Chapter 730

"She's just a person from an ordinary family; she's never known a life of wealth. Look at what she bought with your father's credit card—a total nouveau riche. I'm not sure she'll like this necklace, but then again, she'll probably like anything I choose. She can't afford to covet my things, whether it's a necklace or a ring!"

Arianna considered this and agreed. Every piece of her mother's jewelry was exquisite. This sapphire necklace was unremarkable compared to the others.

"As for your father taking her to the auction, I… haven't really thought about it," Eloise said, tilting her head and pruning the branches with shears. She appeared unconcerned. "I simply donated something to the auction for charity. I've done a lot of charity work over the years, but I never imagined I'd be able to use it like this."

A mocking smile played on her lips. "Since she insists on going, fine. Let her go. I deliberately revealed the news about the sapphire necklace to let her know. She's also aware that other wives and celebrities were vying for it. How could a woman like her resist the chance to bask in the limelight?"

"That means the person bidding against her and driving up the price was someone you arranged?" Arianna, sharp as ever, immediately understood.

Eloise glanced back at her and smiled.

Arianna's realization dawned. "Mom, I thought your mind was in turmoil because you were overwhelmed with sadness and didn't know how to deal with that woman. I didn't expect everything to be under your control." She had initially thought her mother was aging and had given up fighting. Now, it seemed she was still quite naive. Her mother had silently set a trap from the beginning.

Not everything was part of Eloise's plan, however. For example, Joseph publicly announcing the necklace as a gift for her. Her initial plan was to intentionally inflate the necklace's price, far exceeding its value. This would cause Joseph to overspend, leading to an argument, as he didn't have many liquid assets.

The plan worked; they did argue. To Eloise's surprise, the necklace ended up back in her possession. Ultimately, her husband's company's interests were paramount. Admitting failure in their marriage would inevitably affect Tanner Corporation's stock price. This was his calculated decision, showing he didn't value that woman highly.

"Ari…" The shears stilled, her eyes fixed on the branches. "Did you fall in love with Noah?"

Arianna's hand, which was toying with the sapphire necklace, froze. She didn't answer immediately.

"I can help you with matchmaking," Eloise said, the shears snapping shut as a branch fell. She straightened up, putting down her tools. "You must seize this opportunity!"

Arianna's eyes brightened, and she quickly approached. "Mom, do you have a solution?"