On Emily's birthday, Josephine and the others returned to Auroravale City.
Claudia could handle her work, and Laura had free time. They both wanted to hang out with Josephine, who had just come back.
Emily had already picked out several dresses for Josephine for different occasions.
Josephine, as the true daughter of the Kalmien family, had to look dignified at Emily's birthday party.
Once Josephine put on the dress, Claudia and Laura said she looked amazing and would definitely stand out.
The dress was stunning, but Josephine's neck was bare without any jewelry.
The dress was custom-made for Josephine, fitting her perfectly and looking very elegant.
The waist had a hollow design, making her waist look slimmer and her skin more delicate.
A pearl necklace would be perfect with this dress.
Josephine wasn't into jewelry, and when she divorced Stuart, she only took her clothes, leaving behind all the jewelry from the Haustia family.
Claudia's family had fallen on hard times, and their pearls, while pretty, weren't valuable enough.
Laura had never worn pearls.
Josephine needed to make an impression; she couldn't just wear cheap jewelry.
Laura shook her phone. "I'll handle it."
Josephine said, "How? Forget it, I won't wear anything; it's fine."
Honestly, Josephine looked great in just the dress.
The elegant dress paired perfectly with her delicate neck.
Laura showed her phone. "Look, pearls or gemstones?"
Claudia, who knew a bit about jewelry, gasped. "These pearls are rare!"
Josephine said, "Did you borrow these? Forget it, they're too valuable; we can't risk it."
Laura said, "Even if we lose them, you don't have to pay. So, pearls or gemstones?"
Claudia said, "Pearls. Gemstones might look pricier, but pearls suit Josephine's age better."
Laura put away her phone and typed quickly. "Alright, pearls it is. Remember, you're representing the Kalmien family!"
Just then, Steven replied: [Don't worry, Laura, mission accomplished.]
Laura replied: [Steven, this is the only thing you're good for.]
Steven gritted his teeth in frustration.
Rex next to him asked, "Is that your girlfriend? You two still not official?"
They had been on and off for six or seven years.
Steven said, "I messed up before. I have to make it up to her."
Rex said, "You're not getting any younger; you should settle down."
Steven said, "What about you?"
Rex laughed. "Funny you ask. You know Stuart's ex-wife, right?"
Steven shook his phone. "What a coincidence, my Laura just borrowed jewelry for Josephine."
Rex was surprised. "What? Borrowing jewelry? Josephine doesn't have any? Even if she didn't get half of Stuart's assets, she should have gotten millions, right?"
Steven shook his head. "I don't know their situation."
Rex sneered. "Is Stuart that cheap with women? What a disgrace!"
He then asked, "What kind of jewelry did she borrow? What dress is she wearing? Forget it, I'll handle it."
Steven said, "You? What do you mean?"
Rex replied, "Stuart doesn't appreciate Josephine, but I do."
"You like her?" Steven laughed. "If you suddenly give her jewelry, she wouldn't dare accept it."
Rex said, "Then don't tell her it's from me."
Steven raised an eyebrow. "The Westside Project..."
"Take it!" Rex said without hesitation. "I'll have someone send the jewelry right away."
The Westside Project was highly profitable. Rex wouldn't have given it up so easily before.
Steven asked, "Do you really like her? Not just a passing fancy?"
"Project and jewelry," Rex said, "If that's not enough, tell me what else to add."
"That's enough," Steven said, "But Josephine isn't easily swayed by these things. Don't scare her."
Rex looked at him. "I haven't even started, and you're saying this?"
Steven said, "You like her so much; it worries me."
Rex laughed and cursed but didn't argue.
The jewelry arrived before the banquet started.
As soon as Claudia saw it, she felt something was off. "Hey, isn't this the one?"
Laura was about to get angry, thinking Steven had sent a defective piece.
Before she could say anything, Claudia said, "This one is clearly more expensive and better!"
Laura leaned in to look.
Even an amateur could tell this one was bigger and a different color than the one in the photo.
Laura nodded. "Steven did a good job."
Josephine tapped her. "I told you, don't treat him like that. He's been sincere to you for years; what's the problem?"
Laura said, "None of your business! Put it on!"
Josephine said, "It's too valuable."
Laura smiled. "It's time to test his sincerity. If he wants to break up with me because you lost this, then fine, a necklace to see his true colors."
Josephine was speechless. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Laura didn't care and put it on her.
Josephine's neck was already beautiful, but with the necklace, it was even more stunning.
Laura adjusted her collar. "Go!"
Todd had called several times, worried Josephine wouldn't come.
He was relieved when he saw her at the door.
But seeing her come alone, his face changed.
The Kalmien family had been struggling for the past five years.
Although Stuart hadn't troubled them, the Kalmien and the Haustia families were no longer in-laws, so many people didn't treat them the same, and some potential partnerships fell through.
The Kalmien Family looked glamorous on the surface but was actually in decline.
So when Josephine came back, Todd heard rumors that Stuart was still in love with her and wanted her to help the family.
"Where's Stuart?" He came to Josephine's side, frowning. "He hasn't come yet?"
Josephine said directly, "We're divorced. Whether he comes or not, I don't know."
"You!" Todd was furious. "What good is a divorce to you? You hid abroad, afraid to come back! If Stuart wasn't so good-tempered, he would have turned against you long ago!"
Just then, Stuart said, "Mr. Kalmien, you seem quite angry."