In the Lap of Luxury
Chapter 549 She's Barren

Now, because of Grace's provocation, Jessica had to tighten her belt for the next three months.

As Grace watched the commotion, she initially enjoyed the scene until she noticed the card Jessica used. Then, her smile faded.

Emily noticed the change and asked, "What's wrong?"

"That card. It looks familiar," Grace mused, unable to recall where she had seen it.

Emily wanted a closer look, but Jessica had already tucked it away.

Jessica approached Grace with a smug look, holding her new bag.

"See, I've paid for it. Don't end up buying something cheaper than me, Ms. Lewis. That would be quite embarrassing!"

Grace remained unfazed and walked into the store, instructing the clerk to wrap up a handbag she had previously eyed. It was a medium-priced bag she liked for its unique and elegant design. Jessica scoffed. "That's only two thousand dollars. That's all?"

Grace looked puzzled and answered, "I'm here to pick something I like, not to compete with you, Ms. Landon. Is there a problem?"

Jessica realized she had been outsmarted by Grace again.

Pamore's social circles would surely buzz about this for the next few months.

Clutching her shopping bag tightly, Jessica understood why the Quinn family hadn't been able to beat Grace. This woman was too cunning! She left in a huff.

Esme approached Grace and asked, "Is she from the Landon family?"

"Yes, Mrs. Thorne, do you know her?"

"Not personally, but she looks familiar."

Esme had met many people in her four decades in this circle. She found Jessica peculiarly familiar, yet she couldn't place her anywhere. "By the way, I had some ladies over for tea recently and overheard some news."

Esme signaled discreetly. Sensing the cue, Emily took the boy aside.

"What news?"

"The president of Eastwood Construction has been visiting Meco frequently. He lost a lot of money and is on the brink of bankruptcy." Gossip among women might seem trivial, but it often carried significant and reliable information.

Grace understood that Esme probably knew of her rivalry with Samuel and was giving her this information for a reason.

That was fast. It turned out that Xander was right.

"Does anyone else know?"

"I made sure it didn't leak."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thorne. I know what to do."

Esme handed her an invitation. "The boy's birthday is next month. You must come."

Grace understood that this was Esme's way of formally announcing her guardianship of the boy.

"I'll be there."

Once in the car, Emily asked in surprise, "Mrs. Thorne is really going to raise her husband's child with another woman. Isn't she afraid of his divided loyalties?"

"I guess she doesn't have much choice," Grace speculated. "She's almost 40 years old and childless. Do you think it's by choice?"

Emily came to a realization. "She's barren."

That's why she had accepted Willow's child. It was a move out of necessity.

Emily shivered and said, "Gosh, it's so complex. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

"Then don't! I recently found a place that serves authentic curry. Let's go!"

As their car sped away, they didn't see Jessica's car returning. She rushed back into the store.

"I want to return this."

The staff were taken aback.

"Ms. Landon, we don't accept returns."

"I left your store less than ten minutes ago, and I haven't even opened the bag. Why can't I return it?"

Jessica insisted, "Don't make me call the consumer rights hotline!"

She didn't want to create a scene, but money was tight for her at the moment.