Zoeâs eyes burned with hatred, and she trembled with anger. âThe
reason why Ryan hasnât come home for such a long time is because heâs been living together with
Carrie! He even bought her a house!â
Claire felt as if she were struck by lightning-shocked and horrified!
âI hate Shannon and her daughter so much. Of course, I donât want Carrie to become my future sister-
in-law. But Ryan is obsessed with
her, like heâs under a spell! For that woman, he even lost his temper at me! And he even â¦â Zoe
intentionally paused, leaving the suspense hanging.
âHe did what?!â Claire asked anxiously.
âHe even hit me!â Zoe started crying harder, tears streaming down her
face.
âWhere did he hit you?!â Claireâs voice was tight with concern
âMy face⦠He slapped me right in front of the servants and tha
wretched woman, Carrie! My face hurts so much, Mom!â Zoe c
her face and rushed into her motherâs arms, crying uncontrollably
Claireâs heart ached. Her cherished daughter, the apple of her eye,
was in pain. Her eldest son, the one she had placed all her hopes of the obedient and filial son, had
torn his relationship apart with his
sister for the sake of that woman. What would he do next? Would he
cut ties with his biological mother as well?
âMommy! You must not let Ryan be with Carrie! If Ryan really marries that woman, our reputation will
be completely ruined! Ryan will
Chappe
become a laughingstock in the Hoffman Group!â Zoe anxiously spoke, her voice hoarse.
âWhat do you mean?â Claire looked puzzled.
âCarrie is mentally disabled! Sheâs autistic!â
Claireâs eyes darkened.
Her exceptionally outstanding son was more than worthy of marrying the Thompson familyâs heiress.
How could he marry someone with a mental disability?! She absolutely wouldnât allow it!
âMom! Even if Carrie is a part of the Salvador family, arenât you afraid
that if she marries Ryan, your future grandchildren will also be mentally disabled? Who knows if her
condition is hereditary?â Every word from Zoe struck Claire right in the heart.
âThank you for letting me know, Zoe. I know what to do now!â Claire, usually gentle and tender, showed
a trace of coldness in her eyes. Donât worry, I will protect you. I will never let my son marry such an
unworthy woman and ruin his entire life.â
Zoe nestled in her motherâs arms and revealed a sinister smile upon hearing what her mother said.
*
The days passed by. Celeste and Shannonâs birthday banquets were just around the corner.
Considering Gregoryâs situation these days, Shannon refrained from publicizing her upcoming birthday.
However, she discreetly sent invitations to the prominent figures in Savrow and subtly promoted
the event.
Although her reputation in Savrow was not as pristine as before, she remained the chairmanâs wife of
Salvador Corporation.
With such a background and status, she refused to believe that her grandeur couldnât rival that of
Celeste, a mere mistress!
On the other hand, the Thompsons made no public announcement regarding Celesteâs birthday
celebration.
Everything was being handled in secrecy. After all, socialites from
affluent families were not like celebrities in the entertainment
industry. They didnât need to flaunt their lives for attention or to gain
popularity.
On the evening before the birthday banquet, Celeste, with her eyes covered, was led into a room by
Mila, Sasha, and Bella.
âWhatâs going on? Why all this secrecy?â Celeste asked with a smile.
âThree! Two! One!â
As the countdown finished, Bella removed the blindfold from
Celesteâs eyes.
Celesteâs eyes adjusted to the lighting and suddenly widened in
astonishment.
Under the dazzling spotlight, a mannequin was dressed in a stunning
black and red evening gown. The lights made the dress shimmer. It was incredibly beautiful and
captivating.
âWow, itâs so beautifulâ¦â Celeste stood there in awe, letting out a
dreamy sigh.
âCeleste, this is a masterpiece personally designed for you. It is designed by the internationally
renowned designer, Sharon.â Mila affectionately draped her arm around Celesteâs shoulder, her eyes
fixated. âOh my goodness⦠I consider myself quite knowledgeable, but seeing the gown designed by
Sharon up close, I canât help but
almost scream! Itâs too gorgeous!â
Bellaâs alter ego, Sharon, had grown accustomed to countless praises in the fashion world. Yet, all
those compliments still could not match the joy she felt hearing these praises from her own family.
Deep within, Bella felt extremely happy and couldnât help but let out a
smirk.
âA dress by Sharon?! Oh my goodness⦠Bella, this is such a precious gift!â Celeste hastily grabbed
Bellaâs hand, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment. âBella, you must have spent a lot of money and
effort to invite her, right? You really didnât need to go through this
trouble! Itâs too much!â