with the test. Hope Royston, I knew it when I see her."
I pressed my lips together. "That's between you and the Harris family. It's best if we keep our distance."
Without waiting to gauge Jerry's reaction, I steered Elissa into the grandiose banquet hall.
Despite the haste in arranging this welcome party, no expense had been spared to make it a lavish affair. The lights glittered, and the decor exuded luxury, fitting for a distinguished event.
As we moved through the throng, Elissa picked up a glass from a passing waiter and looked at me, a bit taken aback. "You didn't use to be this ruthless."
I offered a wistful smile. "People change, Elissa. Even the slowest learner eventually catches on. Besides, the circumstances are different now."
Elissa looked at me. "How so?"
"Before, I was already in too deep, and getting out was painful and difficult." I couldn't forget those sleepless nights. "Now, I haven't gotten involved yet, no emotional investment, so I can be reasonable."
Those who recently endured heartache were not quick to leap into another entanglement.
Elissa sighed as Grace beckoned us over to introduce us to a group of elegantly dressed women.
"You were asking if I changed designers recently. It's all thanks to Hope. Don't be deceived by her youth; she is immensely talented. The craftsmanship of her designs is top-notch."
"Mrs. Hammer." Elissa and I greeted the women warmly. Elissa, ever the social butterfly, half-jokingly extolled my virtues and our brand, ElevateJoy, to the ladies.
Out of deference to Grace, they all expressed interest in commissioning outfits. For some, ordering clothes was merely an avenue to forge connections with the Hammer and Harris families.
As conversations flitted about, one lady chortled, "I heard the boss of RF Group will be attending today. I wonder how old he is. My youngest daughter is still single, you know."
"Don't even think about it." Another interjected, "The RF Group is making waves, acquiring companies left and right, including the Valence Group. This boss isn’t to be trifled with. Even if by some miracle you could reach him, he's likely ruthless."
The Valence Group once had unparalleled sway in Jacquar. Now, with these aggressive maneuvers, Christopher’s wealth had soared exponentially, his financial prowess dwarfing any influence old family connections might wield.
"What are you talking about?" Skylar, having regained her composure, slipped into the circle with her trademark smile. "It's not as daunting as you make it out to be. Besides, if you're plotting something, you're already too late!"
One lady teasingly inquired, "Are you setting this up for your Kimberly?"
Skylar's smile widened. "You could have keep it to yourself!"
She radiated confidence, as if an alliance with the RF Group was a foregone conclusion. "Initially, only the president was scheduled to come tonight, but when the big boss learned Kimberly was fetching him, he decided to come too. Isn’t that a clear signal?"
We discreetly edged away, and Elissa, barely containing her mirth, leaned in and whispered, "What do you think Skylar will say when she realizes the big boss of RF Group is Christopher Valence?"
"Mrs. Harris, Ms. Harris has brought the guest!" Before I could reply, a servant hurried in, making a beeline for Skylar.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
