Chapter 212: Your Plan Really Had Me Mentally Drained

This bizarre incident provoked expressions of disgust and astonishment.

Isabella spoke enthusiastically, captivating everyone's attention. Roland and Clifford, however, were restless, their eyes darting toward Josiah. Hadn't Josiah mentioned borrowing money earlier? Could this be a coincidence?

Josiah felt uneasy. He didn't think Isabella was mocking him, but he doubted himself. If Isabella knew about Dakota borrowing money, despite not being close friends, then… could it be true?

Isabella mused, turning to Josiah, "I heard she landed a big client today, saving her from a difficult situation. This must be the place. Ah, did your sister-in-law specifically ask for her? Did she see my show, like my makeup, and approve of Dakota's skills? Well, I really owe her one."

Isabella wouldn't play favorites. If she exposed Josiah, she wouldn't spare Audrey.

Josiah's face flushed. Audrey had sought Dakota out, and Dakota was at the gathering. Could it all be a coincidence? He felt something was wrong.

"Yes, Audrey probably brought Dakota here to introduce her to more connections. Her boyfriend is useless, so she relies on her own efforts to earn money," someone said.

"I'll introduce myself later," Ines said enthusiastically. "I'll help the young lady and keep her busy."

Deborah agreed, planning to get acquainted with Dakota as well.

Josiah's face contorted; his fists clenched.

Roland's curiosity finally won. "Do you know her?"

Clifford found it odd. "Your expression changed dramatically. Don't tell me Dakota is your girlfriend." This silenced the table.

Everyone saw Josiah's shifting eyes, but he didn't deny it. Astonishment filled the room.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Those who had criticized Dakota looked at Isabella, unsure what to do.

Isabella covered her mouth, stifling laughter before feigning surprise. "It's you? No wonder everyone says Dakota's boyfriend is a freeloader. So it's been you all along, pretending to be poor to test her and living off her, huh?"

This was a bombshell. The friendly game felt different now; everyone favored their friends. With both sides now aware of each other, the situation had drastically changed. Everyone looked at Josiah with disapproval.

Josiah's face was ashen, but he remained silent, staring at Dakota.

The eerie atmosphere prompted Damien to change the subject. "No way, then what is Audrey doing? Does she know Dakota too?"

His attempt failed. The atmosphere grew more awkward. Ines was the only one unaware of Audrey and Josiah's past. Aiden, disregarding his friendship with Josiah, told Ines.

Ines was shocked.

"So, is Dakota really here for a recommendation?" Deborah calmly asked. Such incidents weren't uncommon in affluent families, but they never imagined their friend would have such motives. Suspicions lingered. Before anyone could react, Dakota approached.

The table watched in surprise. In the tense atmosphere, someone—unclear who—said, "Josiah, are you sure Dakota knows who you are? If you're wrong, you'll be exposed!"

Josiah had been watching Dakota, who kept her head bowed. He speculated; did she come for reconciliation?

But those words left him feeling like he'd fallen off a cliff. Fear washed over him, but Dakota lifted her head. Their eyes met.

Josiah couldn't look away, but Dakota quickly shifted her gaze. Everyone watched, a mix of tension and excitement in the air. Whispers filled the room.

"She saw you, but she didn't look surprised. She must have known beforehand." "I thought she was going to start a scene." "Were you planning on just watching?"

They whispered as Dakota reached them. Josiah glared at Dakota for avoiding his gaze. He was restless and angry. He wanted to ask about the money, and why she ignored him. Had she seen him and was ignoring him, or playing hard to get? He felt exasperated, a deep unease stirring within him.

Isabella looked at Audrey, unable to comprehend her actions. The plan was for Dakota and Josiah to meet, but Dakota's reaction suggested otherwise. Audrey then spoke.

"Isabella, good to see you. I heard Dakota worked with you, so we came to consult you."

Dakota, composing herself, greeted Isabella, "Hello, Ms. Jeannet." Unease lingered in her eyes.

Why did Audrey mention Dakota being my makeup artist? They don't believe it? Isabella smiled, "Oh, Dakota, you're here too! I was wondering why Audrey is pretending to be so nice today."

Everyone was bewildered. Even Audrey thought she misheard. The Quirks nearly choked on their drinks.

David and Selena couldn't join the spectacle, but the younger generation gathered around.

Audrey ignored Josiah's glare. "I told you, it's worth every penny." Her friends reacted differently.

Camila said, "The charges are unreasonable. Even if we're wealthy, we're not fools. Mrs. Quirk, how much does she charge you?" Dakota's expression changed.

Isabella consulted the system: Good heavens, my mind's shrunk to the size of a date. Your plan has truly left me mentally drained.

The Quirks: What? She's just asking for the price. How is it mentally draining? Even as an assistant, one can earn over ten thousand for a single episode, right?

Audrey had told Camila about Dakota's identity. Camila, infatuated with Josiah, wouldn't allow their relationship to continue. She was more aggressive than Audrey in trying to separate them. She wanted to expose Dakota publicly, playing a double game. Isabella had paid Dakota a high price (two hundred thousand) to help her, but they were using this against her. Revealing the normal price would make Dakota seem like an extortionist. This could ruin her reputation in the Hamptons and her career.

The Quirks: No wonder they kept insisting on Dakota coming down. This is a damn trap all along.

Alexander chuckled, glancing at Isabella with worry, then smiled. Don't blame me, okay? If you're planning to use me to hurt others, I'll bite back.

Alexander: My wife is so cute.

Camila impatiently wanted to resolve the issue. Dakota's complexion worsened. She was helpless; the charges were real. She didn't seek help from Josiah. He, however, noticed her trouble and believed she would seek his help. But she never looked at him.

"Oh, I remember now, it was three hundred thousand per episode," Isabella said.

Silence. Dakota looked at Isabella's knowing smile. The friends were dazed.

"Are the charges really that high?" "So, it's normal for it to be two hundred thousand here?" "Has my makeup artist been charging too little?"

The others were oblivious to the unfolding drama.