Jean was in the house and oblivious to everything happening outside. The maid wanted to inform her.However, she didn't say much at the thought of being scolded each time Jean interacted with the Michaels family. Tyler disappeared after returning from Resovia. Jean didn't ask about his whereabouts. Tyler appeared at Teak Villa one week later, holding a gown. Jean's face was written with a sense of loss as she looked at the gown on the table. Tyler had never brought her anywhere public for the past three years. She didn't understand the gown in the box. Tyler sat on the sofa. He saw that her complexion had gotten better even without makeup.He said sincerely, "You've been cooped here for a while. A friend is organizing a dinner together. I want to bring you with me." Jean responded under her breath. There was a hint of hesitation on her face. "Your engagement with Ms. Page is all over the news. Aren't you afraid of getting exposed for bringing me now?" Tyler looked a
When the man who was receiving the guests saw Jean, his face was startled. His eyebrows began to furrow as his gentle gaze fell on Jean. Simone's mother came to Emmett's side immediately and said gently, "This is the young missus of the Larson family, Joyce." Emmett furrowed his eyebrows. A hint of confusion flashed across his eyes. He looked at Jean and Tyler walking toward him blankly. "Emmett, it's been a while." Emmett and Tyler have known each other since they were young. However, they were not close. Emmett was the son of the second wife of the Page family.Esme and Lilian were the daughters of the first wife of the Page family. The two families had conflicted for many years. However, their relationship relaxed ever since Stephen became ill. Emmett nodded lightly, but his gaze was fixed on Jean. "Yes, it has been a long while." Jean felt uncomfortable by Emmett's intense stare. Tyler saw Emmett's gaze on Jean. A hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes.
Jean remained unfazed and went to the sofa on the side to sit. Esme didn't get to decide whether she had the right to attend the dinner. Esme's face changed slightly when she saw how unmoving Jean was.She displeasingly said, "Tyler had already signed his divorce papers. You're still here sticking to him. Don't you find it disgusting?" Jean froze slightly. A hint of shock flashed across her eyes. She didn't know about Tyler signing the divorce papers. She thought Tyler was at a stalemate with Coleen and didn't sign the papers. Esme lips curled into a smile when she saw Jean's calm demeanor break. "You don't know about it, Ms. Michaels?" Jean really didn't know about Tyler signing the divorce papers. The smug look on Esme's face was understandable. "Although we're divorced, Tyler doesn't want to let me go. I have no choice." Esme's face darkened. She had never met such a shameless lady like "Joyce" before. She could still talk to her so steadily until now. "You'
Emmett walked over and glanced at Jean.He gazed toward Esme and said lowly, "Uncle's condition worsened. The hospital couldn't reach you and wants you to go over." Esme's face changed. She panicked. She grabbed Tyler and begged him, "Tyler, could you go with me?" Her phone was in her coat so she didn't answer the call from the hospital. Tyler furrowed her eyebrows. Jean sat in her place. She looked at them calmly and said lightly, "Go. I'm okay." Tyler furrowed his eyebrows. A hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes.He grabbed her hand and said coldly, "Come with me." Jean pursed her red lips slightly. She saw Emmett's constant gaze on her. His eyes were filled with resentment. She wasn't sure what would happen if she continued to stay. Jean decided to leave with Tyler to prevent Emmett from recognizing her. "Okay." She got up slowly and controlled her facial expression. It was as if she didn't know Emmett at all. Tyler left with Jean. The look on
Jean nodded at Simone when she saw Simone winking."Okay."She could handle a simple performance. After all, she had learned some skills while replacing Joyce in the past. The duo walked into the Page residence with the leader of the bodyguards tailing them. They walked past Emmett. Simone shot a reluctant glance at him. Emmett noticed the man beside Jean, who Tyler assigned to monitor her.Emmett watched while Jean performed. Standing beside her son, Jane saw his scorching gaze on Jean and whispered, "Emmett, what's wrong? Why do you look preoccupied?"He looked away as the light went out of his eyes."Nothing."He had thought over the different reasons Jean broke up with him, but never had he anticipated the events that unfolded after. Jane frowned when she saw Emmett fixating on Jean."Emmett, everyone knows about the relationship between Joyce and the Larsons. Rumor has it that they are divorced, but I still hope you steer clear of the Michaelses."Jane had gotten some info
Some of the guests, who were familiar with classical piano, agreed."Indeed, Ms. Michaels is quite rusty."Someone else chimed in, "That's understandable. She doesn't need a career thanks to the backing of the Larsons for three years."The seemingly harmless comments from various guests had insulted Jean deeply. When Glenn exited the restroom, he found Sydney and her group of friends hurling thinly-veiled insults at "Joyce". He intervened."Syd, stop it. You’re going to dampen the mood."Sydney's expression darkened when Glenn spoke up for "Joyce". Ever since they ran into her at the music festival, he frequently looked preoccupied. She'd be a fool not to see it for what it was—Glenn had been thinking of Joyce after all these years. "Oh, what now? Glenn Sotheby, do you think you stand a chance because Joyce's divorced?"When Sydney retorted, the other guests started murmuring."Joyce Michaels and Glenn Sotheby were the perfect pair in the world of classical piano.""That's t
Jean glared at Glenn. She wanted to leave the argument behind, but at the same time, she was acutely aware that she was representing Joyce, who had been confined to bed for three years. During that time, Jean herself never reached out to Glenn in any capacity either. Since Sydney and the other guests were turning Joyce into a topic of gossip, Jean had to respond accordingly.Sydney's expression was clouded by confusion when confronted by "Joyce", who seemed like a different person than her demure and timid self from a few years back.She snickered and retaliated unrelentingly, "Have you received a confidence boost from marrying into the Larson Family?"At that moment, Jane glided toward Sydney.With a polite smile, she whispered to the young lady, "The guests I invited today are VIPs of the Page Family. Syd, are you making a scene to humiliate me?"Despite the divorce rumors, "Joyce" remained Tyler Larson's legal spouse and attended the event in that capacity. The Pages wouldn't w
In the face of Jean's coolness and sincerity, Jane smiled and kept her doubts in check."Oh, there must have been a misunderstanding. Ms. Michaels, I hope I didn't upset you," she chirped.Jean gave her a slight nod. Jane's face was devoid of any embarrassment as she whispered, "We have a lot of guests today. If you find our hospitality lacking, please be understanding.""Mrs. Page, don't worry about it."After that, someone came to speak to Jane. She grabbed the chance to take off. Throughout the talk with Jean, she maintained a smile on her face. Even her threats didn't sound hostile. Jean finally understood that this woman was the reason Emmett's family remained influential even after the death of his dad.She gasped for breath as she felt suffocated by an invisible burden. When she cast her glance afar, she saw Emmett speaking to other guests amid the crowd. He donned a white suit that day and held a glass of red wine in his hand. He carried himself with grace and poise, just