Chapter 553: Chapter 553

The smug look on Ryan’s face was infuriating.

i

Justin’s eyes brewed with rage as bitterness consumed him. “So

what? It’s not strange that you’re invited to the party because of your family standing.”

“Did you get invited because of your family standing then?”

“Get to the point or get out.”

Justin, known to be level-headed, was touchy and not one to kid

around in matters related to Bella.

“Tsk. Tsk. Look at you. I was only joking.”

Ryan knew Justin was pissed that he was not on the guest list. Dropping the subject, he whipped out a crumpled invitation from his back pocket. “Here you go. Your evil stepmother had this delivered to

“Talk about a coincidence. She’s having a birthday celebration on the same day as Chairman Thompson’s wife. I guess it’s a showdown.”

“What did you say? Shannon and Celeste are having birthday celebrations on the same day?” Justin furrowed his brows in surprise.

“Mr. Salvador, if my memory serves me right, Shannon’s birthday is this Thursday and not the weekend.

lan scratched his head in confusion. “Why can’t she have the party on the date of her birthday? Why must she move her party to the

weekend? Is she really trying to one-up Celeste?”

“What’s the feud between Shannon and Celeste?” Justin picked up on

the core issue, thanks to his keen intuition..

“Uh… I’m not too sure myself, but I remember that they were signed to

the same network years ago. Celeste was a great actress and

overshined Shannon. Shannon was only good enough to play the

villain or supporting roles.”

Justin fell deep into contemplation. “Got it. Keep an eye on Shannon.

Report back to me if she starts anything.”

Meanwhile, Shannon was picking out an outfit for her birthday with Bethany in her room in Tideview Manor.

Fancy gowns were found on the portable clothes rack, sofa, and bed. Despite their hefty price tags, the clothes were piled on top of each

other like rags.

“They are tacky! Are these dresses in the limited collection this year? The designers have no talent. No one in their right mind would wear

these.”

Displeased with the dresses, Bethany dumped and stomped on them like they were trash. “Mom, you are the wife of Salvador Corporation’s chairman. You were once a famous star in entertainment. Yet, they presented you with these horrible clothes. That’s absurd.”

Shannon gulped down a mouthful of red wine as rage overtook her.

Due to Bella’s meddling, Shannon became a disgrace to higher society. Even though she was Gregory Salvador’s wife, international

luxury brands would not sponsor her jewelry or clothes anymore.

Shannon wanted to select two evening gowns for her birthday

celebration, but no designer labels would want to put their dresses on

her. Even though Shannon offered to pay for the gowns, these brands

refused to be associated with her.

“You moved your birthday party to the weekend to show Celeste,

Mom. It’s time to put her in her place. If you can’t borrow the perfect dress, the plan will backfire, and you’ll be the joke in the community.” Bethany was anxious.

“Me? A joke? Why would I be a joke?”

Shannon slammed the wine glass on the table, spilling the wine. “I’m

the lady of the house. I’m your father’s one and only wife. Who does

Celeste think she is? She couldn’t beat me then, so she sure as well

wouldn’t beat me now. Sure, she’s Wyatt Thompson’s third wife, but

that’s not even legal. She’s a mistress at best. She’s the joke.”

“You’re right, Mom!” Bethany pandered to Shannon.

“I can either go big or go home!”

Shannon got up, determination reflecting in her eyes. “Find a way to

get in touch with Sharon. Whatever it takes, I need to borrow a dress. designed by Sharon.”