Chapter 230

Seeing Diana with her daughter-in-law, Lauren felt a prickle of unease. The women quickly rearranged themselves, offering Diana and Lauren the best seats. Julia settled beside Diana.

"Lauren, it's been ages," Diana said, the only one to use her first name. She glanced at Lauren's empty chair. "Where's Marissa? You always bring her."

The unspoken implication hung heavy: Marissa, the future daughter-in-law. The other women, already curious, turned to Lauren. Marissa's absence was striking; they hadn't seen her in weeks.

Lauren froze. Diana's almost-smile betrayed her knowledge. "Oh, she's… in a bit of trouble," Lauren said, forcing a nonchalant tone. "Got herself locked up."

Diana's eyes widened. "Didn't your family try to help her? You always treated her like family."

Diana's words were a pointed jab. Lauren played it cool. "Daughter-in-law? She was Sonny's tutor. I was just being nice."

Diana smiled. "Your daughter-in-law? Where'd you get that?"

Lauren's anger flared. The other women fell silent, but Diana remained unfazed. Taking Julia's hand, she said, "But I do."

Julia beamed, basking in the reflected glory of the Beaumont family. Diana released Julia's hand, raising an eyebrow. "Speaking of daughters-in-law… more good news coming soon."

Lauren's curiosity was piqued. Diana's eldest children were married, leaving only Nathaniel. Seeing Lauren's gaze, Diana chuckled. "Nathaniel's found someone. You know her."

"Know her?" Lauren's suspicion sharpened. Kayla?

"Paisley," Diana confirmed.

A thunderclap seemed to echo in Lauren's mind. "You don't know who she is? She's—"

"I know," Diana interrupted. "But my son loves her, and I do too. I'll treat her wholeheartedly, unlike some people."

A tightness gripped Lauren's chest. "No way!"

Diana laughed, unmoved by Lauren's fury.

A commotion erupted outside. "What's happening?" Lauren snapped at a staff member.

"A Mrs. Sullivan. She's not on the list."

"Mrs. Sullivan?" Lauren frowned. This wasn't a place for just anyone.

Another woman explained, "She's the wife of a business associate. I brought her last time, but…" The unspoken rudeness hung in the air. Mrs. Sullivan was unwelcome.

Outside, Christina argued with the security guard. Brittany stood awkwardly nearby, reliant on Christina, despite her embarrassment. Christina, desperate to secure connections for Brittany, had a sudden inspiration. She bellowed, "I'm Grayson Vanderbilt's grandmother! His mother is my daughter! Let me in!"

The shout echoed inside. All eyes turned to Lauren, but Diana rose first, Lauren following swiftly.