N nodded. "Yeah, go ahead and speak louder if you want-draw everyone''s attention. Let''s see if Ms. Kinsey yells at me or you."


    "You!" Delia''s face turned red with anger. She knew all too well that if she ruined tonight''s banquet, Emerald would definitely not let her off easy.


    Her expression darkened as she realized that and said coldly, "Just wait for it."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    A cold glint flickered in N''s eyes while watching her leave.


    Emerald favored this daughter of hers too much. Otherwise, how could she be so foolish as to think she could threaten N''s position?


    N picked up a drink and sat down, hoping for a moment of peace. However, she had barely settled in before a man approached, striking up a conversation.


    Not in the mood for his obvious ttery, N responded coldly and quickly sent him on his way.


    As soon as one man left, another took his ce, buzzing around her like a fly.


    The relentless attention only made her more annoyed.


    It seemed that no matter where she was, people would always flock toward something they could benefit from.


    After fending off a few more unwanted advances, N decided to get up and head toward the garden.


    Meanwhile, Emerald had found Bell and immediately brought him to her study.


    Once they were seated, she took a check from her drawer and handed it to him with a smile. "This should be enough for you to open your own studio."


    Bell nced at the number on the check, then looked up and smiled. "Ms. Kinsey, you''re quite generous. This is enough to open ten studios."


    Emerald smirked. "As long as you tell me who bought that dress, the money is yours."


    one


    Bell ced the check on the desk and looked at Emerald. "I can tell you who it is but can you guarantee this. won''te back to me?" >


    Seeing the wariness in his eyes, Emerald raised an eyebrow. "Donte


    worry No


    one wilt know that I know,


    and no one will know you told me."


    Bell hesitated as if weighing his options. After a long pause, he finally looked up and said, "Alright, I''ll tell you. It was Darcy."


    Emerald''s eyes widened as she stared at him, speaking slowly. "Are you sure?"


    "Ms. Kinsey, if you don''t believe me, I can send you the contract," Bell replied.


    Emerald waved a hand dismissively. "No need: I trust you-but you''d better not be lying to me. If you are, you''ll deal with the consequences."


    Bell smiled. "Don''t worry. I wouldn''t dare lie to you."


    He picked up the check. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave."


    After Bell left, Emerald immediately instructed the butler to summon Brian.


    "Mom, did you need something?" Brian asked as he entered.


    "Find out everything you can about Darcy. He''s the one who bought the dress N


    is wearing three months ago," Emerald ordered.


    Brian''s expression changed. He spoke in a low voice. "Alright. I''ll get on it right away."


    "Good. Once you find out, don''t make a fuss. We''ll handle him slowly from here," Emerald said.


    "Understood," Brian replied.


    After he left, Emerald exited the study and returned to the living room.


    The room was still bustling with chatter andughter.


    As soon as she stepped inside, her gaze immediatelynded on Darcy Payne, who


    was deep in conversation with someone.