Chapter 716

"I'm sure you know there's an auction tomorrow night, and I need a gown for it. If I don't go shopping today, I won't have enough time," Eloise said, accepting the teacup from the housekeeper.

She blew on the tea and took a sip, glancing briefly at her husband.

"What thief? That's Elizabeth" He paused, realizing that mentioning her name at home would cause problems. Even though he wanted to bring Elizabeth back as soon as possible, he needed to proceed cautiously. Bringing back his son had already been a challenge; bringing Damian's mother home, too, would undoubtedly upset Eloise. The resulting scandal would damage their family and the company's reputation.

"Fine, fine. I forgot Arianna had another card." Joseph waved to Arianna and extended his hand. "Arianna, give me your card."

"Why?" Arianna asked, wide-eyed and confused.

"Since your mother froze all our cards, mine is unusable. Just give me your card. I need it urgently," he said.

Arianna stood up, her eyes gleaming. "Mother only asked the bank to freeze her sub-card. Your main card wouldn't be affected."

"Of course, it would be! Besides, I need my card for something else. Why can't you just give me your card? Are you unwilling to lend me some money, or unwilling to listen to me anymore?" Joseph's face darkened with anger. Arianna, unable to refuse his increasingly annoyed tone, reluctantly retrieved her card.

"There's a limit on my card. It's not that I don't want to give it to you, but I don't think it will be enough."

"Enough with the excuses! Don't you think I know your salary? I'm not asking for money; I'm asking to borrow your card. Why are you acting like a scrooge? I'll return your card and the money I spend when mine is working again." Joseph took the card and patted her shoulder.

Arianna was speechless. Her father's shamelessness stunned her; he'd taken her card and called her a scrooge.

"That's not what I meant. If you want to use it, go ahead. I'm just saying my card has a limit. It might not be enough," Arianna said gently.

"I don't need a lot. Your card should be sufficient." Joseph examined the card and pocketed it. He then stood up and left.

"Father, are you going somewhere?" Arianna asked.

"It's late. Aren't you having dinner? Where are you going?" Eloise asked, her hand still on her teacup.

"I'm not staying for dinner. I have something to handle. You don't need to wait for me," Joseph said without turning.

Moments later, he returned. "You don't need to attend tomorrow's auction."

"What?!" Eloise was so shocked that she accidentally tilted her teacup, spilling hot tea onto her hand. She quickly set down the cup and blew on her hand. "Didn't we agree I'd be attending? Why the sudden change? Did the auction change its timing?"

"No, just do as I say. Besides, it's not like you've never missed these events. Spend time with your girlfriends instead," Joseph said impatiently, leaving without waiting for a response.