Lindsay looked at Stella, who appeared radiant and seemingly untouchable. Lindsay’s jealousy flared, consuming her from within.
Just then, Pamela stepped forward and grasped Lindsay’s hand. “This woman is as disgraceful and low as you described her,” she said loudly.
Her bold declaration laid bare Lindsay’s actions of maligning Stella behind her back.
A wave of anger surged through Lindsay, and she struggled to resist the urge to shove Pamela aside.
Stella chuckled mockingly upon hearing Pamela’s words. “Lindsay, you really have poor judgment in choosing friends,” she said.
Lindsay’s face stiffened instantly.
She had hoped Matthew would invite her to the event but feared he might suspect her hidden motives. So, when she spotted Pamela’s location in Dorburn on social media, she reached out and seized the chance to attend.
However, she hadn’t anticipated Pamela’s rashness in tearing up Stella’s invitation on the spot.
Now at a disadvantage, Lindsay desperately wanted to escape the awkward situation.
But Pamela was relentless, continuing to demand an apology from Stella.
“I am an Archer! My father…” she began arrogantly.
Sanford, overhearing this, scrutinized Pamela but couldn’t place her.
He silently hoped she wouldn’t disrupt his carefully laid plans.
Lindsay, aware of the influential Archer family background that Pamela boasted about, did not intervene. Instead, she tried to mediate.
“Perhaps it’s best to apologize,” she suggested, looking at Stella.
“Let’s not escalate this.”
“I stand by what is right, not by personal connections,” Stella responded coldly, “What has happened to you? Did your time abroad make you forget how to behave properly?”
The commotion quickly drew the attention of those inside the exhibition hall.
“Mr. Howard Archer has arrived!” someone rushed out to announce. “This fashion event is co-hosted by the Archer and the Charles families.”
Meanwhile, another individual recognized Pamela. “She is actually an illegitimate daughter of Mr. Archer, brought into the Archer family for a marriage alliance,” he murmured to the crowd, pointing at Pamela.
Upon seeing her father, Pamela felt emboldened. “Dad, she’s bullying me!” she exclaimed, gesturing toward Stella.
She then pointed accusingly at Sanford. “And he’s disregarding the honor of the Charles family for this woman.”
Sanford’s expression darkened, a hint of displeasure flickering in his eyes.
Howard Archer glanced at Stella before giving a grave look to Pamela.