Chapter 718

"How dare he?!" Eloise slammed the table, wincing as her burn flared. She wouldn't back down, though.

"It's just an auction," she said, "but everyone brings their wives. Won't he be mortified bringing that woman? Doesn't he care about his image anymore? What will outsiders think of the Tanner family?"

Arianna paused before replying slowly. "Mom, I have to be honest. I've seen men bring mistresses to events. Some wives have no influence, and their husbands bring different partners each time. It never happened in our family before—Dad either didn't dare, or wasn't interested. But now…"

"Now he has the guts?" Eloise raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp.

"What do you think?" Arianna countered.

Eloise wanted to say Joseph wouldn't dare, even if challenged. But she couldn't. She knew he would dare. The Tanner family's position was secure, but Derrick's family was losing power. Joseph stood to inherit everything. He'd already brought his illegitimate son home; securing Elizabeth's position was his next step. He had the audacity to do anything now. This understanding fueled her anxiety.

"Your father's really going to bring that woman to the auction. He's going to… abandon our family and me, isn't he?" Eloise's voice trembled. Even her tough exterior couldn't mask her fear.

"It might not be that serious," Arianna comforted her. "Mom, everyone knows your contributions. Even if Dad isn't grateful, he'll worry about the resources and connections you've built. You have Tanner Corporation shares, too. It's not much, but he'll care about that."

Arianna continued her analysis. "As for the auction, I'm not sure he'll bring her. I just saw her buying clothes and shoes today, so I assumed she's preparing. But it's just a guess. Even if he does, it's just an auction."

Eloise's anger subsided slightly. "You're right. It's just an auction. Let her attend if she's so desperate. We'll see what she's capable of!" She scoffed, narrowing her eyes. She pulled out her phone and made a call. "Help me investigate someone."

Arianna watched silently. She knew her mother had the resources to handle this herself. Once the call was finished, Eloise composed herself, then stared intently at Arianna.

"What's wrong? Is something on my face?" Arianna touched her face, confused.

"Ari, I realize I'm becoming unfamiliar with you." Eloise felt a sudden unease. She didn't know her daughter as well as she thought. Arianna had always seemed gentle and obedient. But knowing about Arianna saving Nathaniel, and their relationship, unsettled her. The memory made her uncomfortable.