When Dorian returned to the first floor, he huddled around Tyler and wouldn't budge no matter how Joyce tried to woo him. Secretly, she wanted to give the boy a good smacking, but she needed to put on a kind and motherly image in front of Tyler.After dinner, Joyce had to take a work call. Still, she hung around a bit because Tyler didn't show signs of leaving anytime soon. She took a seat beside Tyler.Dorian noted that and remarked, "If you're busy, you can leave. I won't ask you to stay."Whenever Tyler was not around, Joyce couldn't be bothered to chat with Dorian. She'd stay longer at Oakside Villa only if Tyler was around.Embarrassed by Dorian's remark, she chuckled."I don't have anything important. I'll spend some time with you."Dorian shot her a quiet look but said nothing. Joyce's eyes never left Tyler after she took her seat."Tyler, I received a call from the Hewetts. They invited me to Sheldon's engagement ceremony tomorrow. Are you going?"The Hewetts had want
It was the day of Sheldon Hewett's engagement ceremony. When Jean and Simone arrived at the Hewett Estate in Southlake City, the place was swarmed with guests. Simone whispered to Jean when she saw the crowd, "Well, thankfully the Hewett Estate is big enough to accommodate these people. I think half of the entertainment industry showed up."The friends walked into the Hewett Estate hall with smiles. Jean's attendance attracted eyeballs, and everyone stared at her with great interest. As Simone was a childhood friend of Sheldon's, she was acquainted with Sheldon's fiancee, Andi Rasmussen. Andi immediately approached the two ladies to welcome them."Why are you only here now? I've been searching for you!"Simone took Andi's hand and beamed."I landed in the country this morning! I needed time to doll up for the occasion. Jean hasn't been back for some time, so I had her wait for me."Their conversation was interrupted by a graceful piano melody.Jean was surprised by the famili
Jean stood frozen but collected herself quickly. With a calm smile, she looked away and expertly hid her uneasiness. In contrast, Simone's heart almost stopped when she spotted Tyler."Why is he here?"It was an unexpected situation because they initially thought that the Hewetts and the Larsons were not in the same social circle. Simone shot nervous glances at a relaxed Jean. Jean held a glass of juice in her hand while explaining, "The two families were from Henkel and active in the same guild, after all. They might not have crossed paths in the past, but they might work together in the future."Simone was secretly relieved when she saw that Jean remained cool in Tyler's presence. She was about to say something when she noticed Tyler approaching them, causing her heart to race. She whispered urgently, "He's coming!"Jean tightened her hold on the glass as a frown appeared on her face. She could not ignore his imposing presence anymore.Taking a deep breath, she had her emoti
Joyce took a deep breath to control her temper as she tried to overlook the jarring smile on Jean's lips. At that moment, Simone spotted a certain female celebrity and shot Jean a look. Jean did not miss the entrance of Cassie Wunder, and she went up to the celebrity without so much as paying Tyler any attention. He did not even get to speak to her.Joyce noticed that Tyler was still staring at Jean.She gritted her teeth and growled lowly, "Tyler, do not forget the promise between us."Tyler's expression hardened, and he fired back, "I don't need your reminder."His sudden change in attitude pissed her off.She clenched her fists and whispered, "Just worried that it might slip your mind."He shrugged her off and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her with an awkward expression.An acquaintance came over and joked, "Ms. Michaels, I never knew you had a twin. Did Mr. Larson mistake her for you? Is she the older or younger twin?" She looked rather displeased but fought to co
Once Tyler was seated, Raymond excused himself with a smile."Mr. Larson, I have to go now."Tyler gave him a light nod."Of course, Sir Raymond."Raymond took leave to make the other arrangements. Despite his wish to forge connections with the Larsons, it wouldn't be wise to ignore his other allies at his son's engagement ceremony.Jean was seated to Tyler's left and had a grim look on her face. Simone, who sat on the other side of Jean, almost screamed for help.She cautiously glanced at Jean but was relieved to find her friend watching the ceremony with calmness."Why the sudden decision to start a career in Henkel?" Tyler questioned.When Jean didn't answer, he directed his gaze at her, as though he was patiently waiting for a reply.Joyce was disturbed by the fact that Tyler had initiated a conversation with Jean.She held his hand and quickly explained, "Well, Henkel is her hometown after all. She can't live abroad forever. It's great that she's decided to grow her care
After the engagement ceremony, Jean and Simone took their seats at a table according to Andi and Sheldon's arrangement.The guests at the table were common friends of Simone and Andi, who also met Jean countless times in Renovia. They started throwing jokes around as they were comfortable in each other's presence."Ms. Michaels, back to build your career in your home country finally, I see?""It's true! She'll only listen to Tristan. When are you going to announce your marriage, lovebirds? We're ready for it."Tristan Norris, who was right beside Jean, smiled when he heard his friends making fun of them.He whispered to Jean, "Have you nailed the actress?" He knew that Jean had a preferred candidate in her mind before her trip to Henkel and the fact that Jean had traveled back home just for the casting issue.She replied to his concerned question, "Yes."The pair was immune to the jokes about the nature of their relationship. In the past few years, Jean started getting involve
Jean, who had intended to sit down, straightened her back upon hearing Alison's voice. With a polite smile, she spoke softly, "It's been quite a while since we last met. It's been nearly nine years since we left school."Alison was the same as before, exuding an air of grace and tranquility.After her engagement to Emmett, the media consistently portrayed them as a match made in heaven. Almost everyone who knew them was anticipating their wedding.Jean’s composed demeanor brought a sense of relief to Alison. But she was still hesitant to allow excessive interaction between Jean and Emmett.Holding onto Emmett's arm, she smiled at Jean and said, "Dinner will be served shortly. We'll head back to our seats first. We can chat later."Without responding, Jean just watched them leave with a faint gaze before going back to her seat. Observing the composed expression on Jean’s face, Tristan’s eyes flashed with confusion. He spoke in a low voice, "Jean, were you familiar with Emmett a
As Jean spoke, she adjusted her skirt slightly. It created a distinct contrast between her beaming smile and Joyce's shocked expression.Joyce had never imagined that one day, Jean would exude such poised and unhurried demeanor.In her memory, Jean was just a naïve woman from the countryside. She was someone who could never blend into this social circle."Jean ..." She opened her mouth, wanting to say something. But Jean placed a slender finger on her red lips, signaling for silence.Joyce looked at her with a puzzled expression. The next moment, she heard Jean whisper softly."Tyler is here. I'm sure you don't want him to know those things from five years ago, do you?"Hearing this, Joyce promptly shut her mouth with a defeated look.Seeing her quiet down, Jean's lips curved into a smile. "If you don't want him to find out, then don't bother me. Got it?"Joyce was taken aback. Before she could react, Jean had already calmly walked past her.She made her way out of the restroom,