Joanns face brightened at the sight of her.
Youre late! Ive been here waiting for ages, she exclaimed, pulling Lindsay to sit next to her. Noticing Lindsays simple yellow dress, which bore no particular design, Joanns expression turned to one of mild discontent. Why would you wear something so plain on such a special day? Ill have the stylist give you a makeover Later.
Lindsay declined politely, sayign, No, thanks. Today is your engagement party. You should be the center of attention, not me.
Joann clasped Lindsays arm reassuringly. Youre my best friend. Its important that you look stunning today.
Lindsay offered a smile, choosing not to linger on the subject.
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She placed the jewelry on the table and turned the conversation back to Joanns earlier frustration. Why were you so upset with the jewelry earlier?
Joanns demeanor shifted slightly, her annoyance rekindling. Its all Stellas doing, she muttered with a scoff.
Lindsay blinked, her voice measured as she asked, What exactly did she do to you?
Joann stretched the truth when recounting to Lindsay what happened between Stella and her at the jewelry store that day.
She concealed her intentional provocation and said, I merely approached to greet her, yet her response was curt, almost hostile. Can you believe she dropped twenty million on a set of jewelry just like that? Clearly, shes spending Matthews money.
As Joann talked, her anger surged. Clenching her teeth, she continued, You shouldve seen how smug she
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looked! She definitely married Matthew for his money.
While Joann simmered with fury, Lindsay silently scoffed, amused at the prospect of her making a scene.
But on the surface, Lindsay maintained her charade of convincing Joann to calm down. Dont meddle with Stella. Matthews married, and I honestly wish them happiness. The past promise was all in jest. Dont take it too seriously.
How can I just let it go? Yes, youre kind, but she took your man. We cant just ignore that! And her smug expression is unbearable. Ill help you reclaim whats rightfully yours.
Lindsay hesitated, playing her part well. Im not sure thats wise. What if we get caught?
With a scoff, Joann reassured her, Dont worry, Ill handle it discreetly. And tonight, youll be Matthews dance partner.
As the engagement party kicked off, Joann and Bennett welcomed their guests side by side. Joanns eyes constantly darted toward the entrance, searching for Stella.
Gripping her goblet tightly, she resolved to settle scores with Stella tonight.
The onlookers observed Joann and Bennett together, offering them polite, though clearly insincere compliments.
You two are a perfect match.
I agree.
Looks like well be attending your wedding soon.
Although the comments lacked genuine warmth, they nonetheless conveyed a form of respect.
The Lowell family had seen better days, now a shadow of their former glory, but Bennett was ambitious. Having achieved notable success abroad over recent years, he returned with a significant project under his belt.