Chapter 206
Felix glanced at Gianna's door, then quickly headed to the study.
Felix inquired, "How's he doing?"
James replied, "Not great. There's something else too."
Felix's eyes narrowed, "Spill it."
James reported, "We found Summer's family in Country Y, but her parents are dead, and we can't find her."
Felix asked, "Any leads on who helped them escape?"
James replied, "No, the trail's cold."
Felix frowned and instructed, "Keep digging. Find out who's behind this."
After hanging up, Felix stared at his phone, then dialed another number.
Daniel greeted, "Felix, calling me this late, what's up?"
Felix's voice was icy, "Daniel, I'll agree to your terms, but Jonah must stay away from my wife."
Daniel paused, then laughed, saying, "Felix, I look forward to our partnership."
Felix warned, "Daniel, keep your word, or you'll regret it."
Daniel reassured, "Don't worry, Jonah's my son and heir. He won't mess up anyone's family."
Felix hung up without another word.
Time flew, and soon it was the Redstone family's celebration for Chloe.
They booked the entire third floor of the Riverfront Serenity Resort, inviting all of Dawnridge's high society.
Gianna didn't want to go, but Faith begged her for days. Annoyed, she finally agreed.
When she and Felix walked into the banquet hall, it was already buzzing with guests.
The Redstone family, busy entertaining, quickly approached them.
Kimberly and Henry, despite their age, smiled warmly at Felix.
They welcomed, "Felix, Gianna, you're here! Come, sit over here."
Kimberly was unusually enthusiastic towards Gianna, her smile genuine.
Gianna's expression was indifferent, her eyes emotionless.
As they sat, Kimberly smiled, and remarked, "Gianna, is work tiring? If it's too much, come back to the Redstone family. We can support you!"
Gianna listened but didn't take it to heart.
Gianna replied indifferently, "Not tiring. Where's Chloe? Isn't this her celebration?"
Kimberly beamed with pride, and said, "She's on the fifth floor with friends, getting ready. She'll be down soon."
Gianna nodded, not asking more.
The conversation dwindled.
Kimberly glanced at Felix, who sat coldly beside Gianna, and said, "Felix, you don't have to sit with us. There are many businessmen here who work with the Clinton Group. You might have more to discuss with them."
Felix nodded and agreed, "Alright."
He looked at Gianna, and said, "I'll be over there. Call me if you need anything."
Gianna replied, "Okay."
As Felix mingled, people flocked to him. The Clinton Group was the biggest in Dawnridge, and Felix, as its president, was always the center of attention.
Kimberly remarked, "Gianna, you once mentioned divorcing Felix. I thought you two were done, so I didn't interfere. But now that you're back together, you should finalize the remarriage soon."
Gianna frowned, and retorted, "Kimberly, that's between us. We'll decide."
Kimberly's eyes flashed with displeasure, and said, "I'm saying this for your own good. Right now, Felix likes you and listens to you, but if he falls for someone else, you might end up with nothing."
After a pause, Gianna said, "I'm not with him for what he can give me."
Kimberly stated, "Even if you're not after anything from him, think about the Redstone family. Their success boosts your influence with him."
Gianna found it amusing. When she was of no use, the Redstone family ignored her. Now that she had value, they wanted to use her for their own gain.
She looked at Kimberly and said, "Kimberly, you don't need to worry. The Redstone family's well-being has nothing to do with me. I'm not family to them, and they aren't to me. I don't need their support, nor will I seek benefits for them."
Kimberly's expression hardened, and warned, "Gianna, when you clash with Felix, you'll see how important it is to have us as your backing!"
Gianna replied indifferently, "The Redstone family has never been my backing, not before, and never will be."
Seeing Gianna's resolve, Kimberly's face turned cold, saying, "Fine, just don't regret it later."
Gianna stood up, her expression indifferent, and said, "You still have guests to entertain. I'll be leaving now."
Bella arrived late after working overtime. Kimberly, already displeased with her over the plagiarism incident, scowled as she scolded, "Your cousin's big event, and you come late. Are you doing this on purpose?"
Bella frowned while she explained, "Kimberly, work's been hectic. I came as soon as I could."
Kimberly snapped, "Fine, find a seat. Don't embarrass us further."
Bella clenched her fists, feeling the sting of Kimberly's changed attitude. She sat next to Lauren, biting her lip to suppress her anger.
Guests around her whispered.
Someone remarked, "I can't believe Bella still shows up. I'd hide at home for months."
Another chimed in, "Thick skin, that's all. She stole a design and accused others of plagiarism. This is nothing."
One added, "If I were the Redstones, I'd never let her show her face. It's too embarrassing."
The mocking voices nearly drove Bella mad. She stood up, drawing attention.
Lauren quickly grabbed her, shaking her head. If they caused a scene, the Redstone family would never forgive them.
Bella took a deep breath and said, "Mom, I'm going to the restroom."
Lauren sighed in relief and replied, "Alright, hurry back."
Kimberly regretted letting Bella attend. Everything at the main table was visible to nearby guests.
Faith raised her eyebrows, and said,"Bella's not doing well after the plagiarism incident."
Gianna's expression was indifferent as she responded, "Her situation is her own doing."
If Bella had behaved, she wouldn't be in this mess.
Faith smiled and agreed, "True."
Bella washed her face in the restroom. As she walked out, she ran into Chloe.
Chloe's lips curled into a sly smile. She hadn't forgotten how Bella used her to play a video of Gianna at a nightclub during their grandfather's birthday party.
Today was a time for revenge!