Rachel’s expression clouded slightly.


    The topic of adoption hade up before, but she had never embraced the idea, still hopeful about bearing her own child after trying various treatments.


    Jordan showed his approval with a nod and offered Rachel aforting pat on the shoulder.


    “You’re in good hands with Brady.


    He’s a good man and cares deeply for you.


    It’s heartwarming to see how much you two care for each other.


    ”


    Rachel’s face lit up with a smile.


    Jordan then added in a lower tone, “I’m nearing retirement.


    You and Brady should offer more support to Domenic.


    He’s young and has much to learn.


    ”


    It dawned on Rachel and Brady that Jordan was nning to pass the reins to Domenic.


    Rachel nced at the clock and her brow furrowed.


    “Dad, where are my brothers? They should be here by now.


    ”


    Jordan cynically remarked, “Well, they imed they were busy.


    Whatever.


    I couldn’t care less.


    ”


    Rachel nodded, her anger simmering as she harbored displeasure toward her brothers for their absence from Domenic’s engagement party, an event that Jordan had devoted considerable time to preparing.


    Amidst their conversation, Carole noticed Lindsey entering alongside Sumner.


    Lindsey adorned a stunning, backless blue dress thatplemented her figure.


    The attire showcased her beautiful back, amplifying her allure, while her high heels added a touch of elegance.


    Her makeup, harmonizing with the outfit, featured rosy cheeks and vibrant red lips, rendering her breathtakingly gorgeous.


    Unseen beneath Carole’sposed exterior, a tinge of envy arose.


    She wondered if Lindsey aimed to outshine her with such exquisite attire.


    Yet, Carole remained confident that Lindsey’s attire paled to the designer dress she adorned, a sentiment she believed Domenic would discern upon his arrival.


    Suppressing disdain, Carole excused herself to Jordan, stating she needed to greet a friend.


    Lindsey was standing alone in the hall as Sumner had excused himself to the restroom.


    The gatheringprised entirely of businessmen who were unfamiliar to Lindsey.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    While searching for Carole, she sensed a gentle tap on her shoulder.


    Turning around, she was met with Carole’s weing smile.


    “Lindsey, I’ve been anticipating your arrival for quite a while,” Carole expressed.


    Lindsey returned the smile, saying, “Apologies for my tardiness.


    I hope I haven’t missed anything important.


    ”


    “You’ve arrived precisely on time.


    The ceremony is on the verge ofmencing,” Carole responded with a mysterious expression on her face.


    Observing Carole in conversation with Lindsey, a group of intrigued socialites approached, eager to engage with Carole, the prospective spouse of the CEO of Vitality Group.


    Recognizing the potential benefits for their husbands‘panies, they sought to initiate a conversation with her.


    One of themmented, “Your dress must be quite an investment.


    Your fiancé must cherish you immensely.


    ”


    Carole gracefully smiled and responded, “He insisted on me wearing the most exquisite dress for our engagement, considering it the pinnacle moment of my Life.


    ”


    She lied.


    In reality, those words were spoken by Jordan, and he was also the one who purchased the dress.


    Domenic remained oblivious to these details.


    While Carole reveled in the ttery of the otherdies, Lindsey observed them in silence, her countenance adorned with a gracious smile.


    Abruptly, Carole turned to Lindsey and remarked, “Lindsey, your dress is also beautiful.


    It must have cost a fortune.


    Who is the designer?”


    Lindsey shared, “It’s not a designer dress.


    Just a charming dress I found on sale at the mall.


    ”