Chapter 137

Susan shook her head expressionlessly.

“That’s good then,” Monica responded, handing the pine–embroidered handkerchief to Charlie and the one with the dragon embroidery to Ben.

However, both men refrained from accepting the gifts, leaving Monica’s hand awkwardly hanging in the air.

Mr. Lynn felt a rising irritation. Although he believed that Monica was indeed causing a scene today, he couldn’t bear to see the Landor family treat his daughter, who had returned against all odds, with such disdain.

“Charlie, this embroidery wasn’t easy to create. These two pieces took Monica at least two months to finish. Please accept them, considering her efforts,” he urged, his tone becoming slightly rigid.

Monica’s face portrayed a picture of silent cries. “I disappeared for just a year. Has all the affection between our families really dissipated within that time?”

Ben narrowed his eyes and finally reached out to take the handkerchief.

But before Monica could even break into a smile, he casually handed the piece to Susan, saying, “Here, you can have this.”

“Thank you,” Susan replied, smiling sweetly.

Monica felt a surge of urgency. “I put a lot of effort into this embroidery! Perhaps, given Ms. Miller’s background, she might not fully appreciate the craftsmanship!”

Susan examined the handkerchief closely before admitting, “Indeed, I can’t quite understand it.”

A gleam of triumph flashed in Monica’s eyes, and she was about to retort when Ben, utterly nonchalant, interjected, “The embroidery hanging in our bedroom is a true masterpiece. Once you’ve seen a true masterpiece, how can you appreciate something of this playful caliber?”

Monica was speechless.

Playful caliber?

e M 4 How come she never realized that Ben had such a venomous tongue?

Monica’s lips quivered, unable to find words for a moment.

“Alright, alright,” Charlie intervened, trying to smooth things over. “Monica is still a child. I think this handkerchief is quite nice.”

Monica managed a strained smile, her facial expression growing increasingly stiff.

Seeing Monica like this, even Susan started to feel secondhand embarrassment for her.

Truth be told, Monica’s sudden return did stir a flicker of unease within Susan.

It would be impossible to say she felt absolutely no threat.

But Ben’s demeanor greatly reassured her.

Even Charlie had unhesitatingly chosen to stand by her side.

This eased the nervous knot in her stomach significantly.

Now, all she had to do was wait for Monica to acknowledge defeat and back down.

Given how clear Charlie and Ben had made their stance, even if Monica had harbored some hopes earlier, she should give them up now, right?

However, Susan severely underestimated Monica’s level of irrationality and infatuation. Even amidst the prevailing awkwardness, Monica had no intention of backing down.

She believed that the only reason Ben hadn’t changed his opinion of her was due to that embroidery piece hanging in his bedroom.

“Had he not been accustomed to masterpieces, he would have been dazzled by my dragon embroidery,” she thought.

But no matter, she had other skills to fall back on.

Ignoring the previous embarrassment as if nothing had happened, Monica stood up and took a stroll around the living room.

Noticing that the room only housed bare vases without a single fresh flower, a glint of opportunity sparked in her eyes.

“Grandpa, why are there no fresh flowers in this room?” she asked proactively. “I’ve studied flower arrangement for a long time. How about we get some flowers delivered here and I can help decorate?”

Flower arrangement?

Susan froze for a moment before hurriedly declining. “That won’t be possible.”

“Why not?” Monica asked, wearing a triumphant expression as if she had caught Susan off guard. “Ms.

Miller, it’s quite impolite for the lady of the house not to know flower arranging. If you can’t do it, why not let someone else help? What are you afraid of?”

Believing that she had finally found an opportunity to turn the tables, Monica spoke with an air of smug satisfaction.

Before Susan could respond, Mr. Lynn pulled at his daughter, wearing a speechless expression.

“Dad, why are you pulling me?” Monica asked, a bit annoyed.

Mr. Lynn explained, “Charlie is allergic to pollen. It’s not just in the Landors‘ house that flowers cannot be placed, but even when other families invite Charlie, they have to ensure there are no fresh flowers around.”

This was a well–known fact amongst the established families in Anaville.

Monica, who had once been Charlie’s granddaughter–in–law, was oblivious to this.

Even though no one had verbally reprimanded her, it felt as though she had been slapped mercilessly, numerous times.

Her face was alternating between shades of red and pale, like a dye workshop experiencing a malfunction.

“Charlie, we should take our leave for today,” said Mr. Lynn as he stood up.

“Alright,” Charlie replied with a courteous smile. “Visit us again soon.”

This time, he didn’t even extend the customary offer of asking Ben to escort them out.

Mr. Lynn, wearing a stern face, led Monica and her mother to their car without uttering a word.

Monica, still fuming, protestea. Dau, ……….

soon!”

“Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough already?” Her father shot her a stern look.

“How have I embarrassed myself?” Monica retorted defiantly. “So, I have a bad memory, so what?”

Mr. Lynn was about to continue the reprimand when Monica’s mother intervened, hugging Monica and saying, “Enough now. Our daughter just recovered from her injuries and returned home after a long time. Why are you yelling at her?”

Mr. Lynn’s face soured further as he replied, “Just keep spoiling her.”

“I will, she’s my daughter, I’ll spoil her as I wish.” Monica’s mother dismissed his concerns, but even she seemed a bit puzzled by Monica’s behavior today.

She turned to Monica and said, “Monica, I remember you weren’t at all fond of Ben. When you were married, you always had that dissatisfied expression on your face. But now, why…

“Mom!” Monica’s face turned a bright red. “Times have changed! I didn’t realize back then how handsome Ben was.”

Mr. Lynn was baffled. “Just because of that?”

“Isn’t that reason enough?” Monica argued back boldly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of infatuation.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at her naivety. “Ben hasn’t changed one bit in terms of his character and temperament. If you couldn’t stand him back then, what makes you think things will work out just because he has a handsome face now?”

“Dad, I had no interest in getting to know him better when he wasn’t this handsome. Now it’s different.

As long as he stays this attractive, I’m willing to follow his lead for the rest of my life, be it east or west,”

Monica declared, a hint of enchantment twinkling in her eyes.

Mr. Lynn was speechless.

He sighed deeply and said after a pause, “Look, no matter what you’re thinking, the fact remains that he’s already married. You need to let go of these fanciful thoughts. We’ll attend more social gatherings and find someone suitable for you.”

“But will anyone you choose be as handsome as Ben?” Monica pressed anxiously.

Her father was left somewhat speechless. “So if they’re not as handsome as Ben, your won’t marry them?”

“Of course I won’t,” Monica responded matter–of–factly. “Why should I settle for second best when there’s clearly a better option? Unless you find someone even more attractive than Ben, he’s the one I’ve set my heart on for this lifetime.”

“You…” Her father felt a twinge of pain in his chest. “Are you trying to be the death of me?”

Monica looked at him with pleading eyes, and said, “Dad! If not for that accident, I would still be Ben’s wife. Now that I’m back, why is there no place for me in the Landor family anymore? It’s not fair to me.

And consider this–I’m a divorcee now. Who from a reputable family would be willing to marry me? If I can’t remarry Ben, I’d be settling for someone far beneath us. Would you really be content with that?”

Monica’s words struck a chord.

In the depth of Mr. Lynn’s eyes, a flicker of contemplation couldn’t help but manifest.

In their circle, the trend was to have daughters marry into families of higher or equal status.

Monica and Ben’s initial union perfectly epitomized this principle, bringing numerous benefits to the Lynn family.

Now, with Monica having been presumed dead, the marriage to Ben had automatically dissolved.

Despite this, Ben had continued to take good care of the Lynn family, showcasing the merits of a prosperous match.

However, Monica now bore the stigma of a divorced woman, and if she were to remarry, it would likely be into a family less prominent than theirs.

This wouldn’t assist their family, rather, it would be a drain on their resources.

Thinking about this, Mr. Lynn suddenly realized that a remarriage indeed seemed like a brilliant idea.

“Even if the idea of remarrying is good, it doesn’t mean the others will agree,” he said, his tone becoming somewhat gentler.

“How can they not agree?” Mrs. Lynn burst out, getting increasingly anxious. “Our daughter was raised to be the perfect bride for a prominent family, surely she’s not inferior to Susan, who comes from a humble background!”

“It’s not about being inferior,” Mr. Lynn replied calmly. “It seems that this Susan is rather crafty. Both Ben and Charlie are now on her side, leaving Monica with no opportunity.”

“Dad, you have to help me find a solution,” Monica urged, clearly distressed.

Mr. Lynn narrowed his eyes in thought before saying, “Indeed, we need to strategize properly.”

If Monica herself was reluctant, he wouldn’t have insisted, but now that she was willing, he certainly didn’t want to give up on this advantageous alliance with the Landor family.

If a remarriage was possible, it would indeed be the best outcome.

“Dad, I’m relying entirely on you now,” Monica said, her face filled with hope and expectation.

Mr. Lynn nodded, his mind buzzing with plans and strategies.

From his perspective, Ben still harbored some affection for Monica.

Otherwise, why would he have clandestinely supported the Lynn family believing that Monica was dead?

There had to be lingering affection.

Ben’s ruthless demeanor today must be the result of Susan’s manipulation.

Susan seemed innocent but harbored deep and intricate schemes.

He needed to find a way to reveal her true colors to both Charlie and Ben.

Once Susan was out of the picture, it would only be natural for Monica and Ben to reunite.

But how to execute this plan?

Finding Susan’s vulnerability was the first step.

As Mr. Lynn was about to instruct someone to investigate Susan, they arrived home, where the housekeeper informed them that a Miss Smith had been waiting for a considerable amount of time.

“Miss Smith?” Mr. Lynn exclaimed, somewhat surprised. For the housekeeper to announce her with such gravity, she could not have an insignificant background.

But there wasn’t a family with the surname Smith among Anaville’s prominent families.

“Mr. Lynn, it’s Isabella Smith, from the Smith family of Riowert,” the housekeeper quickly clarified.

The Smith family from Riowert.

Mr. Lynn nodded, registering the information.

This Miss Smith, although a foreigner in their midst, had been making significant waves lately.

She had outright rented a whole floor in the most bustling area of Anaville, even paying more than 2 million dollars in rent for a year upfront.

Furthermore, she was massively investing in her company, ensuring the facilities, software, and employee benefits were all top–notch within the industry.

In just a few days, she had probably spent tens of millions.

Despite splashing out so much money, she hadn’t shown any specific moves yet.

The people of Anaville were all keen to see how she planned to play her hand.

Unexpectedly, the person who was such a hot topic took the initiative to visit them today.

Mr. Lynn squinted his eyes, inquiring, “What is she wearing today?”

The housekeeper responded, “A very formal ladies‘ business suit.”

Mr. Lynn nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I see. I’ll go change my clothes. Ask her to meet me in the study.”

The housekeeper immediately went to carry out the instructions.