Chapter 336

Yvonne’s eyes flashed with anger, but Penelope spoke first. “I have no intention of making things difficult for an innocent party. I’m fine with that arrangement.”
Yvonne gritted her teeth. If she disagreed now, she would look like the one causing trouble. She glanced at the stylist, who was already clasping her hands in gratitude toward Penelope.
“I have no problem with it either,” she forced out.
With the help of assistants, the two women began their makeovers simultaneously.
“Are you attending Mrs. Higgins’s gala?” Yvonne asked.
“Apparently, so are you,” Penelope replied coolly.
“Hah. And in what capacity are you going? As Mrs. Stapleton Jr.? Funny, Mrs. Stapleton never mentioned she was bringing you.”
“What’s the matter? Can’t get my husband’s attention, so you’ve moved on to his mother?”
“Our families have been friends for generations. Theodore and I grew up together, and Mrs. Stapleton has always been fond of me. Between us, you’re the outsider.”
“My husband and I have a marriage certificate. What do you have with him?”
“You-!”
“An outsider? Your homewrecking intentions couldn’t be more obvious.”
“Penelope!”
“Why are you getting so worked up? Is this the best a woman of your standing can do?”
Yvonne was seething but could find no retort. In most other aspects of her life, she was formidable. She was a capable executive, already managing half of the Bishop Group’s assets, and she handled her family’s affairs with decisiveness that marked her as a future leader. But when it came to Theodore, her composure shattered. The one thing she couldn’t have, no matter how hard she tried, drove her to the brink of madness. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ.net
“You won’t be smug for long, Penelope. Theodore will get tired of you soon enough.”
“Is that so? Well, you just wait, then. You can have my leftovers.”
Yvonne was about to explode again. The stylist, trying to apply her makeup, found it impossible with her client’s face contorting in rage and had to move over to Penelope instead. Her second client was a picture of calm. No matter how vicious the insults, she responded with even sharper barbs, delivered in a cool, even tone, her expression unruffled.
The wife is truly on another level, the stylist thought. She has the confidence and the class.
For their looks, Penelope chose a bright, glamorous style, while Yvonne opted for a cold, noble elegance. Penelope studied her reflection. As much as she hated to
admit it, her face resemble net
Donald’s more than her mother’s-a classic oval shape with soft, flowing lines delicate but well-defined a nose, and almond shaped eyes that were clear and bright. The slight upward tilt at the corners added a touch of allure.
Yvonne, on the other hand, favored her mother, with a heart-shaped face and monolids that gave her a cool, aloof air when she wasn’t smiling. Even after the makeup, that coldness carried a hint of malice.
“What is wrong with you today? What is this monstrosity you’ve painted on my face? How am I supposed to go to a gala looking like this!” Yvonne shrieked, comparing her finished look to Penelope’s.
A small smirk touched Penelope’s
lips as she went to change. Gowns from various luxury boutiques had been brought in for her to choose from. She looked through them and selected a red, strapless evening gown At first glance, it seemed Simple, but the quality of the fabric was superb, and the open-back
design was both elegant and
striking. It was glamorous without being ostentatious-a perfect fit for her.

While a staff member took the dress to be steamed, Penelope went into the changing room. She drank a cup of coffee and waited. And waited. The dress still hadn’t been brought to her.
Just as she was about to lose her temper, the stylist hurried in, her face pale with apology. “Mrs. Stapleton, the dress… Ms. Bishop took it.”
…