Chapter 59

"Rebecca!" Janet's smile vanished, replaced by displeasure. Rebecca ignored her, walking away.

Nearby, Debra frowned, noticing the situation. She found a security guard and gave him instructions. He nodded, slightly puzzled.

Moments later, the guard approached Janet, who held a glass of red wine, eagerly scanning the crowd for Theodore. She spotted him immediately, surrounded by people, her face brightening. But as she started toward him, the guard stopped her.

"Ms. Mitchell, the hosts say you weren't invited. Please leave," the guard said sternly. Nearby guests watched.

Janet's hand froze. "But I have an invitation!" she said, producing it.

The guard remained firm. "The hosts say you weren't invited."

This felt like a slap. "Ms. Mitchell, please leave immediately," the guard repeated.

More people watched, Janet's face paling with embarrassment. Such events usually only required an invitation. Why was she being treated this way?

She thought of Rebecca. The guard had approached just after she spoke to Rebecca. Could Rebecca be involved? Such thoughts spiraled. She wasn't close to the Carter family; only Rebecca, now Carter's Jewel's spokesperson, could have orchestrated this.

Janet scanned the crowd, searching for Rebecca. She wanted to kill her with a glare.

Rebecca also noticed the commotion. She hadn't expected the guard to remove Janet. Only someone from the Carter family could have done this. She looked at Debra, who smiled. Rebecca understood: it was Debra. Happiness washed over her. She simply returned the smile, swirling her wine. Janet, following Rebecca's gaze, recognized Debra—the woman from Theodore's house!

Janet remembered their altercation, realizing Debra was responsible for her premature birth. The guard's expression hardened. "Ms. Mitchell, if you stay, we'll remove you."

Janet's expression changed. Disdainfully throwing away her invitation, she said, "Who cares about this lousy banquet?" She walked away proudly, though her carefully applied makeup couldn't hide the gloom beneath.

"Janet, why did you leave so soon?" Lisa asked, concerned.

Janet yanked off her necklace and threw it out the window. Lisa knew something was wrong.

"Drive, let's go home!" Janet ordered.

Returning home, Janet raged, but her mood lightened when Mary entered with Arthur. Rebecca's involvement with Carter's Jewel improved her relationship with Charlie. "Why is he so nice to her? What's his motive?" she wondered.

Taking Arthur from Mary, her expression transformed into a radiant smile, leaving Lisa bewildered.

"Lisa, are you watching Rebecca and Charlie?" Janet asked.

"Not yet," Lisa replied cautiously.

Lisa observed Janet's strange demeanor. "Janet, did Rebecca cause you trouble?"

"Don't worry. Just get the investigation underway. We need to catch Rebecca red-handed, preferably on video!"

Carter's Jewel's grand opening banquet was underway. Charlie had pulled Rebecca to a secluded corner, urging her to enjoy the treats. His gesture calmed her, and she savored the sweets.

Their moment was interrupted when someone approached Charlie, pulling him away. Meanwhile, Theodore was surrounded by people, his gaze often drifting toward Rebecca.

Even in the secluded corner, Charlie's heart was freezing. When did Rebecca and Charlie meet? How long had this been going on? Knowing he'd be there, she disregarded him, cozying up to Charlie.

As the banquet ended, Theodore left first, his cold demeanor evident to all.