Chapter 42

Angelia frowned, saying that buying jewelry would be meaningless.

“Just this one, a ring has great significance for women, I won’t buy anything else,” Angelia requested.

Sammie hesitated.

“Which socialite doesn’t have a diamond ring? If you take me out, you’ll embarrass Sammie’s family, or maybe you’re just trying to deceive me and don’t really want to take me out?” Angelia provoked.

“My mom will be angry, you know that,” Sammie replied.

“I still want to wear a diamond ring, and your mom will still see it. Do you want me to never see your mom again, or take off the diamond ring when I see her?” Angelia asked rationally.

“Then…” Sammie frowned, “Why do you have to post it on social media?”

“I want your friends to know that I have your approval and your family’s approval. Just post a photo of the diamond ring. Do you have any other ideas?” Angelia asked coldly.

“Okay, just post this one, and don’t post anymore, okay?” Angelia nodded, “But don’t delete it.”

“Okay, which one do you like?” Sammie asked.

Angelia chose a diamond ring, not caring whether she liked it or not, it was just the most expensive one at the counter. Sammie got a 50% discount.

 She put it on and placed her hand on her face. Sammie took a picture and posted it on social media, editing three words: Mrs. Johnson.

“Do you want to buy anything else?” Sammie asked.

Angelia shook her head, “I’m a little tired of shopping, I want to go back and rest.”

“Where to?” Angelia hesitated, her rented house was still a mess, “My grandmother’s place.”

“I…” Sammie was about to speak, but his phone rang, and he saw that it was Amanda Charles calling. His face changed, “It’s my mom, I have to take this call.” He walked to the exit and answered the phone.

Angelia didn’t need to follow him, she could already guess what Amanda Charles would say.Amanda Charles becomes easier to divorce the more dissatisfied she is.

Her phone rings and it’s Aimee calling.

Angelia smiles and answers.

“Where are you now?” Aimee’s tone is not good.

“Grandeur Gardens, Sammie said I could buy whatever I wanted, but I’m tired of shopping now, I’ll go back later,” Angelia calmly replied.

“If I give you one million, will you help me?” Aimee still doesn’t believe and fears it’s a trick.

“Correction, it’s two million,” Angelia firmly states.

“I don’t have that much money,” Aimee replies.

“That’s your problem,” Angelia insists, knowing that she can’t back down or people will think she’s unreliable.

Aimee gets anxious, “I’ll give you two million, will you really help me?”

“We’ll sign a contract. If I don’t help you, you can get your money back.”

“Okay. When?” Angelia sees Sammie walking over and says, “Sammie’s here. I’ll contact you later.”

Angelia hangs up and sees Sammie’s unhappy face.

“What’s wrong?” “My mom says you’re eating me alive and she’s going to freeze my credit card,” Sammie says sadly.

Angelia takes off her ring and hands it to Sammie. “You’re right. Take this ring back and make up with your mom, tell her you’re coming back.”

“Angelia, you’re so understanding. We’ll secretly buy things in the future,” Sammie says with a smile.

Angelia nods.

In fact, Amanda Charles often checks Sammie’s credit card records. Secretly buying things? Ha ha. Anyway, she doesn’t want Sammie’s things, she just wants to achieve her goal.

On the way back, she thinks about how to use Aimee to rescue Alyssa. She calls Sammie to negotiate, but Sammie hangs up, probably to appease Amanda Charles.

Angelia instinctively wipes her nose, which is hot and wet. Her fingers are bloody.I didn’t expect to have another nosebleed.

She immediately pressed the sides of her nose and stopped the bleeding after three minutes.

She went back to her grandmother’s house and slept for a while.

She didn’t know how long it had been when she heard a knock on the door.

Angelia got up and opened the door.

There was a beautiful woman standing outside.

Angelia was slightly surprised and said, “Smile?”

Viola smiled brightly and said, “You look even better without makeup than you do in front of the camera. I got your contact information and address from Sloan and came to surprise you.”

Angelia was indeed surprised.

Jerome’s aunt had come to find her.

If she hadn’t returned to her grandmother’s house, it would have been a wasted trip.

“Um, come in.” Angelia made way for her.

Viola shook her head and looked at her watch. “I didn’t tell Guy that I was coming to North Carolina. I wanted to surprise you, but I found out he went to another country.”

Angelia smiled and said, “Just call me if you want to find me in the future.”

Viola invited her to go out with her friends that night.

Angelia was even more confused.

She wasn’t familiar with Jerome’s aunt, they had only briefly met through video chat and hadn’t even spoken much.

She was already surprised that she came to see her.

Taking her to meet her friends…

Viola smiled, “Yes, Jerome likes you very much, and I like you too. I want you to meet my friends.”

“Um…” Angelia nodded.

She couldn’t refuse now that it had been said like this.

“But, is it still possible to go now?”

“Yes, we’re meeting them for dinner at 7, but it might be inconvenient to come back late at night. Prepare some clothes to change into, and you can sleep with me tonight.” Viola warmly invited her.

“Okay.” Angelia went back, lit three incense sticks for Abigail and Diana, bowed three times, packed a set of clothes into her bag, and left.

Viola opened the back door and said, “Get in the car.”Angelia went up and saw that Sloan was driving.

Sloan smiled politely but also awkwardly at her.

Angelia smiled back and sat next to Viola.

“Do you know why Jerome went abroad? He rarely acts impulsively and without a plan,” Viola asked.

Angelia knew roughly why, but since Jerome didn’t tell Viola, there must be a reason he didn’t want to share.

She shook her head.

“When that kid comes back, I have to give him a good scolding. He surprised me by making me run here for nothing,” Viola said.

Angelia didn’t know what to say, so she just listened patiently.

Viola looked at Angelia, took her hand, and asked kindly, “Do you know Jerome’s hobbies?”

Angelia thought for a moment.

Jerome spent most of his time working and was good at many things, such as playing the piano, sports, martial arts, and jewelry.

As for what he was interested in, she hadn’t noticed.

“Could it be work?” Angelia guessed.

“You’re right. He spends 90% of his time working, 1% eating, 5% sleeping, 4% on other things. Being his girlfriend must be tough,” Viola apologized.

Angelia felt embarrassed.

Although she had some ambiguous feelings with Jerome, they were not officially dating, and she was not divorced yet.

“I’m not his girlfriend,” Angelia explained.

“Haha,” Viola laughed, covering her mouth.

“You’re doing the right thing.”

“Huh?” Angelia didn’t understand the meaning of her words.

“I really like you. Your appearance, figure, and calm personality are what I like. I hope you and Jerome can be together for a long time, but men are fickle, and Jerome is no exception. However, he has a weak point in his personality. That is his strong desire for conquest.””Is Jerome a brave warrior?” Sloan interjected.

“Don’t talk,” Viola hit Sloan’s shoulder.

She continued to say to Angelia, “Let me tell you, Jerome learned Taekwondo when he was young, and he wanted to defeat all the legendary fighters. After he had beaten them all, he lost interest in practicing Taekwondo. If you want Jerome to always like you, never let him conquer you.”

Angelia lowered her eyes.

She did not agree with this view.

If love is based on conquest rather than appreciation, it can never last.

Perhaps relying on youth and beauty can keep people around, but what about when they get older?

Besides, anything beautiful can become monotonous when seen for too long.

People can also experience aesthetic fatigue.

“I and him are not what you imagine,” Angelia said with a smile.

Viola tilted her head and looked at Angelia, “Don’t you like him?”

“I am a married woman,” Angelia said.

She wanted to start a real relationship with Jerome, but she had to wait until after her divorce. This was her moral bottom line.

“Oh… maybe I was thinking too much. After all, I saw you together last time,” Viola’s fingers pointed at each other, with a somewhat ambiguous expression.

“At that time, we were working together,” Angelia explained.

“Well, what’s fun in Detroit?” Viola asked.

Angelia hadn’t spoken yet, and Sloan volunteered, “There’s a lot of fun things in Detroit. I’ll take you around tomorrow.”

“Who wants you to take me out to play? Angelia, are you free tomorrow?” Viola invited.

“Um…” Angelia paused.

She wanted to negotiate with Sammie tomorrow to rescue Alyssa as soon as possible.

“I have something to take care of,” Angelia politely declined.

“Okay.” Viola was a little disappointed, closed her eyes, and murmured, “Flying is too tiring. I’ll take a nap first. You guys can call me when you arrive at the hotel.””I know, I won’t throw you out,” Sloan joked.

Viola lifted her foot and kicked Sloan’s chair. “If you dare throw me out, Jerome will come back and kill you.”

“Yes, yes, Your Majesty,” Sloan said, glancing at Angelia.

An hour and a half later, Sloan stopped in front of the Detroit Grand Hotel and opened the car door for Viola. “Your Majesty, we have arrived. Please dismount from your ride.”

Viola stretched lazily, twisted her neck, and got out of the car. “Your ride is really uncomfortable.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll get a Rolls-Royce next time,” Sloan agreed with Viola.

Angelia got out of the car by herself and exchanged glances with Sloan.

Sloan smiled awkwardly and said, “Room 308.”

Angelia followed them to Room 308. Except for Adela, she didn’t know anyone else.

Adela saw Viola and came over enthusiastically, hugging Viola’s arm and smiling. “It’s great to see you in North Carolina. I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to see you again in this lifetime.”

“How could that be? When I get to France, I’ll visit your shop often,” Viola said softly.

“Viola, you’re so beautiful. It’s been a long time,” Waldo said from the main seat.

“Don’t call me that. The beautiful one is sitting next to you. Be careful, or she’ll pull your ear when you get back,” Viola joked, glancing at the people at the table. “Angelia, you sit for a while. I’m going to wash my hands.”

“There’s a restroom in the room,” the person sitting in the main seat said.

Viola entered the restroom, closed the door, and sent a message. “Where are the people you were supposed to bring?”

“Waldo is here. I didn’t call her because it would be awkward for them to meet in this situation,” Terence Jackson said.

Viola was angry, took a deep breath, and sent a message. “I arranged this meeting. How could I not know Waldo was here? I have my own purpose. Will you help me or not?”

“Are you trying to make them divorce?” Terence Jackson asked, puzzled.”They each play their own game, meet in the same place, not just once or twice, they won’t divorce, just do as I say,” Viola spoke in a commanding tone.

“Got it, I’ll message her to come over now.”

“It’s necessary that she comes over, otherwise this plan of mine won’t have any meaning. As for the reason, I’ll tell you when we meet alone next time. That’s it,” Viola put down her phone, washed her hands, came out from inside, sat down with a smile, and glanced at Terence Jackson.

Terence Jackson nodded.

Viola smiled, raised her glass as a gesture, and took a sip.

A beautiful woman drinking catches people’s attention.

Waldo swallowed his saliva and asked, “Viola, how long are you planning to stay in the country this time?”

“Not sure, maybe just a week and then I’ll go back. Anyway, you have a project in France, so we can meet there,” Viola said softly.

“My girlfriend wants to develop in France, so I’ll trouble you to take care of her then,” Waldo looked at the young girl sitting next to him with a hint of flirtation.

“No problem,” Viola readily agreed.

“What project is Jerome busy with recently? Can you reveal it? His vision is good, and every project he invests in can earn a lot. We can also make some money by following him,” the man sitting next to Waldo asked.

“It seems to be in the gaming industry,” Viola looked at Sloan and introduced, “He is Jerome’s partner in the North Carolina region, responsible for Jerome’s projects in North Carolina. If you want to know more, you can leave your contact information with Sloan privately and keep in touch. I am in charge of finance in the company and don’t really understand specific investment projects.”

“Those who understand finance are not necessarily powerful, but those who understand the finance of the Taylor family are powerful. The Taylor family has so many projects, investments, and companies overseas that ordinary people can’t keep up with,” Waldo complimented.”

Where you said it was so exaggerated, I have over a hundred financial and cashier staff below me to help me handle it, so it’s actually quite easy for me here,” Viola said modestly.

Waldo’s gaze fell on Angelia’s face, his eyes flashing with admiration. “You haven’t introduced the beautiful woman you brought with you yet?”

“Put away your curiosity, she’s mine, no one can touch her attention, and she can’t drink tonight because she’s sleeping with me,” Viola said domineeringly.

“If you say that, a bunch of handsome guys will be heartbroken,” Waldo joked.

“You say that, a bunch of women will be heartbroken,” Viola laughed.

Adela looked at Viola and then at Angelia, feeling unhappy.

She didn’t expect Angelia to win Viola’s favor. She deliberately said, “I haven’t met Angelia’s husband yet. When can we all get together?”

Angelia understood the purpose of Adela’s words and replied, “When there’s a chance.”

“Does your child look more like you or your husband?” Adela asked again.

“Like me,” Angelia said candidly.

“Angelia must be very beautiful,” Viola said gently. “I want to meet this little one someday.”

“Okay.”

Adela’s face became even worse, and she wanted to say something more.

“Miss Shen, I respect you. I hope to get a discount when I come to buy jewelry from you,” Sloan raised his glass and said.

Adela’s face improved slightly and she smiled, “Of course.”

During the dinner, they chatted about everything from north to south, focusing mainly on investments, markets, and romance.

She couldn’t get a word in, so she just sat quietly.

Viola was very talkative and knowledgeable, mature with a woman’s charm, and intelligent with a woman’s wisdom. With every gesture, she was a top-notch high emotional intelligence socialite.

A few words made everyone feel comfortable.After half an hour, a middle-aged woman dressed in luxury knocked on the door and walked in with a smile. She saw Waldo sitting at the head of the table and, although smiling, her face looked a bit strange. “I’m sorry for being late,” she said.

Angelia clearly felt that after the woman arrived, the atmosphere became strangely quiet, and many people’s faces changed. “Waiter, please add a chair and place it where the hostess sits,” Viola said with a smile.

In North Carolina, the custom for banquets is that the host sits facing the door, and the hostess sits facing the host, which is also the position facing the door. The new woman’s seat was placed next to Viola’s.

“Mrs. Lancaster, it’s late, so you have to be fined for a drink,” Mr. Carter said. Mrs. Lancaster smiled and looked at Waldo, glancing at the woman next to him, and said, “Waldo, someone is pouring wine for your wife, so I’ll take it for her.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Waldo picked up the wine glass, looked at Mr. Carter, and said, “I’ll take my sister-in-law’s wine. I apologize to everyone for this mistake. It’s my fault that my wife is late, and I should listen to her. I’ll drink this glass first as a toast.”

Angelia frowned slightly and lowered her head. She had seen many wealthy people and wealthy men bringing mistresses to stay at Marriott International, but she had never seen a wife and mistress meet so calmly and lightly.

“Sister, I’ll drink to you,” the beauty next to Waldo said to Mrs. Lancaster.

Mrs. Lancaster smiled slightly, picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and didn’t want to talk to the girl anymore. Instead, she said to Terence Jackson next to her, “I think you should punish yourself with three cups. As for why, you know it in your heart.””Okay, okay, whatever you say.” Terence Jackson said, lifting his glass without any care. After three drinks, he asked, “Do I need to drink more? If I do, I won’t be able to handle it tonight.”

Mrs. Lancaster chuckled and rolled her eyes at him, letting him off the hook and not targeting him anymore.

The group continued to chat and laugh happily over dinner, and by the time they finished, it was already past ten o’clock.

Viola had a bit too much to drink and was walking unsteadily.

Angelia supported Viola and Viola smiled, “Angelia, you’re so kind. We live… live upstairs, it’s very convenient.”

“Smile, let me take you back to your room,” Sloan said worriedly.

“No, I have Angelia. I’m going to sleep in tomorrow. Call me after ten,” Viola gestured with a cross.

“Okay,” Sloan agreed, looking at Angelia. “Thank you.”

Angelia smiled and nodded.

The two of them got into the elevator.

Viola leaned against the elevator and took a deep breath, looking at Angelia with her eyes. “Mrs. Lancaster is Waldo’s wife, and Terence Jackson is Waldo’s wife’s lover. Waldo knows all about it.”