Chapter 156
Early in the morning, Natalie had the driver pick up Gianna. After breakfast, Natalie held Gianna's hand.
"Gianna, stay by my side today. I haven't been to many gatherings in recent years, so I only know a few socialites. You can introduce me to them later."
Gianna nodded. "Okay."
Although the banquet started the evening, the servants were already busy. Some were cleaning Harmony Garden, while others were preparing ingredients.
With nothing to do, Gianna went to the study, grabbed a book, and went to the garden to read.
After reading for a while, a shadow suddenly fell in front of her.
Gianna looked up and saw Thomas, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Thomas, when did you arrive?" she asked.
Thomas smiled and naturally sat down opposite her. "It's been a while. I heard from Grandma Natalie that you were reading in the garden, so I came to find you."
"Do you have something to tell me?"
Thomas nodded and said, "I know the purpose of Grandma Natalie hosting this banquet, but I'm not interested in dating right now, so I hope you can help me out."
Gianna pursed her lips. "What do you need help with?"
"I hope you can talk Grandma Natalie out of it. She has always liked you the most, and she will listen to what you say."
Gianna frowned and remained silent for a few seconds before speaking, "I'm afraid I can't help you with this."
Thomas chuckled lightly and said slowly, "You should understand better than me what it feels like to be with someone you don't love. I don't want to lead anyone on, nor do I want to put on a show in front of Grandma Natalie."
Gianna unconsciously tightened her grip on the book, her fingertips turning pale.
Just as Gianna was about to speak, a cold voice rang out from outside the pavilion.
"If you really don't like Grandma Natalie's arrangements, go talk to her yourself. What's the point of making things difficult for my wife here?"
They turned their heads simultaneously and saw Felix walking into the pavilion with a cold expression.
It wasn't until Felix sat down next to Gianna that he coldly looked at Thomas, his eyes devoid of any warmth.
"Gianna is shy and doesn't like talking to strangers. If there's nothing else, you can leave now."
Thomas smiled, glanced meaningfully at Gianna, and said, "I apologize for my intrusion today. I hope you don't mind."
Gianna replied calmly, "It's fine."
After Thomas left, Felix turned to Gianna, his eyes still icy.
"Just ignore him if he tries talking to you again," he said.
Gianna couldn't help but frown. Felix was just too rude.
"Mr. Clinton, I haven't forgiven you yet. Please stay away from me."
Before she could finish her sentence, her waist was grabbed.
"I just helped you out. Can't that make up for my past mistakes?"
Their bodies pressed tightly together, and Gianna could feel Felix's warmth seeping through the fabric.
Gianna pushed Felix away, walked to the farthest spot, and sat down, smiling faintly. "Mr. Clinton, remember, Thomas mocking me has something to do with you too."
Even Thomas, who had been away from Dawnridge for years, knew that Felix didn't like Gianna. It was easy to imagine what others at Dawnridge thought of her.
Seeing Felix silent, Gianna stood up and looked at him. "No more to say? Whether I forgive you or not will depend on your future actions."
With that, Gianna turned to leave.
Just as she took a few steps, Felix hugged her from behind.
He rested his chin on her shoulder, and his warm breath tickled her ear, sending a tingling sensation from her ear to her heart. Gianna's body involuntarily stiffened.
"What do I need to do to make you feel better?"
Felix's coaxing voice echoed in her ear. After a few seconds of silence, Gianna suddenly pushed Felix away, took a few steps back, and turned around.
"Mr. Clinton, you should figure out how to make me feel better on your own instead of asking me."
As she walked away, Felix watched her retreating figure, his eyes deepening, but he didn't follow.
Back in the living room, Natalie saw Gianna and quickly said, "Gianna, come here."
Gianna walked over and sat down beside her. "Grandma Natalie, what's up?"
"Help me decide which dress I should wear tonight."
After looking for a while, Gianna picked out a suitable coat and dress for Natalie, smiling. "Grandma Natalie, this should suit you well."
Natalie nodded. "Gianna, you have a good taste. I also like this dress."
They chatted for a while, and soon it was time for lunch.
Ximena and Connor also joined them for lunch.
At the table, Natalie looked at Ximena and said, "There will be many socialites coming today. Keep an eye out for Thomas. If there's a suitable match, introduce them."
Ximena's expression changed. 'If Thomas married a wealthy and influential woman, wouldn't that give him a chance to compete for the Clinton Group's inheritance?' she thought.
Ximena lowered her head reluctantly and said, "Okay, I understand."
Gianna glanced at Thomas. If he really wasn't into the whole dating thing, now would be the best time to speak up.
However, he remained silent, just bowing his head and quietly eating.
During the meal, everyone seemed wrapped up in their own thoughts.
In the afternoon, Gianna had planned to take a nap, but Felix called in a hairstylist and makeup artist to style her.
Gianna was a bit displeased and glared at Felix. "Are you doing this on purpose? I'm not the center of attention tonight, so why all this fuss?"
Raising an eyebrow, Felix said slowly, "Many socialites will be dressed up tonight. You don't want to appear plain compared to them, do you?"
After some thought, Gianna didn't refuse anymore.
Three hours later, the makeup artist and stylist finally finished their work.
"Miss Redstone, you can open your eyes now."
However, Gianna didn't react.
"Miss Redstone, Miss Redstone?"
After calling her several times, Gianna finally opened her eyes, still looking a bit dizzy as if she had just woken up.
"What's wrong? Is it done?"
It was the first time the makeup artist had seen someone dozed off during a makeover. She nodded and said, "Yes, Miss Redstone, take a look."
Gianna looked in the mirror. The makeup artist had given her a trendy look that matched well with the strapless chiffon gown she was wearing.
Her long hair was elegantly styled, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbones, making her shine.
"Miss Redstone, let me put on the necklace and earrings for you."
The makeup artist took out a pearl necklace and earrings from a box and adorned Gianna with them, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Miss Redstone, you look stunning!"
With the pearl necklace on, Gianna exuded an air of elegance that captivated everyone's gaze.
"Thank you."
Gianna stood up and turned to see Felix looking at her intently, his eyes filled with emotions she couldn't quite decipher.
Walking over to Felix, she asked, "How's it look?"
"Very beautiful."
Gianna smiled. "That's good."
"The banquet is about to start. Let's go out."
As Gianna walked arm in arm with Felix into the banquet hall, she instantly drew everyone's attention.
Gianna now looked like a swan, standing calmly beside Felix, basking in the envy of others.
Bella also attended the banquet that evening, looking beautiful. However, compared to Gianna, she seemed a bit plain.
"Why do I feel like Gianna is much prettier than Bella? And she has a better figure, too, shining like a star!"
"In fact, they look quite similar, but Gianna's features are more delicate than Bella's, and her skin is better, too. I didn't notice before, but now the difference is clear."
"Stop talking. Haven't you noticed how grim Bella's expression has become? She's running LR Design Studio now, and it's not wise to offend her!"
Bella's hand clenched slowly, her gaze icy as she stared at Gianna. She should have been the one standing beside Felix, the one being admired and praised by everyone!
Bella thought it was all because of that wretched Gianna, who had taken everything from her!
