Chapter 824 Alex was caught off guard and wanted to chin, but a quick glance in the rearview mirror showed his boss leaning back against the leather seat, eyes shut, pretending to nap. Clearly, this conversation was over before it even started. So, Alex clammed up and directed the driver to head to the restaurant.
Carolina had gone all out, booking a swanky private estate dining experience, where only a limited number of guests got the VIP treatment each day. Reservations were locked in for the next two years, proof of how seriously Carolina was taking this marriage and her fondness for Joy.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEveryone in their social circle knew Carolina wasn't a fan of the former Mrs. Bennett, Selena, who was never seen at public events. That was why Selena could never break into the upper crust of society's elite ladies.
In the cozy private room, Ms. Joy and Ann were all smiles, chatting away with Carolina, while Joy sat nearby, dutifully topping up their tea and listening in. Her movements were graceful and self-assured, a picture of poise- Carolina noticed it all. Raised in a distinguished family, Joy had that certain something.
Carolina couldn't help but remember Selena at family gatherings, always so timid -a clear sign of her modest background. Even after Selena tried hard to win over the Bennett family by mastering various social niceties, she never managed to impress Carolina.
Carolina simply couldn't wrap her head around why Josh was so taken with Selena. Considering herself of high standing, she didn't want someone she deemed beneath her to taint her noble lineage. At the time, even Everett wasn't impressed with Selena, so Carolina didn't feel the need to step in.
Had she known Selena would later captivate her son so completely, she might have nipped it in the bud. But, thankfully, it wasn't too late now. Everett agreeing to this dinner showed he was thinking straight. A woman like Selena might be fine for a fling, but she wasn't fit for the esteemed role of Mrs. Bennett. That spot should be for a lady of equal social standing.
Plus, with Abraham soon to take office, the union of the Ho and Jiang families promised a brighter future. Carolina was determined to show that even without a husband's love and support, she could still hold her own and live fabulously.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe mused over this and then casually asked, "Joy, where's your brother?" Joy smiled as she poured more tea, "Aunt Carolina, my brother had a last-minute meeting. He'll be here later. He said there's no way he'd miss such an important event." Carolina gently patted Joy's hand with a nod, "Your brother really must care for you to make tfor this dinner despite being so busy." Ann chimed in with a chuckle, "My son treats Joy like his own daughter, spoiling her rotten and giving her anything she wants." Joy playfully protested, "Oh, con, Mom~" Even as she said it, Joy kept an eye on Carolina's reaction, feeling a sense of triumph when she saw her nod in approval. Joy knew exactly what Carolina valued in her: a good family background and her brother Abraham, the future big shot.
Sure, there were plenty of socialites who matched the Bennett family's status, but only Joy had a brother destine for greatness. That made her irreplaceable! Selena didn't stand a chance! How could she possibly compete? No matter how smitten Everett was, was
he was still a practical guy, so... Selena was destined to lose! Just them the door to the private room
swung open, and in walked Everett, clad in a sleek black coat. Tall and handsome, his striking features and dark eyes carried an undeniable air of authority.