Chapter 1948

The room was filled with businessmen eager for a slice of Bennett’s venture, all too ready to ingratiate themselves with him.

Amid the adulation, Joann’s smile grew incessant, almost reaching euphoria.

However, the moment Bennett was summoned to speak, the illusion of respect for Joann crumbled.

Few guests appreciated a woman who climbed the social ladder through deception.

Without Bennett’s presence, she faded into the background.

Left alone, Joann found herself conversing with Lindsay, her only remaining company.

She snapped irritably, “Stella really has no sense of timing.

How can she be late on such a crucial day? Does she even care about the Lowell family anymore?”

As Joann’s frustration boiled over to the point where she stamped her feet, Lindsay found Joann’s claim to be a member of the Lowell family distasteful.

Nevertheless, she responded gently, “Perhaps something’s come up.

”

Joann huffed, “We’ll see about that.

Once she gets here, I’ll set her straight.

She needs to understand that winning over Matthew doesn’t fix everything.

”

No sooner had Joann finished her rant than Stella and Matthew made their entrance.

The Prosperity Group was central to Seamarsh’s economy, and the crowd’s attention was more on Stella and Matthew than on the newly engaged couple, Bennett and Joann.

Joann’s anger intensified when she saw Stella arriving amidst a crowd of admirers.

Clenching her teeth, she muttered, “Just look at her.

Anyone unaware of the details might mistake her for the star of this

event!”

Meanwhile, Lindsay, who was also holding back feelings of jealousy, watched as Stella and Matthew held hands tightly, managing to mask her discontent.

As Matthew entered the venue, he instantly became the center of attention, drawing everyone’s desire to converse with him.

Feeling somewhat out of place, Stella sensed that her presence might hinder the conversation.

She leaned in and whispered to Matthew, “You go ahead and mingle.

I’ll take a break.

”

Matthew gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and replied, “I’ll join you soon.

”

With a nod, Stella stepped away, her eyes catching Lindsay’s and Joann’s.

Aware of the tension since the jewelry store incident, and knowing Joann’s dislike for her, she opted not to engage.

Instead, she waited for Bennett, the true guest of honor, to show up before presenting her gift.

After shooting Stella a sharp glare, Joann turned away disdainfully.

Just then, Joann’s friends approached, bringing a smile to her face.

One of them eyed her dress, marveling.

“Your dress is stunning! Did you have it custom-made? I’ve never seen it in any store.

Who’s the designer?”

Joann, basking in the admiration, deliberately raised her voice.

“Nikolai.

You all know him, right? The dress I’m wearing isn’t something you find just anywhere.

It’s exclusive.

”

“It’s by Nikolai! That’s incredible, Joann.

I’ve tried to reach him but never could.

”

“Joann, could you introduce me to him next time? I’d love to wear something by Nikolai at least once.