Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

Bella nodded, her determination clear as she spoke, "I've already had someone look into who she's been in contact with before."

"It's not easy to trace," Gregory asserted confidently, continuing, "When you went to see Jane yesterday, someone with an agenda probably spotted you. They'd want to erase any trace of their past, moving faster than us in covering their tracks."

"Instead of chasing shadows, the best move is to lay low for now. Let the dust settle, and once their guard is down, we can start connecting the dots."

"But the contact I've had with my mom yesterday and today goes way beyond the normal interactions between a designer and a client."

I raised my concern, "Wouldn't it be hard to shake off their suspicion?"

This shadowy figure's tactics bore a striking resemblance to another from two years ago, both adept at staying concealed. Deeply cunning, they wouldn't easily let their guard down.

Herbert squinted thoughtfully, "Sis, how about we publicly announce Jane as your goddaughter?"

"That way, we have a legitimate reason for your recent frequent interactions with Jane, offering her protection in plain sight."

"Then, about Jane..."

Bella was eager to reveal my background tonight, but the thought of the unseen adversary remaining at large left her worried.

She looked at me, concern in her eyes, fearing I might be upset.

I offered a reassuring smile, agreeing with Gregory and Herbert's plan, "Mom, I think Gregory and Uncle Herbert are right. Compared to living a peaceful life in the future, how and when my background is revealed isn't really that important."

The adversary's reach was too far and wide.

Yet, we were still clueless about their motives.

Despite their efforts, they hadn't gained anything from their meddling, with only my background being affected.

Bella took a deep breath, "Alright, then. I'll announce you as my goddaughter tonight!"

"That'll give me plenty to boast about for a while," I joked.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Christine, saying she had arrived at the hotel.

After the call, I got up to meet her, giving Gregory an encouraging look before heading out.

Gregory, usually so relaxed, sat up straight on the couch, his demeanor unexpectedly... obedient.

Edith teased him, "Looks like he's finally met his match."

Stepping out of the lounge, I headed towards the elevator.

By now, more guests had arrived, and as I emerged from Bella's lounge in my eye-catching outfit, I definitely turned some heads.

A few young men approached, asking for my contact details, which I politely declined.

As I was about to leave the banquet hall, an uninvited guest caught my eye - Dorothy!

I was certain Ivy hadn't sent an invitation to the Myers family.

Just then, a pop idol with millions of followers came over to chat, "You look stunning, and your aura would be unique even in our entertainment industry."

"Are you the hotshot designer, Elena? You must be quite close to Ms. Taylor?"

Despite knowing his angle, I remained polite, "Thank you, yes, I am. And Ms. Taylor... we're quite close, yes..."

--Does being mother and daughter count as close?

Before I could finish, a mocking voice interjected, "Tsk, Jane Webster, trying to elevate your status much? Acting all important... just a designer, thinking you're the main course?"

Standing beside Dorothy, a lady from some wealthy family, her arm linked with Dorothy's, asked, "Dorothy, you know her?"

"Barely," Dorothy replied indifferently,

her eyes hiding jealousy as she scoffed, "Just someone without a

father's love or a mother's care, a et

nobody. Two years ago, she even tricked my grandmother into treating her like a granddaughter. And now she's aiming for Ms. Taylor? She's not in our league!"

"So manipulative?" The lady eyed me dismissively. "You think you can aim for Ms. Taylor? Even the Harvey family had to show full sincerity to get a chance to work with Ms.

Taylor, and you think you're on the same level?"