Mia nced over at Nikki, wondering how she’d realized that Shelly was wearing a fake. She had the


    real one with her, but no one had the chance to sneak a nce at it. How could she possibly tell its


    authenticity?


    In the next instant, Shelly replied confidently, “I did wear a knockoff before, but I bought everything I’m


    wearing now at the private fashion show yesterday. You’re not even eligible to receive an invitation, so


    stop yapping.”


    Another socialite chimed in, “Shelly, did you really buy all the haute couture from yesterday’s show?


    You didn’t even save a piece for us!”


    “Oh, Mrs. Mayweather! It’s all thanks to Monalize’s tinum membership card that I got to select the


    pieces in advance. She bought them for me too!”


    Shelly’s tone wasced with triumph as she shot a proud look at Nikki. “You get it now, don’t you?”


    Nikki fell silent immediately.


    Mia heaved a sigh of relief. Shelly probably wore a lot of knockoffs back then because she couldn’t


    afford the genuine pieces. Realizing that Shelly hadn’t found out about the highly identical dress she


    had reced for her, she was


    relieved.


    alize, let’s go over there and have something delicious. I heard the chef is from a famous five–star


    Micilin restaurant. Not everyone gets to


    taste his food.”


    Mia smiled and left the garden with Shelly. They both headed toward the dining area on thewn


    nearby.


    Nikki stomped her feet in frustration. “Mom, who is that woman? What if she’s really Mia Bowen?”


    “She’s definitely not. She’s just a fake.”


    Still, Amelia felt quite uncertain. However, Timothy did remain single for four years after his divorce and


    steered clear of other women.


    Just then, Luna fell behind deliberately and approached them. “Don’t fret, Ms. Chapman. I heard that


    Ms. Monalize is a divorcee with a sick daughter. She’s iparable to you.”


    Nikki became wary. “What are you implying? Are you trying to curry favor


    with me?”


    “You’ve misunderstood, Ms. Chapman. I’m nothingpared to your status, so I can’t pose any threat


    to you. It’s just that Ms. Monalize is known for her hostility. She definitely wouldn’t amodate my


    child and me. But Ms. Chapman, you’re so kind and generous. I know you won’t let us end up on the


    streets.”


    Amelia’s smile widened. “Thanks for the insight, Ms. Maynard. Rest


    assured. Nikki isn’t petty, so it won’t be a problem for us to take your child under our wing.”


    Luna’s status wasn’t respectable, after all. The inheritance would never fall in Asher’s favor, so Amelia


    figured it was enough to just spare them some


    money to scrape by.


    o


    A cold glint flickered in her eyes when Luna saw Amelia’s and Nikki’s


    expressions. Her expression remained a perfect mask of feebleness to let the Chapmans‘ guards


    down.


    Nikki and Amelia promptly returned to the dining area, where most of the guests were gathered.


    Mia selected appetizers, desserts, and main courses. She intended to taste the food. She’d arrange for


    them to be reced should they turn out bad.


    “This dessert is too sweet to my liking. Do they have such an overwhelming sweet tooth in Nord City?”


    Lillian Mayweather set her te down after a


    bite. She didn’t seem to like it.


    Mia chanced a nce at her and gave the same dessert Lillian tried a bite. It..


    was indeed too sweet.


    She’d been observing the socialites‘ feedback on the food, making mental notes as she went along. If


    she won over their ptes, Aide Castle would soon rise to fame in Bern City. Her business would be


    thriving by then.


    Luna suddenly said, “Ms. Monalize, you took a lot of food. Can you finish all of them?”


    Her words drew everyone’s attention.


    Mia did have a couple of small tes in front of her, which appeared abundant despite the modest


    portions of food on each te.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.