Chapter 964 Harmony
"Mr. George and Miss Besse, nice to meet you," Susan greeted them warmly.
"Lovely to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson," Doyle replied, extending his hand.
Susan was surprised. "Do you know us?"
"I know all the guests attending today's press conference," Doyle said with a charming smile.
"We just happened to be here," Susan said, amazed.
Doyle's smile widened. "I sent the invitation. I'm not sure how Mrs. Johnson received it."
Susan pondered this. Turning to Manuel, she asked, "When did you receive the invitation?"
Manuel wouldn't tell Susan he'd received it a fortnight ago—a full week before Little Bunny gave her the invitations.
"It seems there's an interesting story here," Doyle chuckled.
Susan felt a pang of annoyance toward Manuel; without Little Bunny's invitation, she would have missed this fashion show.
"Are they your children?" Doyle smoothly changed the subject.
"Yes," Susan answered after a moment's consideration. They were her godchildren, after all.
"They're very cute. Besse likes them too," Doyle added.
Susan glanced at Besse, who seemed captivated by Salem. Besse met Susan's gaze. "They are adorable."
"Thank you," Susan replied politely, her feelings stirring again. For a fleeting moment, she wished Besse were Hannah.
"I always thought Besse was a gentleman," Susan said, changing the subject to avoid sentimentality.
"That's what people say," Besse laughed. "But it never bothered me."
"I knew men couldn't understand women's tastes!" Susan exclaimed.
"I'm glad you like my work."
"I do! Last time, I nearly died of frustration trying to get your limited-edition first release!"
"Is that so?" Besse looked directly into Susan's eyes. Her personality differed from the typical socialite; she was easygoing. Manuel felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with her.
"I'll have a custom-made bag for you from our new line next quarter."
"Really?" Susan's eyes lit up.
"Really," Besse confirmed with a smile.
"I thought I'd need to do some convincing! Rumors say you two are difficult," Susan blurted, then Manuel coughed politely. Years later, her impulsiveness remained.
"It's true we can be," Besse admitted casually. "But I like your personality. Designers tend to be obsessive, creating truly unique pieces. Doyle, for example, is charming and polite, but he can become irritable and aggressive when designing—like a lion guarding its den."
"Is that so?" Susan asked, her childlike curiosity piqued. This sometimes made people question her maturity, yet her positive energy was infectious.
"Do I come across that extreme?" Doyle asked playfully.
"Yes," Besse nodded, then joked, "You take it too far sometimes."
"Do you hate me?"
"Nope," Besse laughed softly. "Because around me, you turn into a little bunny rabbit."
"You two are lovers?!" Susan exclaimed.
Before Besse could answer, Doyle interjected, "Fiancés, actually. We're getting married later this year!"
"When?" Susan pressed.
"Six or seven months," he replied, smiling lovingly at Besse.
"Oh, wow, congratulations! Karami's market value will skyrocket!"
"Thank you!" Doyle laughed, hugging Besse tightly.
"Beauty and brains," Susan commented.
"Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are a match made in heaven, too," Doyle praised sincerely. "And your children are outstanding."
Susan wasn't sure if he was complimenting her or the children, who weren't hers, but she accepted the compliment.
"We plan on having lots of kids, too," Doyle added.
Besse was speechless.
"I had no idea Besse loved kids so much! I would have used them as bait to marry her!" Susan laughed. Doyle and Besse were far more approachable than she'd imagined.
From afar, Oscar watched Besse laugh, a strange familiarity stirring within him. He could only watch.
The banquet ended. Theodore, in Oscar's car, watched Oscar's gaze linger on Besse in Doyle's embrace. Even after they drove away, Oscar's eyes remained fixed on her.
"Oscar, face reality."
Oscar felt he knew that woman instinctively.
"Theodore, arrange my schedule."
"What schedule?"
"Cancel everything non-essential..." Oscar paused. "Forget it. I'm taking a week off."