Chapter 99

As we were chatting, a few more people walked into the room. I recognized them right away.

Leading the group was Isadora, arm-in-arm with a man, leaning on him with a sweet smile on her face.

Noticing my curiosity, Kathy explained, "That's Isadora's husband, Marshall Banks."

I glanced at Marshall. He had a straight-laced look, with sharp, well-defined features. He seemed like the kind of guy who always followed the rules.

Kathy continued, "Marshall works at the police department. I hear he's pretty high up."

I was surprised and remembered the favor Isadora had asked Simon. "Then why didn't she ask Marshall to look into Celestia's case?"

"Because of the conflict of interest rule. Marshall can't investigate Celestia's case. Others have tried but haven't gotten anywhere, so she had to ask Simon."

I nodded, getting the picture now.

Isadora noticed me and pulled Marshall over.

"Ms. Sharp, Ms. Patel, this is my husband, Marshall. Marshall, these are my friends."

Isadora smiled warmly as she introduced us, a stark contrast to how she looked in the hospital room that day.

I felt a pang of sympathy. If Isadora hadn't gone through all this, they would have been such a happy family. But now, they were stuck in this mess.

Maybe it was his professional habit, but Marshall scanned Kathy and me before extending his hand and saying in a deep voice, "Hi, I'm Marshall."

Kathy and I shook his hand.

Kathy smiled and said, "Mr. Banks, you're really lucky to have married someone like Isadora."

At this, a barely noticeable smile appeared on Marshall's usually stern face, and he put his arm around Isadora.

He didn't say anything, but his body language spoke volumes. Isadora smiled shyly.

It was clear they were very much in love. After all, you can't fake body language.

Just then, a few more people approached, holding glasses of wine, wanting to drink with me.

Isadora's face turned cold when she saw one of them. She grabbed Marshall's arm.

Marshall gently patted her hand without saying a word.

Sensing something was off, I looked at the newcomers. The woman leading the group had a seductive figure and a frivolous expression.

Though it's not good to judge by appearances, I couldn't help but feel she wasn't a decent person.

Sure enough, Kathy whispered to me, "That's Alfonso's alleged mistress, Aurelia Kingsley."

She continued in a low voice, "They've been spotted vacationing abroad multiple times, but Alfonso has never admitted it."

"Publicly, Aurelia is the owner of several bars. But for her to be at tonight's event, it's hard to believe Alfonso didn't arrange it."

I turned my gaze to Aurelia. She raised her glass to toast me. "Ms. Sharp."

"I've heard about your early years. You really found yourself a good husband."

Her contradictory words made me want to laugh. On one hand, she praised my husband, and on the other, she admired my past. If she really knew me, she wouldn't say such things.

Thinking she was being flattering, Aurelia continued, "Your husband founded this company, which has now expanded overseas. He's the pride of our city."

"You're really fortunate."

I let out a cold laugh and looked at Aurelia. "You probably don't know that I founded this company, do you?"

Aurelia was stunned, looking at me in disbelief.

I shook my head and waved dismissively. "It's okay. Maybe your understanding is limited. You think only a man could achieve this."

Kathy stifled a laugh and asked, "Ms. Kingsley, did you also rely on a man to open your bars?"

Aurelia didn't respond, her face turning a bit sour.

She gritted her teeth and said, "You two are really funny. But if it weren't for Mr. Jordan, this company wouldn't be what it is today, right?"

At that moment, Joanna walked over and said, "Let me tell you the truth. If it weren't for Caroline's involvement, I wouldn't have given this project to Brandon."

I looked at Joanna, pleasantly surprised. "Why are you here so early? With your status, you should be the last to arrive!"

Joanna smiled lightly, putting her arm around my shoulder, her gaze drifting over Aurelia.

"I came early to see if anyone dared to offend you."

Aurelia's face stiffened at Joanna's words. Seeing Joanna's arm around me, her expression turned even more unpleasant. "Ms. Thorne, hello."

She extended her hand to Joanna, who merely glanced at it before turning back to talk to me, completely ignoring her.

Aurelia's hand hung in the air for a moment before she awkwardly lowered it. "Well, Ms. Thorne, I'll leave you to your conversation."

Kathy rolled her eyes. "Who cares where you go? No one here does."

Isadora glared at the departing Aurelia. I noticed they hadn't exchanged a single word. It seemed Aurelia knew she had ruined Celestia's marriage and wisely kept her mouth shut.

"Shameless," Isadora muttered. "I'll expose your affair with Alfonso sooner or later."

I patted her shoulder. "Take your time. People like her will get what's coming to them."

Isadora nodded in agreement. "My husband's colleague just arrived. I'll go greet him and come back to you later."

As Joanna joined us, Brandon eagerly approached, trying to cozy up to her. "Ms. Thorne, welcome to our celebration. Your presence truly honors us."

Joanna waved him off impatiently. "No need for formalities. I'm here for Caroline. We're good friends now."

Brandon's smile froze, then he nodded and turned to me. "Honey, make sure to take good care of Ms. Thorne."

At that moment, Earl's assistant, Francis, hurried over to Brandon and whispered something in his ear.

Brandon's expression changed, then his smile grew wider. "Great, great, add a few more seats."

He turned to us. "Sorry, an important city official just arrived. I need to go greet them."

Brandon quickly headed to the entrance. Whoever it was must be significant for him to react this way. I looked over curiously.

But there were too many people at the door, and I couldn't see anything, so I gave up.