Chapter 813

Eloise emerged from the kitchen, saying, "Stop talking business and come eat dinner."

Joseph, tired and hungry after a hectic day, rose and sat at the dining table. As his wife sat beside him, however, Elizabeth's words lingered in his mind.

He ate quietly. After a while, Arianna joined them, having washed her hands, and the three ate in silence. It had been a long time since they'd shared such a peaceful moment.

Although unspoken, Elizabeth's words bothered Joseph, and he couldn't help glancing at Eloise repeatedly. Eloise noticed. However, since her husband remained silent, she feigned ignorance.

When the others were halfway through their meal, Eloise, a light eater, prepared to leave. Joseph impulsively stopped her.

"Eloise."

"Yes?"

Eloise gracefully finished her bisque and set down her spoon.

"I'm full."

"Don't go yet. I have something to ask you. You saw it in the news—Naomi Schiffer…"

He paused. "The model and perfume brand ambassador who's recently had a dispute with our company."

"Yes?" Eloise nodded.

"What about her?"

"I'm wondering if you've heard of her or know her personally. You were in that circle long before this."

He asked carefully, gauging her response. Eloise met his gaze steadily.

"No, I don't know her."

"You honestly don't? She became a model very young. You hadn't left that circle yet. Are you sure you've never met her?" He pressed.

The time frames overlapped, suggesting a possible meeting, but nothing confirmed it.

Arianna lifted her head. "Dad, you're not thinking of asking Mom to persuade Naomi, are you?"

"Don't be silly," Joseph replied. "Mom left that circle years ago. Even if she hadn't, you know how the entertainment world works. Naomi is a famous model. Do you think she'd change her statement if Mom persuaded her? Besides," she added, "this isn't a good time to approach her, even privately. People will talk."

"That's not my intention," Joseph said.

Eloise's gaze, cold and complex, fixed on him. "Don't you get it? He's not asking me to persuade the model. He thinks I've been working with her to frame his precious son!"

Joseph, as she'd correctly surmised, looked stunned.

"I never said that!"