Chapter b336 /b

    CNA

    Josie took the hint and obediently, cleverly squatted in front of bPatti/b.

    “My dear, you’ve bgrown /beven more beautiful in just a few days!” Patti gently patted Josie’s cheek. “Tell me, what have you been eatingtely to be so lovely?”

    Josie’s face flushed slightly as she shyly lowered her gaze. “Patti, you’re just teasing me again.”

    “Oh,e now, can’t I speak the truth? If you don’t believe me, ask Emilia, Hasn’t she be prettier?” Patti beamed with delight and winked at Josic,

    Josie pouted and lifted her chin slightly. She remarked, “Who goes around asking people if they’ve be prettier?”

    “Miss Pearson, Patti is not teasing you. You are more beautiful!” Standing beside Patti, Emilia smiled kindly. “Youngdies change day by day, Happiness brings beauty, good food brings beauty, and smooth sailing brings beauty, too. It seems you’ve been doing welltely. Now Patti can finally rest easy.”

    Patti chuckled. “My peace of mind matters little. But Sean…”

    “Patti!” Sean hurried over and asked, “What are you talking about that’s making you bso /bhappy?”

    “Well, look who’s back! Weren’t you attending a party tonight?” Patti squinted at Sean.

    Few Reedshaw juniors remained by her side. Her children had all been affected by events from over two decades ago. Their lives and careers were profoundly impacted, some leaving, others drifting apart.

    Her second son, Elliot, remained her deepest concern.

    All these years, the Reedshaws maintained surface harmony, yet never truly emerged from those shadows.

    Even ire and Sean had rarely shown youthful exuberance growing up. One forced into rebellious maturity by her mother, desperate to escape the Reedshaw confines; the other distant and reserved, mentored by his grandfather, Leo, from childhood to shoulder the family’s future.

    After Leo passed away, the smiles on the faces of the two became noticeably less frequent, band /bPatti’s days as a widow grew increasingly bitter and bleak.

    Until Josie arrived.

    She was like a star that had grown out of darkness. Clearly, she bhad /balready endured enough hardship, yet, against all odds, she still carried a ray of light, striving to illuminate those around her.

    Well–mannered and sweet, her face always graced with a gentle smile, her clear eyes making it impossible not to adore

    bher/b.

    No wonder Sean treats her differently.

    Even Patti found color returning to her bleak days because of Josie, feeling renewed hope for the Reedshaw future.

    bSean /bknelt beside Josie, mirroring her posture before Patti. “We’re leaving shortly. I’m taking Josie with me. We’ll visit you

    19:31 Tue, 16 Sept A

    again after returning”

    aldi” Patti swatted Sean’s shoulder. “Learning to charm youngdies into being your date?”

    “My, you’ve grown bold[”

    “Patti!” Sean anxiously went bover /bto Josie, afraid she might be frightened again.

    Josie’s checks flushed, and she was even more nervous bthan /bSean. How could she not be, when her feelings for him had already beplicated?

    “That’s not it!” she exined, her cheeks flushed. “We went because we had something to do. He didn’t charm me!” Being his date? She dared not even think about it.

    She thought that Sean deserved only the most outstanding young woman, one who possessed family background, beauty, and talent. But she was not.

    Patti found the girl utterly endearing, pinching her cheek affectionately. “Silly child, be careful out there. Stay close to Sean and protect yourself. You’re so adorable. Don’t let anyone lure you away!”

    “No, I won’t!” Josie did not perceive the deeper meaning in her words. She simply assumed Patti was just worried about her and obediently assured her.

    “I will follow him closely, return promptly afterpleting the necessary business, and will not wander off with others.”

    Patti thought, ‘Oh my, she’s so well–behaved! When will Sean finally manage to win her over? Only if she truly bes a member of the Reedshaw family bwill /bI feel at ease!

    Josie was unaware of Patti’s intentions and followed Sean to the front hall.

    The dress had just been delivered; it was a very adorable princess dress with puffed sleeves and a full skirt.

    Josie’s eyes sparkled at first sight.

    She loved it!

    What young girl didn’t harbor princess dreams?

    Throughout her life, she had never even dreamed of such a beautiful dress. It was so beautiful.

    She had never dared to imagine that one day she could wear such a beautiful dress.

    Although she has blived /bthrough two lifetimes and endured hardships unimaginable to ordinary people, deep down, she remained a pure and lovely young girl.

    All she ever wanted

    bed /bbwas /bsomeone to cherish and protect herb, /bfamily and friends who’d reciprocate her sincerity.

    Tearing up slightly, Josie looked at Sean emotionally. “For me?”

    “Yes!” Sean handed her the dress. “Want to try it?”

    Taking the dress into the changing room, Josie bmissed /bbSean /bswallowing his remaining words.

    b2/4 /b

    19:31 Tue, 16 Sept A

    Chapter

    His worry about her disliking it proved unnecessary

    He was not mistaken. While brilliant and decisive in academics, Josie remained an endearingly childish girl in daily life.

    The dress fit perfectly, making Josie overwhelmingly beautiful.

    When she entered, Sean stared momentarily, stunned. Had a fairy tale princess suddenly appeared?

    “Hey Josie saw that he was distracted and waved her hand in front of his eyes. “Does it look alright?”

    “Perfect!” Sean took her hand. “You’re beautiful Let’s go.

    His calm heart new rippled intensely. He could only lead Josie out without looking back, fearing his eyes might betray his

    feelings

    Josie nced down at her skirt, noticing their joined hands.

    She suddenly froze

    Why did she ept Sean’s touch so naturally, while recoiling fromn’s?

    Thinking back, this wasn’t Sean’s first time holding her hand; in fact, he had done so a very, very long time ago.

    Not only did they hold hands, but they also hugged. How had she felt then?

    Apparently without objection?

    Josie’s heart sank. Did this mean she’d loved Sean all along without realizing it?

    Doomed!

    She’d unknowingly fallen for someonepletely unattainable.

    Not only would Allison suffer love’s bitterness, but she would taste its anguish.

    Josie felt both troubled and relieved!

    She was troubled that she and Sean probably wouldn’t end up together, but grateful that, at least, it was him.

    The car sped all the way to the hotel where the party was being held.

    “It’s a business cocktail party,” Sean exined as they approached. “Many of Aloville’s elite will attend. As the Brown Group heir, Aiden will make his first public appearance btoday/b. The Hardings are prominent figures here. Zoey’s attended such events before. As an Aloville socialite, she’s quite well–bregarded /bin these circles”

    “So you and Colby have known her for a while?” Josie wondered “What about you? Have you attended such parties.

    before

    Sean shook his head. “Tam not sure whether Colby has participated before, but as

    you.

    this is my

    first time, just like

    So don’t be nervous or afraid, I’m here. Just focus on what you need to do.”

    K