They were chatting about a socialite's dress, supposedly made by Claudia.
"Yeah, she made outfits for a bunch of people during the Starlight Festival," someone quickly added.
Stuart smirked slightly. "Get her here and tell her to make some clothes."
Even though they didn't know why Stuart wanted this, they obeyed.
When Claudia got the message, she didn't think twice.
She'd made lots of Starlight Festival outfits, all top-notch, making people stand out at the events.
So, with many orders lately, she showed up when asked.
But she didn't expect to see Stuart. Even then, she didn't think much of it.
She saw the person who contacted her and walked over, ignoring Stuart.
If Claudia and Stuart were just at odds before, after the Howard family went bankrupt, Claudia saw Stuart as an enemy.
Josephine's divorce made her happiest. To Claudia, Josephine was the best, and Stuart didn't deserve her.
Look at him, just divorced and already messing around?
After a brief chat, Claudia realized they didn't want her to design clothes at all.
To her, neither Stuart nor Robin were good people. She worried they'd drag Josephine into something bad.
Sensing trouble, Claudia tried to leave.
But someone blocked her. "Ms. Howard, still so arrogant! Your family's bankrupt; you can't act high and mighty."
Claudia, holding her bag, said flatly, "Move."
"No way!" the person said smugly. "Show some respect to Mr. Haustia."
Now Claudia knew Stuart was up to something.
She turned to Stuart. "What do you want?"
"Nothing," Stuart said, lighting a cigarette. "Just have a drink with you during the Starlight Festival."
Someone pulled Claudia to sit, placed a full wine glass in front of her.
"Drink it," someone said. "Then you can leave."
Claudia knew drinking it would be bad news.
Stuart blew out smoke, still cold. "You can call someone to drink it for you."
Claudia clung to hope. "Anyone?"
Stuart glanced at her. "Of course not."
It wasn't until now that Claudia realized Stuart wasn't trying to mess with her but was aiming to trouble Josephine.
Claudia said, "You two are divorced, Stuart. You know what that means. You're done with each other."
"You don't need to tell me that," Stuart said coldly. "Just call her here."
"What, Josephine won't answer your calls, or did she block you?" Claudia laughed. "It's ridiculous; you're divorced, and you still want her to come. You must really like her."
Claudia seemed calm, but inside she was nervous.
She wasn't as sharp-tongued as Laura; saying this much was already hard for her.
Before Stuart could respond, Robin sneered. "You think everyone likes her. Calling her here is just to show her life goes on without her! But..."
He glanced at Stuart and continued, "We're having so much fun; calling Josephine would ruin it."
Claudia was surprised Robin spoke up for her.
But Stuart coldly said, "Shut up."
No one dared to say anything.
He looked at Claudia. "Will you drink it? If not, make the call and have her come."
Claudia gritted her teeth. "I'll drink!"
She picked up the glass, ready to down it in one go.
If she had to suffer, so be it. She wouldn't betray Josephine!
But then Stuart said, "Great, if you get drunk, she can come pick you up."
Claudia slammed the glass down. "Stuart, you're a jerk!"
Her insult was childish, and people around laughed.
Stuart sneered. "I never claimed to be a good person."
Claudia couldn't leave; drinking wouldn't solve anything, and she was so anxious tears welled up.
"A phone call can solve this," Stuart said. "No need to make it hard on yourself."
Claudia gritted her teeth. "Josephine doesn't want to see you. After the divorce, you shouldn't contact her. Are you even a man? So petty."
"How do you know she doesn't want to see me?" Stuart snorted, "Maybe she really wants to see me right now!"
"In your dreams!" Claudia shot back. "She doesn't want to see you at all!"
"You all don't know." Stuart thought of her diary, a smile tugging at his lips. "Forget it, I won't argue. Call her here, have a drink, apologize, and I might forgive her."
Robin looked at Stuart, shocked. Stuart never joked in public, so he must be serious.
But just now, he was staring at Donna. Shouldn't she be more attractive to him now? Why was he focused on Josephine again?
Robin quickly said, "Stuart, you must be joking. Josephine already divorced you."
Stuart coldly stared at him, and Robin fell silent.
Stuart looked at Claudia again.
Claudia had made up her mind; she wouldn't call Josephine.
She didn't believe Stuart would really do anything to her!
Stuart sneered. "If you don't make the call, someone else will. Knowing you're here, Josephine will definitely come."
"You're crazy!" Claudia snapped. "You're unreasonable, no wonder she divorced you!"
The door to the private room suddenly opened.
A voice rang out. "What are you all doing?"