Chapter 271 Who Do You Think You Are To Deserve My Respect?
Josephine's shoes were picked out by Claudia, and the laces were just for show, not really useful.
So when the laces came undone, she didn't even notice.
Stuart somehow spotted it and walked over, dropping to one knee in front of Josephine, caught her by surprise.
"Don't move," Stuart said softly. "Your shoelaces are untied."
It was only then that Josephine realized. She was about to stop Stuart, but he was already tying her laces with a few swift movements.
Stuart's actions were so pronounced that everyone in the banquet hall noticed the commotion, including Shirley.
When Stuart knelt, people were shocked.
Today was Emily's engagement party; was Stuart proposing?
Josephine had always kept a low profile, so many didn't know she was Stuart's ex-wife.
Seeing Stuart kneel in front of a woman, not to propose but to tie her shoelaces, left people stunned.
"All done."
Josephine, equally surprised, never foresaw Stuart's actions.
Stuart stood up, looking down at her. "What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?"
Josephine snapped back to reality and instinctively shook her head. "Nothing, you..."
She bit her lip, feeling her earlobes heat up for some reason.
She opened her mouth again and said, "Thank you."
After saying that, she couldn't face Stuart's intense gaze and turned to leave.
Stuart followed her, asking, "Why aren't you wearing any jewelry today?"
Josephine didn't answer, instead saying, "You're much more attentive now than before."
Stuart smiled. "Not really, I just can't help but look at you."
His smile had a hint of shyness, even though he was almost thirty, he still had a bit of a boyish look.
Josephine couldn't help but turn her face away, not looking at him.
"Josephine." Stuart still followed her. "Those pieces of jewelry you gave to Grandpa, he scolded me. Those are your things, you should take them back. Also, I bought more..."
"No need," Josephine interrupted, "I don't do jewelry. Not my thing. If I ever need bling, I'll pick it up myself."
Stuart was about to speak, but Josephine pressed on, "And, Mr. Haustia, that move was a bit off. People might get the wrong idea."
"Wrong idea?" Stuart shot back. "What's there to get wrong?"
Josephine thought for a moment and said, "I have a boyfriend, and you..."
She stammered, not knowing what to say.
"And I?" Stuart understood her meaning. "I don't. Josephine, I know I made a lot of mistakes before, but I have no contact with them now. So, no one will misunderstand."
Josephine smiled. "Then, what about The Campbell family?"
"The Campbell family?" Stuart frowned. "What about them?"
Josephine asked, "You don't know?"
Stuart shook his head. "I don't know. What is it? What's going on?"
Josephine didn't want to gossip, so she just said, "Looks like someone's hunting you down over there. You better skedaddle."
She walked away after saying that, her delicate skin flashing, making Stuart's eyes hurt.
"Mr. Haustia."
Stuart turned to find Alfonso Campbell, Shirley's elder brother and the eldest child of The Campbell family.
Stuart said, "Mr. Campbell."
Stuart had minimal interaction with The Campbell family and harbored a strong dislike towards them, primarily due to William.
Alfonso spoke up, "Mr. Stuart Haustia, I tried to visit Mr. Andrew Haustia before, but I missed him. How's he doing?"
The elders of their families had some history, but since Alfonso's grandparents passed away, there hadn't been much contact.
Stuart hadn't heard anything from Andrew about Alfonso's visit.
His tone was cool. "He's doing well, thanks for asking."
Alfonso smiled. "Our families go way back, but we haven't kept in touch. We shouldn't let this friendship fade."
Stuart just stared at him.
Alfonso was the social butterfly of The Campbell family. He ran galleries and antique shops, not your typical businessman.
He saw himself as nobility, not just a merchant.
With The Campbell family's deep roots, people always flattered him.
And with their political connections in Celestia Springs, even the richest folks in Hustalia showed him respect.
It was a first for Alfonso to be ignored like this, especially after he started the conversation.
Feeling a bit awkward but remembering his elders' advice, he said, "How about we get together sometime? When are you free, Mr. Haustia?"
"I'm really busy," Stuart said, "I don't think I'll have time anytime soon."
Turning him down flat was a slap in the face to The Campbell family.
Alfonso had never been rejected like this before.
His face darkened. "Mr. Haustia is hard to pin down."
Stuart glanced at him. "Even folks from small companies know to make an appointment to see me. What, Mr. Campbell doesn't get that?"
The Campbell family prided themselves on their nobility and manners.
Now, being told off by Stuart, Alfonso felt humiliated. "I thought Mr. Haustia would give me this courtesy."
Stuart's look said it all: "Who do you think you are to deserve my respect?"
Alfonso had thought Stuart attending his relative's engagement party was a nod to The Campbell family.
But now it seemed that wasn't the case at all.
If it wasn't for The Campbell family, it had to be for the Kalmien family.
Alfonso hadn't seen Stuart kneel to tie Josephine's shoelaces.
But thinking it over, he figured Stuart was showing respect to the Kalmien family because of Josephine.
It seemed Stuart still had feelings for Josephine.
Alfonso thought for a moment and then said, "My bad for missing that. Hope you can forgive me, Mr. Haustia."
Stuart just grunted and was about to leave.
Alfonso quickly called out, "Mr. Haustia, actually, my sister Shirley saw your interview in a financial magazine and was really inspired. She wanted to meet you."
Before Stuart could respond, Alfonso continued, "Shirley is here today too."
He waved to someone nearby. "Shirley, come over."
Alfonso realized Stuart was as cold and distant as the rumors said, hard to approach.
He had thought The Campbell family's status would earn him some respect from Stuart.
But it didn't work.
So he had no choice but to call Shirley over directly.
Shirley might not have been the most stunning, but her delicate looks could bring out the protective instinct in any man.
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