Chapter 639

Though utterly baffled by the situation, Gwen had enough wits about her to keep silent. She glanced between Irene and Madelyn, wisely holding her tongue. Best to see how Ariana responds first, she thought. Ariana’s answer, however, was far more decisive. With a cool glance at Irene—whose gentle smile didn’t quite mask the disdain in her eyes—and another at Georgia, whose expression had tightened slightly, she said evenly, "No, I have plans today. You all go ahead without me." Madelyn took one look at Ariana’s reaction and knew she’d struck a nerve. A smug satisfaction curled inside her. Putting on an exaggerated show of warmth, she protested, "Oh, come now! What could you possibly have to do in your condition? Weren’t you free just a moment ago? And running into Auntie Georgia is such a rare coincidence—why not join us? I hear she’s quite the expert on pearl and diamond necklaces. I was actually hoping to buy one and could use her advice." Then, with feigned indignation, she turned to