Chapter 336

Josie took the hint and obediently, cleverly squatted in front of Patti.

“My dear, you’ve grown even more beautiful in just a few days!” Patti gently patted Josie’s cheek. “Tell me, what have you been eating lately to become so lovely?”

Josie’s face flushed slightly as she shyly lowered her gaze. “Patti, you’re just teasing me again.”

“Oh, come now, can’t I speak the truth? If you don’t believe me, ask Emilia, hasn’t she become prettier?” Patti beamed with delight and winked at Josie.

Josie pouted and lifted her chin slightly. She remarked, “Who goes around asking people if they’ve become prettier?”

“Miss Pearson, Patti is not teasing you. You are more beautiful!” Standing beside Patti, Emilia smiled kindly. “Young ladies change day by day. Happiness brings beauty, good food brings beauty, and smooth sailing brings beauty, too. It seems you’ve been doing well lately. Now Patti can finally rest easy.”

Patti chuckled. “My peace of mind matters little. But Sean…”

“Patti!” Sean hurried over and asked, “What are you talking about that’s making you so happy?”

“Well, look who’s back! Weren’t you attending a party tonight?” Patti squinted at Sean.

Few Reedshaw juniors remained by her side. Her children had all been affected by events from over two decades ago. Their lives and careers were profoundly impacted, some leaving, others drifting apart.

Her second son, Elliot, remained her deepest concern.

All these years, the Reedshaws maintained surface harmony, yet never truly emerged from those shadows.

Even Claire and Sean had rarely shown youthful exuberance growing up. One forced into rebellious maturity by her mother, desperate to escape the Reedshaw confines; the other distant and reserved, mentored by his grandfather, Leo, from childhood to shoulder the family’s future.

After Leo passed away, the smiles on the faces of the two became noticeably less frequent, and Patti’s days as a widow grew increasingly bitter and bleak.

Until Josie arrived.

She was like a star that had grown out of darkness. Clearly, she had already endured enough hardship, yet, against all odds, she still carried a ray of light, striving to illuminate those around her.

Well-mannered and sweet, her face always graced with a gentle smile, her clear eyes making it impossible not to adore her.

No wonder Sean treats her differently.

Even Patti found color returning to her bleak days because of Josie, feeling renewed hope for the Reedshaw future.

Sean knelt beside Josie, mirroring her posture before Patti. “We’re leaving shortly. I’m taking Josie with me. We’ll visit you again after returning.”

“Alright!” Patti swatted Sean’s shoulder. “Learning to charm young ladies into being your date?”

“My, you’ve grown bold!”

“Patti!” Sean anxiously went over to Josie, afraid she might be frightened again.

Josie’s cheeks flushed, and she was even more nervous than Sean. How could she not be, when her feelings for him had already become complicated?

“That’s not it!” she explained, her cheeks flushed. “We went because we had something to do. He didn’t charm me!” Being his date? She dared not even think about it.

She thought that Sean deserved only the most outstanding young woman, one who possessed family background, beauty, and talent. But she was not.

Patti found the girl utterly endearing, pinching her cheek affectionately. “Silly child, be careful out there. Stay close to Sean and protect yourself. You’re so adorable. Don’t let anyone lure you away!”

“No, I won’t!” Josie did not perceive the deeper meaning in her words. She simply assumed Patti was just worried about her and obediently assured her.

“I will follow him closely, return promptly after completing the necessary business, and will not wander off with others.”

Patti thought, ‘Oh my, she’s so well-behaved! When will Sean finally manage to win her over? Only if she truly becomes a member of the Reedshaw family will I feel at ease!’

Josie was unaware of Patti’s intentions and followed Sean to the front hall.

The dress had just been delivered; it was a very adorable princess dress with puffed sleeves and a full skirt.

Josie’s eyes sparkled at first sight.

She loved it!

What young girl didn’t harbor princess dreams?

Throughout her life, she had never even dreamed of such a beautiful dress. It was so beautiful.

She had never dared to imagine that one day she could wear such a beautiful dress.

Although she has lived through two lifetimes and endured hardships unimaginable to ordinary people, deep down, she remained a pure and lovely young girl.

All she ever wanted was someone to cherish and protect her, family and friends who’d reciprocate her sincerity.

Tearing up slightly, Josie looked at Sean emotionally. “For me?”

“Yes!” Sean handed her the dress. “Want to try it?”

Taking the dress into the changing room, Josie missed Sean swallowing his remaining words.

His worry about her disliking it proved unnecessary.

He was not mistaken. While brilliant and decisive in academics, Josie remained an endearingly childish girl in daily life.

The dress fit perfectly, making Josie overwhelmingly beautiful.

When she entered, Sean stared momentarily, stunned. Had a fairy tale princess suddenly appeared?

“Hey!” Josie saw that he was distracted and waved her hand in front of his eyes. “Does it look alright?”

“Perfect!” Sean took her hand. “You’re beautiful. Let’s go.”

His calm heart now rippled intensely. He could only lead Josie out without looking back, fearing his eyes might betray his feelings.

Josie glanced down at her skirt, noticing their joined hands.

She suddenly froze.

Why did she accept Sean’s touch so naturally, while recoiling from Ian’s?

Thinking back, this wasn’t Sean’s first time holding her hand; in fact, he had done so a very, very long time ago.

Not only did they hold hands, but they also hugged. How had she felt then?

Apparently without objection?

Josie’s heart sank. Did this mean she’d loved Sean all along without realizing it?

Doomed!

She’d unknowingly fallen for someone completely unattainable.

Not only would Josie suffer love’s bitterness, but she would taste its anguish.

Josie felt both troubled and relieved!

She was troubled that she and Sean probably wouldn’t end up together, but grateful that, at least, it was him.

The car sped all the way to the hotel where the party was being held.

“It’s a business cocktail party,” Sean explained as they approached. “Many of Aloville’s elite will attend. As the Brown Group heir, Aiden will make his first public appearance today. The Hardings are prominent figures here. Zoey’s attended such events before. As an Aloville socialite, she’s quite well-regarded in these circles.”

“So you and Colby have known her for a while?” Josie wondered. “What about you? Have you attended such parties before?”

Sean shook his head. “I’m not sure whether Colby has participated before, but this is my first time, just like you.

So don’t be nervous or afraid, I’m here. Just focus on what you need to do.”