Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Congratulations, Mr. Smith “I just can’t bear to part with you.”

Wendy tenderly clung to Joe’s arm, the heart-shaped red birthmark on her snow-white skin becoming more pronounced.

A nameless irritation welled up inside Joe. He glanced at Wendy, “You don’t seem well. Perhaps you should rest.”

“But…” Wendy’s eyes widened in surprise, “Didn’t we agree to announce our engagement?”

Joe thought of Sir Smith’s stubborn stance and felt a headache coming on. He didn’t know what Mia had said to his grandfather to make him so determined to accept only this granddaughter-in-law.

He said firmly, “I’ll talk to Grandpa. You go rest.”

Knowing he wouldn’t change his mind, Wendy reluctantly followed the waiter out. Before leaving, she shot Mia a venomous glance.

She couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

She found a secluded corner and made a discreet phone call.

Due to David’s high-profile appearance, everyone assumed Mia was his companion. Her previous entrance with Frank was dismissed as a misunderstanding.

Other than some sour comments about the White family’s daughter, who could still catch the attention of the Johnson family after leaving the Smiths, no one questioned Mia’s identity.

Mia discreetly messaged Frank to replace her in presenting the gift from the Horizon Group and then played along as David’s partner.

David was delighted with the arrangement.

People were astonished to see Mr. Johnson, who had always disdained socializing, enthusiastically moving through the crowd with his companion, even “accidentally” letting slip news of his engagement.

Mia, unable to bear it any longer, pinched him hard at his waist, quenching his enthusiasm.

Joe’s anger grew, and Jack mentally elevated Mia’s status even higher.

Only when the banquet was over did Joe confront David, who was preparing to leave with Mia.

“What does Mr. Smith want with my fiancée?” David asked and his smile was not quite reaching his eyes.

As David had always been a little rogue and Joe was very disciplined, the two were at opposite extremes and rarely interacted.

Considering their equal status, David was not at all intimidated by Joe, and a sense of rivalry was evident.

Joe ignored David’s hostility and simply said to Mia, “We need to talk.”

Mia pushed David aside and replied calmly, “There’s nothing to discuss between us, Mr. Smith. The person you’re waiting for is over there.”

She looked pointedly at Wendy.

Wendy stood nearby, red-eyed, clutching her stomach, looking like a forsaken wife.

This sight seemed both ironic and amusing to Mia.

Joe said indisserently, “Come here, Mia.”

His imposing manner and oppressive gaze might have forced a lesser person to comply.

But not Mia or David.

“What do you think you’re doing?” David stepped between them, his eyes blazing with anger.

How could Joe appear so arrogantly before Mia and issue orders after the way he had hurt her?

Just as a fight seemed imminent, Mia pulled David back.

After shooting him an angry glance, she said softly to Joc, “Today is Sir Smith’s birthday. Let’s not make a scene.”

As the tension between them grew, many eyes turned their way. Mia didn’t want her first appearance back home to be marred by a spectacle.

“We indeed have nothing to talk about.” She lifted a glass of champagne and toasted Joe. “Mr. Smith, congratulations on your expectant wife and the joy of a new child.”

“I don’t like the way you talk to me,” Joe said coldly, disliking this new, spiky version of Mia, who used to put him first in everything.

Mia smiled, “But I like it. If you can’t adapt, Mr. Smith, you can leave.”

“Mia White,” Joe suddenly grabbed her wrist, his dark eyes turbulent, “Don’t challenge my limits.”