Chapter 319: Chapter 319

As Landon was away and Penelope was recovering abroad, Betty’s plan of sucking up to her future mother -in-law was on pause. 1 Still, she was overjoyed when Landon accepted her gift.

The girls enjoyed the fall scenery in the afternoon with high tea under the sprawling sycamore tree in the Harper Residence’s backyard.

“Zoe, when did you first meet Alyssa?” Betty felt an alarm bell ringing within her. She resented and feared Alyssa.

“I bumped into her backstage at Christina’s performance by accident,” Zoe replied, casually crossing her legs and taking a sip of black tea.

She glanced at Betty and remarked, “You seem to hold some kind of grudge against her.”

“A grudge? More like a long feud!”

“Oh, that sounds serious.”

“You’ve been away for years and missed out on the drama,” Betty ground her teeth. “Alyssa Taylor is a master manipulator who has been toying with Jasper and Landon! She’s made our family into a circus!”

Betty realized that she might have inadvertently likened herself to a clown and quickly rephrased, “She’s turned our family upside down!”

“Why is that? Is Landon in love with her?” Zoe’s eyes darkened.

“Landon has fallen under her spell! That bitch is a natural at the art of seduction-a sly vixen!” Betty almost exploded in rage. Her cheeks flushed.

She added, “Thank goodness they’re not as close as they used to be. I bet that slut has found a new target.”

“Landon is choosy. He’s the one who plays women like a fiddle, not the other way around.

“Alyssa Taylor slept with Landon, didn’t she? He will not sleep with the same woman twice. He won’t catch feelings over a mere fling. I know him well.”

Noticing Betty’s crumbling expression, Zoe hurriedly tried to comfort her. “But remember, you’re different. Our families are friends, and I’ll be here to help you win him over.”

“My dear Zoe!” Betty exclaimed in tears as she excitedly pictured herself sailing toward happiness.

“Speaking of which, what’s going on with Alyssa Taylor and Jasper?” That was Zoe’s main concern.

“Hah! Just the thought of it makes me furious!” Betty rolled her fists. “She’s his ex-wife!”

“What did you just say?” Zoe sprung up and accidentally shattered the expensive teacup.

She continued, “Ex-wife? How could that be? I thought Jasper broke up with Liana Gardner. He wasn’t married, so where did that ex-wife come from?”

“Oh, that you don’t know. They married in secret and were recently divorced. Guess what? My grandfather arranged the marriage!”

Betty picked up on Zoe’s jealousy and fanned the flames. “They were still entangled after the divorce.

Liana made a scene at Alyssa’s place twice, but that didn’t stop Jasper at all.

“Sure, Liana deserved her fate. But think of it, he must have ditched Liana partly because of Alyssa!”

This time, it was Zoe’s turn to see red. That explained Jasper’s longing stare at Alyssa when they met!

If Liana had failed to win Jasper over for years, what made Alyssa believe she could succeed?

Feeling envious, she clenched her jaw. “Betty, you don’t mind me as your sister-in-law, right?”

Betty’s expression shifted to one of surprise as she thought that Zoe was quite upfront and open.

“O-Of course I don’t! I’d prefer you over that heartless Gardner bitch any day!” Betty grabbed the chance to express her support for Zoe.

“Since we share the same goal, shall we work together and fight off our enemies? How does that sound?”

Zoe bent over and placed her hands on Betty’s shoulders. “I’ll help you win Landon over, and you’ll lend me a hand to marry Jasper. What do you think?”

“Zoe, you’re aware of the dynamics within my family. Jasper is my half-sibling. We’re not as close as you and Landon. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much help,” Betty admitted honestly.

The idea was mission impossible.