CHAPTER 209: PLEASE, I INSIST.

It was never in Lola’s plan to mess with Melissa. Why bother? Letting her have the marriage Lola was supposed to have with Derek was already enough. But Slater was like a devil whispering in her ear, showing her "how to have fun."

So, with his devilish whispers in her ear, Lola gave it a try. So far, it was... what she would call entertaining.

"See?" Lola chuckled, scrolling through her phone in the backseat of the car. She was looking at Melissa’s social media account. "So cute, Melissa."

Melissa was always active online, flaunting her lavish lifestyle. She’d built quite a following. But recently, everything Melissa had been wearing had been sent secretly by Lola.

Ding!

[From: Jasmine Young

Young Madam, we’re already here. We’ll order for you so it’ll be ready once you arrive.]

Lola pressed her lips together and read the notification without opening it.

"Oh, well..."

"Mommy, you are so pretty today!"

Her attention shifted to the children beside her, smiling at them. "Really?"

"Mhm! You look very rich!" Chacha said. "It’s the first time I’ve seen Mommy dress up so much!"

"Are you going on a date with Father Sir?" Second asked curiously.

Lola’s smile twitched slightly. "I don’t think your Father Sir will be home today, but I have a very important meeting. Can you wish me good luck?"

"Good luck, Mommy~!"

****

In the mall...

Jasmine waited for Lola’s response, but nothing came. Still, she wasn’t discouraged.

"Mom, what time is she going to arrive?" Melissa frowned. "We’ve been waiting for a while now."

"Melissa, just be patient, alright? Nothing comes from being impatient."

Melissa crossed her arms, frowning. "How can she let others wait for her? You’re even older than her! Doesn’t she know the word ’respect’?"

"Melissa, why are you being like this?" Jasmine clicked her tongue. "Mrs. Bennet is Mrs. Bennet. She’s not like any other socialite. We’re lucky she agreed to have tea with us. Do you even understand what that means?"

Jasmine leaned back in her seat. "It means we might be able to help your father with his problems."

Melissa pursed her lips into a thin line, clearly unimpressed.

"Melissa, you’re going to be a married woman soon," Jasmine persuaded. "Once you’re Derek’s wife, you’ll face situations like this. Connections are power in this society, and the bigger your connections, the more you benefit."

"You need to learn how to make people like you and favor you," she added gently. "Sometimes, these ladies will test your patience, but as long as you stay calm, you’ll be fine. The world is round. My patience has kept those who once looked down on me trying to gain my favor. And why is that? Because your mother is a patient woman."

Melissa studied her mother. "What does Mrs. Bennet look like?"

"She’s... quite young, but has expensive taste — I tell you," Jasmine winked. "If people know you’re friends with her, even the women in the Lancasters will want you at their little tea parties."

The tea parties hosted by the Lancasters were famous in high society. Guests were mostly upper-echelon women, and once invited, a family’s social standing could improve considerably.

It wasn’t Melissa’s goal, but Jasmine’s.

Still, now that she thought about it, Melissa really should start building stronger connections.

"Alright, then!" Melissa finally smiled. "I’ll be patient."

"Good girl."

The mother and daughter passed the time chatting about anything they could think of. Before they knew it, one hour passed quickly.

"Mom, is she really coming?" Melissa frowned. "It’s been almost an hour since our meeting time. Why don’t you call her? Maybe she’s not coming!"

Jasmine’s resolve wavered. "Maybe she’s stuck in traffic."

"And she’s not going to tell you?" Melissa’s face twisted. "Mom, I understand she’s important, but isn’t this a little much? How could she not tell you she’d be late?"

"Then, my apologies, Miss Young."

Melissa and Jasmine froze as another voice floated toward them. Slowly, they turned their heads, eyes landing on a stunning woman standing a few paces from their table.

"Ah, Mrs. Bennet!" Jasmine panicked and got up quickly while Melissa bit her tongue. "You’ve — you’ve arrived!"

"I am truly sorry, Madam Young," Lola said as she approached. "Something unexpected came up with my children, so I couldn’t inform you immediately."

"Oh, it’s alright! That’s... of course, as a parent, I understand," Jasmine said, still flustered. Seeing Lola glance at Melissa, she quickly added, "About what my daughter said — she didn’t mean it like that. She was just worried something might have happened to you."

"It’s alright," Lola offered a smile, placing a hand on top of Jasmine’s. "I’m not offended. After all, a child defending her parent shows she’s been raised right."

Her smile stretched, eyes falling on Melissa. "Isn’t that right, Miss Young?"

"Ye — yes..." Melissa breathed, lifting her eyes to the woman she hadn’t initially studied. Before, she glanced away, but now she studied her more closely, lips parting slightly.

Mrs. Bennet was dressed simply from head to toe — a plain dress, minimal jewelry — and yet exuded a truly expensive air. The kind of aura that made the luxury items Jasmine and Melissa carried look cheap.

She’s pretty, Melissa thought, biting her tongue as she massaged her nape. She darted her eyes between Jasmine and Mrs. Bennet, sitting down once Lola did.

I don’t like her already.

Despite her thoughts, a sweet, gentle smile formed on Melissa’s face as she engaged in the conversation.

"I didn’t know you had children, Mrs. Bennet," Jasmine chuckled as she helped serve the tea to Lola. "I hope they’re doing well."

"They are..." Lola trailed off, thinking of why she had been late—the twins had insisted on buying some convenience store snacks. She smiled at Jasmine. "They’re fine."

"Anyway, Miss Young, I heard you recently got engaged and are planning to host a party," Lola said, smoothly shifting the subject to Melissa. "Is that why you’re here today?"

After all, Jasmine had used that as an excuse to invite Lola.

"Ah..." Melissa tilted her head. "Yes, but I’ve already arranged a schedule with my chosen designer."

"I see. Have you received it yet?"

Melissa bit her tongue. Of course not—she hadn’t.

"There’s a little delay, but I was promised it would be ready before the engagement party."

"Oh..." Lola frowned slightly, casting a quick glance at Jasmine. Then, she flashed Melissa a warm smile. "Your mother has been really kind to me. How about I help you with that?"

"No, it’s alright—"

"Please, I insist," Lola interrupted gently, reaching out to hold Melissa’s hand. "I really feel bad about making you wait for me. It’s the least I can do. Let me know which fashion house you’ve chosen."

Melissa held her breath, glancing at her mother. Jasmine quietly nodded, and Melissa smiled at Lola.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet."