Todd turned around and immediately put on a sycophantic smile upon seeing Stuart. "Stuart, you're here! Come on in!"
Stuart's eyes landed on Josephine. She was in a gown that showed off her perfect figure and graceful curves.
Seeing all the men staring at her, Stuart's face darkened. He grabbed Josephine's hand and led her inside without a word.
Josephine, in high heels, struggled to keep up and couldn't shake him off.
They drew a lot of attention. Some people wondered, 'Aren't they divorced? Josephine's been gone for five years, and now Stuart's all over her?'
"Did you see Josephine's pearl necklace? It looks like the one from the Celestia Springs auction."
"Yeah, I heard a big shot bought it. Guess the rumors were wrong."
"Those pearls are rare. Maybe not as good as the overseas ones, but top-notch here."
"Totally."
Emily came out, expecting people to admire her outfit and jewelry. But everyone was talking about Josephine, her relationship with Stuart, her stunning gown, and that pearl necklace.
Emily kept smiling, but inside, she was fuming. She couldn't understand why the Kalmiens insisted on inviting Josephine. Josephine was more beautiful, and even with her best clothes and jewelry, Emily couldn't outshine her.
Emily still wanted Stuart there. She knew about Josephine and Stuart's past. Since Stuart agreed to the divorce, he must have been over Josephine. Emily couldn't figure out how Josephine, after five years away, could still make Stuart fall for her.
Emily didn't think she was inferior to Josephine, even if she wasn't as pretty. Stuart couldn't be that shallow, right?
At that moment, Stuart had Josephine pressed against a wall, his knee between her legs, lifting her hair as he undid her pearl necklace clasp. Josephine, worried about the necklace, didn't dare move and asked, "What are you doing?"
By the time Stuart got the news, it was too late. Vincent, familiar with Rex's men, learned they had taken the necklace to Josephine in Hustalia. Vincent quickly informed Stuart.
Stuart was furious but then started reflecting. When Josephine left, he was so desperate to find her that he overlooked everything else. Eventually, he realized she had deliberately avoided him.
He checked their bedroom and saw her clothes and jewelry were still there. Apart from the monetary compensation in the agreement, Josephine hadn't taken anything.
In the past five years, Josephine hadn't touched the divorce money; otherwise, Stuart would've tracked her down.
This was her first party since returning, and she wore a necklace from Rex. Stuart couldn't stand it.
"Don't move," he said, focusing on the clasp of the pearl necklace.
His big hands struggled with the small clasp. At first, he was all about the necklace, but then he noticed how close they were.
He had her pinned against the wall, his knee between her legs, and her scent filled his senses. Feeling his body react, his fingers started trembling.
Josephine realized he was after the necklace. It was borrowed from Laura, so she had to protect it.
"Let me do it," she said, reaching for the clasp.
Stuart stepped back but kept her close. She took off the necklace and put it in her pearl clutch.
"Wear this," Stuart said, pulling out another pearl necklace, even more beautiful.
Before she could react, he was already putting it on her. This time, it went smoothly. "It looks great," he said, satisfied.
Josephine finally got it. "You knew this necklace was borrowed?"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Stuart asked. "All your jewelry at home is untouched, and the divorce money was enough to buy more. Why borrow one?"
"I just think it's unnecessary," Josephine said, stepping back. "Thanks, I'll return it later."
Stuart's behavior was odd, blocking her just to change her necklace. Josephine decided not to argue.
"In the future, don't wear jewelry from other men," Stuart said. "I'll buy you whatever you like."
"We're divorced," Josephine replied. "Didn't I make myself clear before, Mr. Haustia?"
"What did you say?" Stuart asked.
"I have a new life now," Josephine said. "Please keep your distance."
"Where is he?" Stuart demanded. "You said that last time. Where is he? What does he do? Is he tall or short, fat or thin? Do I have to believe what you're saying?"
"You don't have to believe me," Josephine said, crossing her arms. "But what does that have to do with me? If you want to meet him, he'll be in Hustalia soon. I'll introduce you."
Stuart took a deep breath, suppressing his bitterness. "Alright."
"About the necklace," Josephine said, "This won't happen again."
If she hadn't been worried about the borrowed necklace, she would've kicked him away.
"Josephine," Stuart called as she started to leave, "Do I really have no chance?"
Josephine didn't answer, just shook her head.
"Then I won't give up," Stuart said. "Josephine, give me a chance to pursue you again!"