Chapter 176: Ugly Duckling
Lauren clutched her aching face, finally calming down and realizing what she had just said.
She looked around at the guests, seeing their disgusted and disdainful expressions. She trembled, her vision darkened, and she almost fainted.
Bella noticed and quickly supported her, "Mom, are you okay?!"
Julian, still furious, shouted, "Leave her!"
He then turned to Gianna, looking embarrassed, "Gianna, your mom was just angry. Don't take what she said to heart."
Gianna's gaze was cold. Whether it was said in anger or not, they both knew the truth.
She looked at Julian and said, "Everyone heard what Lauren said. Since she dislikes me so much, we don't need to stay in touch. Consider my bone marrow donation to Bella as repayment. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Redstone family."
As Gianna was about to leave, Julian quickly stopped her, "Gianna, blood ties can't be severed. Your mom lost her mind out of anger. When she calms down, I'll have her apologize."
Gianna's expression was icy, "No need. I don't think Lauren wants to apologize. And... Julian, you should be happy I'm voluntarily cutting ties with the Redstone family, right?"
Julian was stunned and panicked, 'Does Gianna know about the fortune teller's prediction from over ten years ago?'
Although he feared Gianna staying in the family would harm them, now that she was with Felix, maintaining a good relationship might mean Felix would give some projects to the Redstone Group.
"Gianna, since you've made up your mind, I can't stop you. But the Redstone family will always be your home. You can come back anytime," he urged.
Gianna smiled, didn't look back, and left. Felix followed her out.
Once they left, the living room fell silent. Julian said a few words to lighten the mood and called Bella and Lauren to the study.
As soon as the study door closed, Julian slapped Lauren hard, causing her to fall.
"You're useless! I asked you to invite Gianna back for the party, and this is what you do? Do you know the Redstone Group is negotiating a major project with the Clinton Group? If we don't get it, our finances will be tight again!" he shouted.
Lauren sat on the ground, laughing hysterically. "All you care about is the Redstone Group. It's more important to you than anyone. Julian, I regret marrying you!"
Seeing Lauren's mixed expression of crying and laughing, Julian got even angrier. "If it weren't for my efforts building the Redstone Group, do you think you could be a wealthy housewife?! While you're having tea and shopping, I'm working. You've never helped me, just dragged me down!"
Lauren sneered, "You told me to stay home and take care of the kids because you didn't trust the nanny. And now you're blaming me?! You think working is hard? Try staying home and raising kids!"
"That was years ago!"
As they kept arguing, Bella's hands clenched into fists. She couldn't pinpoint when her once-loving parents had turned so vicious toward each other.
She used to try to mediate, but now she just felt annoyed.
A knock on the door interrupted them. The servant's voice came through, "Miss Bella, Mr. Thomas is here."
Hearing this, they finally calmed down.
Julian forced a smile at Bella, "Bella, go take care of Thomas. I'll be out shortly."
Bella nodded and left the study.
Julian took a deep breath and glared at Lauren. "Pull yourself together and come out. Don't embarrass us any further!"
After Julian left, Lauren couldn't hold back her tears, her hatred for Gianna growing stronger. She decided to act as if she never had this daughter.
Downstairs, the atmosphere livened up with Thomas's arrival. Though not as wealthy as Felix, he was still someone everyone wanted to impress, given the value of Harmony Garden.
Bella composed herself, put on a smile, and walked over to Thomas, linking her arm with his, drawing envious and jealous looks from the socialites.
However, those socialites also looked at her with disdain. They hadn't forgotten how Bella had used them, but with Thomas present, they didn't dare to offend her.
Bella knew the socialites were dissatisfied with her. She kept a perfect smile, determined not to let anyone laugh at her again.
Thomas leaned in close, his voice low, "On my way here, I saw Felix and Gianna walking out. Why did they leave so early?"
Bella's expression turned a bit unnatural, and she lowered her eyes, "Gianna said she was tired, so Felix took her home."
Thomas chuckled softly, "Is it that simple? I heard some other rumors."
Bella looked up at Thomas, her gaze cold, "Thomas, you said it yourself, they're just rumors. Naturally, they're not to be believed."
Thomas grabbed Bella's chin, his thumb brushing against her red lips, "Bella, I don't like women who think they're clever. I hope I won't hear about you using such lowly, easily exposed tricks again. Otherwise, you'll only embarrass me!"
From a distance, it looked like they were flirting, making the socialites furious. They couldn't understand why a good man like Thomas would be interested in Bella.
Sensing the danger in Thomas's eyes, Bella nodded, "Thomas, I understand."
Thomas released her, picked up a glass of champagne, and took a sip, "Didn't you say you had a surprise for me? Now that I'm here, what is it?"
Bella unconsciously pinched her palm, feeling nervous, "Thomas, why the rush? The banquet is about to start. How about we dance the first dance together?"
The light in Thomas's eyes turned cold, and his voice was full of mockery, "Bella, do you think I would play such a boring game with you?"
Bella took a deep breath and looked up at him, "Alright, the surprise I wanted to tell you is..."
She leaned in and whispered a few words into Thomas's ear.
Thomas's expression suddenly turned grim, his eyes filled with coldness.
