Chapter 82 Let's See What Tricks She Can Pull!
"Miss Evelyn?!"
Everyone was shocked, especially Nicole, who was too stunned to keep her usual composure.
'No way! Did I hear that right?! Lily's only twenty-four, right? Betty's four years older, has been in fashion for a decade, shows at Paris Fashion Week, and has won tons of awards. How could Lily, who started as a caregiver, be Betty's master? This has to be a joke!'
"Master is fine, but why add 'old'? Have you ever seen a twenty-four-year-old old person?" Evelyn crossed her arms, snorting playfully. "A woman should always be eighteen."
"I say it out of respect because you mean a lot to me!" Betty hugged Evelyn's waist, half-complaining, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I wasn't ready at all!"
"I wasn't planning to, but a social event got canceled, so I dropped by." Evelyn said.
"Oh, so I'm just a side trip. I don't mean anything to you!"
"You dare to complain? You're bold!"
Evelyn and Betty chatted like old friends, leaving everyone else stunned.
Edward's breath hitched, his eyes swirling with emotions. He thought of the suit Evelyn had given him. 'No wonder the craftsmanship was so good, even Yohan Lewis couldn't compare. Turns out she had such a hidden talent.'
Initially, Edward just thought Lily was skillful, but now he realized he had underestimated her. 'The master of internationally renowned designer Betty—how many people in Mugden or even the whole country could claim that?'
Edward felt a bitter taste in his throat, his emotions a mix of complexity. 'She had been by my side for three years, and it was more than just hiding her talents. She was so outstanding. Why didn't she show me her true self?'
"Hello, Miss Betty. I'm Nicole, Edward's fiancée." Nicole braced herself and stepped forward, trying to shake hands with Betty.
Unexpectedly, Betty pulled Evelyn back a step, avoiding contact. "I don't remember inviting a Nicole."
"I—"
"I don't know how you got the invitation, but I didn't invite you. This is a private party, no outsiders allowed. Please leave immediately." Betty was blunt, as artists often were.
Nicole's face turned pale, and she tugged at Edward's sleeve for help.
"Ms. Anderson, we didn't know this was a private party and meant no offense. But my fiancée greatly admires your designs and has been waiting all morning to meet you in Mugden. So, I hope you can forgive us for today's incident." Edward's expression was calm and respectful.
Evelyn felt a pang in her heart, clenching her fingers. 'Edward was such a proud man, usually sought after by others. When had he ever asked for anything? Now, he was willing to speak up for Nicole, just hoping to stay?'
Evelyn barely suppressed a sneer.
'In this world, the only person who could make Edward bend was Nicole. Yet I once foolishly thought that by standing on tiptoe, I could reach him.'
Nicole clung tightly to Edward's arm, looking innocent but laughing inside.
"Mr. Wellington never attends fashion events like this. It's a different circle," Betty said, glancing at Edward with a smile. "Since you have spoken, it would be petty of me to turn you away. Mr. Wellington, please stay."
'What?!' Evelyn tried to signal Betty with her eyes, but Betty ignored her, staring at Edward instead.
"Thank you," Edward said, relieved.
Betty added, "You can stay, but Ms. Adams must leave."
'What?!' Nicole was dumbfounded and angrily asked, "Why should I leave?! I'm Edward's fiancée!"
The surrounding guests looked at her with disdain.
Betty shook her head, "If you hadn't said it, I wouldn't have been able to tell at all."
"You!" Nicole was so angry she felt dizzy.
"I'm letting Edward stay because he's handsome and well-dressed, fitting our event's style," Betty said, glancing at Nicole again. "Ms. Adams, your outfit doesn't match our taste here, so please leave."
Evelyn sighed, remembering, 'Betty is great in every way, except she loves hot guys.'
"Ms. Anderson, we may have been presumptuous, but our intentions were pure. Your words are too harsh!" Edward's voice deepened, his brows furrowing in anger.
"Really? Your fiancée insulted my teacher in front of everyone. If it weren't for the Wellington family's reputation, I would have already thrown her out," Betty said coldly, her smile disappearing.
The room fell silent, tension rising.
Evelyn looked at Betty in surprise. 'She had known about the confrontation with Nicole earlier!' A warm feeling spread through her heart.
"I..." Nicole was speechless, cold sweat on her forehead, clinging desperately to Edward.
Edward's handsome face was stiff, almost cracking.
"Betty, let it go," Evelyn said gently, not wanting to spoil the festive atmosphere. "Everyone here is a guest, let's not spoil the harmony. Ms. Adams' words didn't bother me. Besides, my background is indeed humble, and what Ms. Adams said is true. There's no need to pursue it."
Hearing this, the crowd began to speak up for her:
"Look at this lady. She really has a noble demeanor!"
"Exactly, so what if she has a humble background? Many designers from humble beginnings are famous in the design world. It's really low to bring that up!"
"Ms. Adams doesn't act like Edward's fiancée at all. More like a mistress trying to climb up."
"Edward's taste in women is questionable."
Nicole clenched her teeth, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into. She didn't want to stay here anymore, but Edward seemed determined, showing no sign of backing down.
Edward gritted his teeth, clenching his fists tightly. Even if humiliated, he would stay. He wanted to see what else Lily could do to surprise him.
