Arielle then asked, “The third question is this. Do you think choosing Vinson’s future wife for him will make him happy? Do you think that’s fair to him?” The abrupt shift in conversation startled Susanne, who was left speechless. By the time Susanne could comprehend what was happening, Arielle had already strode over to the door and opened it. It was vividly clear to Susanne that the third question was meant to be a rhetorical one. Susanne stood rooted at the spot, staring after Arielle’s departing figure. Her dark gaze was clouded and unfathomable.
Wendy, who had been waiting at the door throughout the entire exchange, burst in upon seeing Arielle left. Wendy immediately bolted over to Susanne and probed inquisitively, “Ms. Stone, did she take the money?” Susanne snorted. She shook her head, then said scornfully, “No.” The money had been the least of her worries just then. Wendy then noticed the odd expression on Susanne’s face. Anxiously, she asked, “Ms. Stone, what did that woman say to you? Don’t take it to heart! If she doesn’t want to leave, I’ll chase her out of here myself.”
“There’s no need for that,” Susanne said, exhaling slowly. “I misunderstood her. Besides, she’s not interested in Vin in that way. Don’t worry.” Wendy stared at Susanne in astonishment. “What do you mean, she’s not interested? He rejected me because of her!” Wendy argued passionately. Vexed, Susanne replied shortly, “Vin has never liked girls who were too forthcoming. It’s normal for him to reject you at first. He’ll get used to you after further interaction.” She massaged her temples, then continued wearily, “It’s getting late. I’m going back to rest now.
You can stay as long as you like, but I’ll take my leave first.” Susanne made no delay in making her exit, not even turning to give Wendy a second glance. Wendy felt disturbed by the encounter. Why is she suddenly treating me so coldly? Wendy reflected. Is it because of that vixen? Wendy gnashed her teeth, determined not to allow Arielle to get the better of her. She whirled around and dashed out after Susanne.
Inside the car, Susanne remained silent for the entire journey while she looked grim. Wendy had racked her brains to think of an appropriate topic of conversation but failed miserably. At last, when they arrived back at the residence, Wendy managed feebly, “Ms. Stone, what on earth did that woman say to you? You’ve been looking disquieted since she left. Was she rude to you?” Susanne shook her head but said nothing. Wendy mistook Susanne’s silence for agreement and declared, “She’s a nobody! How dare she show you no respect?
I’ll get all of my friends in Jadeborough to teach her a lesson! That’ll make her think twice about ever being rude to you again!” “Enough!” Susanne suddenly erupted with a flash of wrath. “Don’t interfere with any of Arielle’s matters anymore. It ends here today. I don’t want to hear her name mentioned ever again!” There was a note of warning in Susanne’s outburst. Wendy gazed at Susanne wretchedly. Susanne had raised her voice on Wendy. That vixen must have said something to her! She’s bewitched Ms. Stone! Wendy thought bitterly. Wendy’s heart was full of resentment but she dared not reveal it.
She could only nod obediently, concealing the hatred she had for Arielle. However, Wendy vowed privately that she would seek Arielle out and destroy her. Arielle, in the meantime, had just returned to the Southall residence when she received a text message from Vinson. Don’t forget that you promised to come with me to the banquet tomorrow.
The reminder flashed across the screen in luminous words. Arielle suddenly recalled with a start the agreement she had made with Vinson back then. But… Arielle’s gaze shifted to the invitation beside her. It was an invitation to Yvette’s birthday party.
