Chapter 173: The Birthday Party
Julian frowned, clearly annoyed, and said, "Felix likes her now. If we only throw a birthday party for Bella, Felix will be upset."
Lauren, furious, snapped, "Why should I care if Felix is happy? Bella's birthday is a Redstone family matter. Does he want to control our family too?!"
Seeing Lauren wouldn't budge, Julian's demeanor became cold, "Either call Gianna and ask her to come back for the party, or don't throw it at all. Your choice."
"Julian, you know I don't like Gianna, and you're still pushing me?" Lauren protested.
Julian ignored her, turned, and left.
Lauren sat on the sofa, crying for a long time. After calming down, she called Bella to discuss it.
Bella, surprisingly, laughed, "Mom, it's fine. Just call Gianna. It'll be more lively."
Lauren was shocked, "Are you not angry?"
"What's there to be angry about? I have something to do now, so let's leave it at that," Bella replied.
After hanging up, Bella looked at Thomas across from her, "Thomas, have you decided to work with me?"
Thomas's expression was cold, "What's in it for me?"
Bella's smile deepened. "I have some information about the Clinton Group that you'd find very interesting."
Thomas eyed her suspiciously, "I heard you used to like Felix. Are you turning against him to help me? Is this a setup?"
Bella sneered, her eyes full of hatred, "I did like him, but now he's all about Gianna, and they're engaged. Helping you helps me too."
"If I become president of the Clinton Group, your status rises too," Thomas noted.
"Exactly," Bella said, cocking an eyebrow, "On my birthday, I have a surprise for you."
"What surprise?" Thomas asked.
Bella shook her head, "It's a surprise, so I can't tell you now."
"Then I look forward to it," Thomas replied.
Around lunchtime, Gianna got a call from Lauren, "Next week, on your and Bella's birthday, we're throwing a party at home. Be there."
A birthday party? It was probably another event to make Bella shine and her look bad. But this time, Gianna wouldn't let that happen.
"Alright, but I don't like bright colors. Keep it simple, and I don't want chocolate cake. I want vanilla this year," Gianna said.
Lauren shot back angrily, "Gianna, don't push it!"
Gianna's eyebrows furrowed, "Lauren, didn't you say the party was for both me and Bella? If you can't even prepare what I like, what kind of party is that?"
Lauren, pale with anger, gritted her teeth, "Fine, I'll prepare everything as you said. Happy now?"
"Good, I'll be there on time," Gianna replied, smiling.
After hanging up, Lauren smiled coldly. This time, she'd make Gianna regret everything.
On Gianna's birthday, Bella returned home early and frowned at the food. She immediately sought out Lauren, asking, "Mom, what's with the food? Didn't I tell you to prepare what my friends like?"
Lauren whispered something in her ear. Bella's displeasure turned to surprise and hidden delight.
"Isn't this a bit much? No matter what, she's still family," Bella said, feigning concerned.
"There's nothing wrong with it. Go get dressed. Tonight, you'll be the star," Lauren assured her.
Bella blushed and nodded, "Okay."
By six in the evening, the Redstone living room was filled with guests, clinking glasses and dressed in elegant outfits. Kimberly and Henry sat in the main seats, smiling.
"Where's Thomas? Isn't he Bella's fiancé? Why isn't he here yet?" Kimberly asked.
Lauren smiled, "He probably just got off work and is on his way."
Kimberly nodded, lowering her voice, "Tell Bella to hold on to him. Once Natalie passes away, Harmony Garden will be his."
"Don't worry. Bella knows," Lauren assured her.
"Go entertain the guests. We'll be fine," Kimberly said.
"Alright, if you get tired, have the servants take you to rest," Lauren replied.
Meanwhile, Bella was sitting on the sofa with Jasmine, chatting away. Jasmine, upset over losing her role due to a fight with her boyfriend, was fuming.
"Belle, why is the food not what you like this year?" Jasmine asked.
Bella's smile faded, "Gianna is coming back for her birthday too. She threatened mom that if she didn't get what she liked, she wouldn't come."
Jasmine frowned, her voice cold, "That's too much! Before she was found, you were the only one enjoying your parents' love, and now she dares to make demands!"
Bella lowered her gaze, a hint of a triumphant smile flashing across her face, "Jasmine, stop it. Gianna will be back soon, and today is her birthday too. I don't want to upset her."
Jasmine, seeing through Bella's act, still played along, "Bella, I can't stand seeing you suffer because of Gianna. As your friend, I can't tolerate it. I'll make her regret it!"
Bella looked up sharply, feigning shock, "Jasmine, what are you going to do? Don't be impulsive! I can handle a bit of suffering!"
Jasmine found Bella's act nauseating but forced a comforting smile, "Bella, don't worry. I won't confront Gianna directly. I'll just tell others about what she's done!"
With that, she turned and left, not giving Bella a chance to respond.
Bella smiled in amusement. Jasmine was still easy to manipulate.
Soon, rumors of Gianna bullying Bella spread throughout the banquet hall.
By seven o'clock, Gianna finally arrived, fashionably late, in arm with Felix.
