Liana had begged Sophia for those two invitation cards. Her resentment at having to stoop so low had now dissipated."Why didn't you tell me we were coming to an event like this? You know I don't like these things," Jasper grumbled quietly, his jaw tight."I wouldn't have been able to ask Ms. Emerson to make my wedding dress for me, given my social status. That's why I wanted you to come. She's sure to agree to my request if you ask her."Jasper's face had darkened. Liana hurriedly added, "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you beforehand.""Just tell me next time. I could have sent someone to come in my stead," Jasper sighed, though his tone had softened considerably now."I promise I will next time."Just then, a set of familiar footsteps rang out from behind them. It was a precise and confident stride. Jasper instantly recognized who it was. He turned around.Alyssa approached them. She was dressed in an azure sundress and matching coat. She stood out against the backdrop of pi
Madam?The guests were shocked to hear Rose call Alyssa that, especially Liana, whose jaw had fallen open.What was their connection? Why was Rose referring to her with such respect?Wasn't Alyssa only 24 years old? Rose was only four years older than her, and she had already been in the fashion industry for at least a decade. She'd had countless achievements, like being in the spotlight of International Fashion Week and receiving accolades.So, who was Alyssa to her then?"Who are you calling old? Have you ever seen a 24-year-old senior citizen?" Alyssa scowled, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Women never age.""That's because I respect you too much, Madam!" Rose leaned against Alyssa, her hand around her waist in an affectionate manner. "You should have told me before you came over. I haven't even cleaned up properly yet!""I didn't plan to, originally. But one of my meetings was canceled all of a sudden, so I had time to come visit.""Ah … so this was just a conven
Upon hearing that, Alyssa was baffled. She tried to give Rose a warning look, but the latter wouldn't so much as glance at her. In fact, her eyes were nearly burning a hole into Jasper's pecs.Alyssa couldn't help but inwardly cursed at the situation. "Thank you." Jasper nodded gratefully. But before he could say much else, Rose continued, "You can stay. But she leaves." She pointed at Liana.Liana was shocked. Her face was flushed. She felt thoroughly humiliated. "Why me? I'm his fiancée!" she cried.The guests flinched at the distasteful noise, finding her increasingly uncultured."Tsk tsk." Rose shook her head. "I wouldn't have been able to tell, honestly.""You—" Liana was so angry that she nearly stomped her foot.Rose took another sly look at Jasper, this time smirking. "Mr. Beckett can stay because he's an attractive man. And because he's dressed well for the occasion."She then eyed Liana's outfit. "You, on the other hand, are a mess. Your colors are a terrible intrusi
After greeting the guests, Rose brought Alyssa to her studio. The mentor and mentee were as close as sisters. They chatted and laughed merrily in private.There, Rose served Alyssa excellent tea and desserts from the top pastry chefs in the nation. Not even the guests on the first floor had the honor of tasting the delicacies."Madam, have some tea!""Oh, the valuable spring tea! It's bright green with a rich aroma and a deep flavor profile. This is good." Smiling, Alyssa savored the tea. She wrapped her slender fingers around the cup as she sipped. Her graceful demeanor denoted her excellent upbringing in a wealthy family. Her noble air was the culmination of a distinguished pedigree that could not be copied."I feel honored when you enjoy the tea." Rose grinned. She always wore a cool and chic image in public. Yet, she'd turn into a silly and good-natured young lady in front of Alyssa.Their first encounter happened six years back. Rose was talented in fashion design and bless
When Rose reemerged, Liana hurriedly tugged on Jasper's sleeve. "Jasper, let's stop her and have a chat. She will definitely agree to design my wedding dress if you talk to her because you're the president of the Beckett Group!"He frowned but was dragged along to meet with Rose."Ms. Emerson, we are here to request your help in designing my wedding dress. Jasper and I will be married next month in a grand wedding that will be streamed nationwide."Liana leaned gently on Jasper, a delighted look on her face. "Your dress on me will attract national attention! That's pretty good marketing, don't you think? "Money is not a problem as long as you agree to design the dress. Tell us anything you need, and we'll take care of it. We are serious about this.""Wow, Ms. Gardner, you do sound like a future daughter-in-law of a wealthy family." Beaming, Rose lifted a finger. "One million, and I'll consider taking the job.""What? That's too expensive!" Liana gaped at Rose."And I thought mo
Alyssa and her dance partner held hands and bowed to the audience when the dance ended. Her captivating dance elevated the cocktail party into a high-end ball.Liana was green with envy when she heard everyone praising Alice. In her teens, she was once a talented pianist who was good at singing and dancing too. For that, she had won many awards.However, after going abroad, she busied herself with dating and having fun to the point where she abandoned her practice."Jasper, wasn't Ms. White awesome? But I don't think it's appropriate for her to dance in public in that revealing dress. I would have been too ashamed to do that …"Her attempts at backstabbing Alyssa were of no use because Jasper was nowhere to be found when she turned around.…Jasper shuffled to the backstage corridor. Despite his best efforts at self-control, he could not shut down the imagery of Alice's allure in his mind. His throat was getting dry.He forced himself not to think of his behavior as falling fo
Even Jasper was surprised by his own baseless accusation. He had formed a negative preconception against her even when he lacked evidence. Somehow, he hoped that Alice had deliberately played a role in the incident because that would prove his importance to her."Jasper, you think too highly of yourself." Her heart ached as she forced a smile. "To be honest, I have never considered taking revenge against you. "I don't care if you marry Liana. I won't even bat an eye if you marry four wives like Winston Taylor of Belbanks. Spiting you is not worth it at all."Pain shot through his heart. He felt as though something had hit him hard. "Alice, you …""Rose has a waitlist until the end of next year. She is a principled woman. Even the first lady would have to join the line if she wanted Rose's service.""Rose might have wanted to spite Lia for my sake, but I am not that petty to use a friend to get back at Lia. If I wanted to spite Lia, I would have slapped her right away instead of
Liana started, "I—""You shouldn't pick a fight. Alice did not give you a hard time today, did she?" Jasper cast a wintry look at Liana's pale face. He continued, "You should put your grudges behind you since she and I are divorced. I will finalize the divorce after Grandpa's birthday. From then on, she and I will have nothing to do with each other. I hope you act sensibly. That's the only thing I ask of you."After that, he did not speak to Liana until their Maybach arrived at Seaview Manor. She endured the silent treatment from her fiancé while silently cursing out Alice."I'll go get changed upstairs." He left her with a glum look. Liana gritted her teeth, thinking that she hadn't done anything wrong. It was Alice who had robbed her of the marriage and claimed Jasper for three years. A couple of taunts were nothing. Even if she were to kill Alice, that wouldn't be enough to quell her resentment.Why would Jasper side with Alice? Why?…Half an hour later, Jasper descended