Seeing this, the others at the table understood what was happening; it was obvious. However, they weren't gossips. Even if confused, they wouldn't pry.

Jazlyn, however, was exceptionally frank. Raising her wine glass, she announced, "I forgot to introduce him. This is Olivier Petit, CEO of Petit Corporation, and my cousin." Everyone was enlightened. They were cousins.

Karter chuckled. "Jazlyn, your acting skills are pretty good." He'd almost thought Olivier was her lover.

"Of course!" Jazlyn raised an eyebrow. "Eat more," she added, as Olivier dropped a piece of meat onto her plate.

Jazlyn snorted and rolled her eyes, ignoring his "retribution." The atmosphere at the table improved; the guests were no longer reserved.

An hour later, dinner ended. Leaving the private room, Jazlyn stopped Gwenda. "Miss Evans—Gwenda—please don't be upset. Grandma arranged this; she wants you two together. I hope you understand."

"It's fine," Gwenda replied with a faint smile.

"If you're angry, vent it on Olivier," Jazlyn joked. "He's more than willing to be your punching bag."

Gwenda blushed. Olivier, who had been behind them, caught up, pulling Gwenda to his side and glaring at Jazlyn. "Don't talk nonsense!"

"Humph, you're talking nonsense!" Jazlyn retorted, rolling her eyes before turning back to Gwenda. "I'm sorry, Gwenda. How about shopping and lunch next time? Consider it my apology."

"Oh, no worries," Gwenda said.

"Oh, it's necessary. It's a date!" Jazlyn patted Gwenda's shoulder, then left the couple alone. Olivier smiled helplessly. "Let's go."

"Okay."

Karter's "scandal" faded after two days online, but it attracted industry attention, boosting Gwenda's reputation. Pauline and Gretchen were distraught by Gwenda's success but helpless. In desperation, Pauline agreed to let Gretchen enter the entertainment industry. To help, Benson hired a top manager.

One day, Pauline and her sister-in-law, Arely Evans, were shopping and discussed it.

"Gretchen is beautiful, smart, and well-behaved. With her father's support, entering the entertainment industry shouldn't be a problem. However, Gwenda is problematic. Benson said she cut ties with you?"

"She's grown up and has her own ideas. We can't control her," Pauline sighed.

Arely frowned. "Pauline, I'm not criticizing, but you're too good to Gwenda! You're too lenient. Otherwise, how could she be so arrogant? She cut off contact with her own family! What an unruly child!"

"She's just bad-tempered. It's not a big deal," Pauline replied.

"You're still protecting her? Gretchen told me everything! She was yelling at you when she left! What an ingrate! You're so good to her, but she doesn't appreciate it," Arely said, her voice filled with disappointment. "You should be more assertive."

"Arely, you don't understand. I'm her stepmother, and I can't be as harsh as I am with my own daughter. Besides, I love her. I can't be angry with her."

"You" Arely glared. "Pauline! You're too lenient! She walks all over you!"

"Please, that's enough," Pauline said.

The final ☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ is likely a formatting artifact and has been removed.