Stuart said something, but Josephine acted like she didn't hear.
When she got back to the banquet center, it was even more crowded.
As she walked in, everyone gave her friendly looks.
Most of the guests at Emily's birthday party had ties to the Kalmien family, and Josephine knew almost all of them.
Someone came up to her, "Josephine? It's been years. You're looking more beautiful than ever."
Josephine smiled, "Mr. Torres, it's been a while. You still look as lively as ever."
Mario Torres' wife chimed in, "I've never seen anyone prettier than you. Oh, Josephine, that necklace looks familiar."
Someone nearby added, "Isn't that the one auctioned abroad recently? They said it was super rare and bought by a mysterious buyer."
Josephine shook her head. "You might be mistaken. This one's a replica."
"Who said it's a replica?" a voice interrupted, and everyone turned to look.
A man in his early thirties with sharp features and an authoritative air walked over.
"You weren't wrong; this is the one from the auction," Rex said, then looked at Josephine, noticing something was off. "Did you change your necklace?"
"Of course, she had to change it," Stuart, who had come out a bit later, said, "Josephine deserves the best."
Not many people in Hustalia knew Rex, but his demeanor made it clear he wasn't ordinary. And here he was, daring to confront Stuart.
"You're right; the pearls are well-chosen." Rex walked over to Josephine. "Josephine deserves the best, which is why you two got divorced."
The divorce was a sore spot for Stuart, but Rex brought it up without hesitation.
Josephine didn't plan to pay attention to Stuart, but she didn't have much feeling for Rex either.
However, investors needed to be flattered, so Josephine smiled and addressed him, "Mr. Armstrong."
Rex looked at her. "This necklace is nice, better than the one I prepared. My bad. Next time, I'll get you the best."
Josephine was stunned. "That necklace was from you?"
"It's yours now," Rex said, "I don't take back what I've given."
"Why settle for less when you can have the best?" Stuart stood on the other side of Josephine. "Josephine, give it back to him."
Even without Stuart saying it, Josephine would have returned it.
But in front of so many people, she didn't want to embarrass Rex by doing it publicly.
She could only say, "Mr. Armstrong, you helped me out in a pinch. I'll invite you to dinner with Laura to thank you properly."
"Dinner is fine, but no need for thanks," Rex said, "I was just handling some business nearby and came to see you. I'm leaving now."
Josephine said, "Let me see you out."
Rex turned, and Josephine followed.
Stuart grabbed her wrist. Josephine turned back and frowned at him.
Stuart instinctively let her go.
Though it was harsh and cold, he now truly realized his position.
He had no relationship with Josephine, at most a pursuer.
What right did he have to demand anything from her?
Trying to win her back by repeatedly upsetting her was clearly not the right approach.
Josephine escorted Rex to the door and then took out the necklace. "Mr. Armstrong, thank you."
"No need for formalities with me." Rex raised an eyebrow. "I'm not that old, am I?"
Josephine said, "You're not old, but you're a few years older and a leader. It's only right to respect you. Please take the necklace back."
Rex lit a cigarette and said, "I told you, I don't take back gifts. If you don't like it, toss it. As for dinner, I'll wait for your message."
He turned and left.
Josephine held the necklace for a moment before putting it away. When she turned around, she saw Stuart.
She took off the necklace Stuart had given her and handed it back. "Here, take it."
Stuart refused. "I bought it for you. And the stuff at home, you should come get it when you have time."
Josephine shook her head. "I won't take them."
Stuart gritted his teeth. "If you don't want them, just throw them away!"
Both Stuart and Rex acted like these things were worthless.
Josephine had no choice but to put the necklace in her bag.
Stuart was still upset. "You're not going to wear it?"
Josephine said, "I shouldn't have agreed to borrow jewelry from Laura. If I can't afford it, why be so vain?"
Stuart shouted, "What do you mean you can't afford it? After our divorce, I gave you money, and you didn't even use it. Anyone would think I shortchanged you!"
Josephine said, "I have other uses for that money. Jewelry is optional; no need to waste money on it."
Stuart said, "If you think it's a waste, then you don't have enough money. Whatever you need, just tell me how much, and I'll give it to you."
"Stuart, we're divorced. Do you think I would take your money?" Josephine shook her head. "If this is your way of pursuing me, then give up early."
Stuart was momentarily angry but quickly realized and looked at her in surprise. "Josephine, are you agreeing to let me pursue you?"
Josephine said, "Does it matter whether I agree or not? Would you listen? Stuart, to be honest, your pursuit is making me very uncomfortable."
Around 10 PM, Stuart met up with Jair.
Jair wouldn't let him drink. "Don't you know the condition of your stomach? If you drink, you'll get sick again."
Stuart painfully covered his face. "Then what should I do? How can I win Josephine back?"
Jair said, "I may not know how to win a woman's heart, I think at the very least, but I believe making her happy is the key. The more you go against her wishes, the more unhappy she'll be."
Stuart asked, "So, if she wants me to stay away, I should do that too?"
Jair asked, "Are you being dense? If you keep showing up in her life, taking care of her, avoiding what she dislikes, helping with what she's anxious about, over time, how can Josephine not be moved?"
Stuart lowered his head. "But sometimes what she says really hurts me."
Jair said, "Think about how you treated her. What right do you have to be hurt? You deserve it! No matter how hurt you are, suppress it and think more about the future!"
Stuart wiped his face. "It was fine before, but now there's also Rex."
"Rex? The youngest son of the Armstrong family?" Jair frowned. "How did you get involved with him?"