Chapter 45

"Pick whatever you like, it's on me today."

You should know that a custom dress from Kathy is not cheap, yet she just said she would give it to me.

Seeing the look in my eyes, Kathy smiled smugly, "What? Have you fallen in love with me?"

I nodded and said, rare for me to be so cheesy, "I love you the most."

Kathy immediately showed a look of disdain, "Come on, I just gave you a dress. If I give you something else in the future, will you give me your house?"

We both laughed happily, feeling that it had been a long time since we had such a relaxed time.

I changed into the evening dress Kathy prepared for me and then grabbed a bag from her wardrobe.

Since I married Brandon, I haven't bought a bag, always thinking not to put pressure on Brandon.

But I didn't expect Brandon to vent all this pressure on other women.

I changed my clothes, grabbed the bag, and made a dazzling entrance at the charity gala.

The organizer of this gala was a wealthy young lady named Joanna Thorne, whose father worked in the government, so many people came to support the event.

Similarly, the gala was held on a grand scale, and I even saw a few celebrities making appearances.

Of course, I wasn't interested in the celebrities; the only person I was interested in at the entire gala was Elora. I wondered in what capacity she would attend.

Before everyone arrived, Kathy took me to socialize with Joanna.

She raised her glass to me, "I heard from Kathy that you were sick. No wonder I haven't seen you for a long time."

Joanna and Kathy met at her custom studio. Kathy's studio was popular among these wealthy young ladies because of its exquisite designs and uniqueness.

Over time, Kathy became friends with them.

I nodded, "I was indeed sick, but I'm much better now."

Kathy snorted, as she was the only one present who knew the truth about my illness, feeling indignant.

Joanna glanced at me and smiled, "You look fine now, not as seriously ill as the rumors said."

I neither confirmed nor denied, "It was like that before."

Kathy rolled her eyes, "You should have seen her before, pale face, hair like straw. I almost thought I wouldn't see her again."

I didn't say anything, just nodded and smiled.

"You should be quite happy at this gala. I even sent an invitation to Brandon's mother, Karen. She should be here today."

I remembered the last time I went to Karen's house, and she was yelling at Brett.

I guessed Karen and Elora would show up together today. I wanted to see how they would make their entrance, holding hands?

After the small talk, I looked towards the entrance with a sense of anticipation.

Sure enough, after a while, Karen came in arm-in-arm with Elora.

Since the Jordan family latched onto our family and crossed social classes, Karen loved attending these events. It was partly to gain knowledge and partly to curry favor with the powerful, trying to elevate the Jordan family beyond the shadow of the Sharp family.

The two of them clearly didn't see me. They walked confidently, greeting everyone.

But due to their low profile, they were snubbed everywhere and eventually walked towards us.

"Ms. Thorne, I heard you are the organizer?" Karen said with a flattering smile, "I and my..."

Before she could finish, she saw me behind Joanna, and her expression was as if she had seen a ghost.

"You... you?"

Elora, who was holding Karen's arm, quickly withdrew her hand when she saw my face, looking at me in disbelief.

I knew what they were thinking. The last time they saw me, I was so haggard. How could I suddenly look so radiant in just a few days?

Joanna looked at Elora, then at me, with a knowing expression, "Ms. Sinclair, this is my friend Caroline. I believe you know each other?"

Karen's face was awkward, to say the least. She forced a nod, "Yes, we know each other."

"She is my husband Brandon's mother, right, Mom?" I said, stepping forward and taking Karen's arm.

Karen smiled and nodded, but her expression was worse than crying.

Elora, who had been standing behind, suddenly spoke up, "Caroline, I didn't expect to see you here."

"Ms. Sinclair and I are neighbors. We came to this gala together. I thought you wouldn't come because of your health, but I didn't expect you to recover so quickly."

Elora was indeed good with words, making her statement flawless.

"It's all thanks to the makeup artist Kathy found for me. Otherwise, I would look scary without makeup."

I laughed along.

"Caroline, you had invited me to dinner before, but I was always busy. It's such a coincidence to meet you here!"

I smiled lightly. Of course, it was a coincidence. I was deliberately waiting for you.

As Elora and I engaged in our fake socializing, I overheard people nearby whispering.

"Hey, how did these two end up together? Are they relatives?"

"Why do you say that?"

"I remember Caroline married Brandon, and after she had a child, she got sick and never came out again."

"Recently, Brandon's mother, Karen, has been attending these events with Elora, saying she is her son's wife."

"But I haven't heard that Brandon has any brothers. Did you get it wrong?"

I heard their conversation clearly, but Elora and Karen didn't hear a thing.

My good hearing was thanks to Brandon and his family. If they hadn't kept me in a dark room for years, my hearing wouldn't be this sharp.

Of course, Kathy and Joanna, who were closer to those people, also heard the conversation.

Kathy was already furious, wanting to hit Elora, but Joanna held her back, telling her to calm down.

Kathy, though restrained, still glared at Elora fiercely.

Joanna watched the drama between Elora and me with great interest.

I looked at Karen, "Mom, the toy you said Brett couldn't play with last time, was it for Elora's child, Jason? What a coincidence?"

Elora and Karen exchanged a guilty look.

Karen coughed lightly, her face showing a hint of accusation, "What else? You rarely come back. Elora is my neighbor and brings Jason to keep me company. Who else would I give the toy to?"

I sneered, "Mom, you should have said so. From now on, I'll bring Brett home every day. How would I know you miss them if you don't say anything?"

As soon as I said this, both Elora and Karen's faces changed.