Chapter 17 11 288 Vouchers " Elaine , I heard you're working at a magazine ? " Elaine wore a simple pair of earrings that didn't quite match her outfit . Stacy took off the earrings and chose a pair of sapphire - blue rhinestone earrings from the jewelry box on the table . She put them on Elaine . Staring at her reflection in the mirror , Elaine felt a bit lost . The unfamiliarity of her own image made her pause . " I was just bored at home . " She had never dressed so formally before - high - end custom dress , a beautiful necklace , and expensive earrings . Looking at herself in the mirror , she finally felt what it meant to be the daughter of the Valentine family . " Then you should be working at our company , " Stacy said , clearly disapproving of her working at a magazine . " You'd be treated much better there . At our company , with Dad and me around , no one would dare to bully you . " Although Stacy married Cordell , she didn't join his company . Instead , she stayed at the Valentine family business as the manager of the design department . 0.00 % 23 23 07.22 23 Chapter 17 . 288 Vouchers She was known for her strong abilities at work . Elaine smiled lightly and changed the subject . " Stacy , how have you been all these years ? " Stacy , who was finishing up her makeup , paused for a moment . Her eyes darkened slightly , but it lasted only for a second . Elaine , busy adjusting a bracelet , didn't notice . Stacy put the powder puff back in the box and smiled . " Things have been good , aside from the occasional work stress . " At that moment , Constance entered the room , glanced at Elaine , clearly pleased with her appearance , and smiled . However , when she remembered why Marcelo had asked her to come , a hint of hesitation crossed her face . Elaine noticed her discomfort and asked , " Mom , is there something you need to talk to me about ? " Stacy , unaware of the reason , assumed it was because she was there that Constance felt awkward . Though a little put off , she graciously put down the small mirror . " Elaine , stay here and rest with Mom for a moment . I'll go downstairs to check on things . " 27.16 % 23 D 23 07.22 Chapter17 Constance stopped her . " Stacy , you don't need to leave . " 1288 iVouchers Stacy hesitated , looking between Constance and Elaine , confused . Elaine was even more confused . " Mom , if you have something to say , go ahead . " Constance fell silent for a moment , then took Elaine's hand . " Elaine , your dad is going to introduce some young talents to you today . Even if your work isn't related to theirs , it's still a good opportunity to meet new people and make connections . " Her words were subtle , but Elaine understood perfectly . Marcelo's goal was clear - he wanted to shut down any ideas she might have about Cordell and make sure she didn't harbor any feelings for him . In addition , for families like theirs , marriage alliances were common . This could be another w This could be another way of scouting potential suitors for her . If someone at the gathering caught Marcelo's eye , he might encourage her to get closer to them , making her just another piece in the family's grand plan . She shouldn't have come back . If it weren't for Constance's personal call , she might have wond 54.12 % 23 23 23 if 07:22 Chapter 17 her return was part of their strategy all along - to marry her off . 11 299 Wouchers But with Constance , Elaine felt a sense of comfort . Outside , Cordell stood with his hand in his pocket , the other frozen mid - air as he hesitated to knock on the door . His smile faded , and his lips pressed into a tight line . After a long moment , he forced a faint smile , knocked on the door , and stepped inside when Stacy called , " Come in . " " The guests are mostly here . We can head down now . " He gave Elaine a quick , unreadable look . She was stunning tonight , but her complexion seemed off . " It's time to go downstairs , " Constance said , glancing at Elaine with a soft sigh . " Let's go . " 82.22 % O