From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 144

Their eyes met. Frederick's dark pupils reflected her gloomy expression.

Yet he was entirely dismissive. "You are representing the wife of the CEO of The Foster Group, not yourself."

"Be dignified. Just go through the motions."

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, and her straight back slumped in defeat.

She had known all along that, to him, she was nothing more than a flawless prop.

But truly experiencing it, having her own will forced down by his, made her feel so suppressed she felt like she was going crazy.

Lydia took a large step forward, her slender hands pressing against Frederick's chest, shoving him away with all her might. Even if it was like throwing an egg against a rock, she had to leave.

Her wrist was instantly seized by him.

"You're not a child. Be sensible," his stern voice came from above her.

She froze, her eyelashes fluttering as she forced back the anger in her eyes.

Jordan, who was supposed to be keeping Charles company in Kingsleigh, had unexpectedly appeared here. He was even walking toward them, laughing and talking with Daniel.

Seeing Daniel's calm expression, she forced herself to remain composed.

"Mr. Foster, Mrs. Foster." Jordan walked closer, following her gaze to ask, "Mrs. Foster, do you need to speak with Mr. Quinn?"

"Looking for Joanna, right?" Daniel chimed in.

Jordan truly lived up to his reputation as Charles's trusted aide of thirty years. She had merely taken an extra glance at Daniel, and he was already on alert.

She played along. "Yeah."

"Joanna is probably stuck in traffic. She'll be here soon."

"Okay."

"Mr. Foster, Mrs. Foster, I'll go offer the Chairman's congratulations to Mrs. Sutton first," Jordan said politely.

Lydia and Frederick gave faint, brief responses in unison.

Daniel also gave them a polite nod before heading toward the center of the banquet with Jordan.

Lydia reeled in her icy aura, only then realizing a thin layer of cold sweat had formed on her palms. She tried to pull her hand away. "Let me go."

But her hand was gripped tightly by Frederick's large one. He forcefully pulled her over, pinning her hand to his elbow, bringing her body close to his.

He squeezed her fingers firmly, signaling for her to link arms with him, his voice cool. "Go wish Mrs. Sutton a happy birthday first."

The moment she was pulled over, Lydia's beautiful eyes reflected the tall, straight figure of a man at the entrance.

"If anyone is to blame for this, it's that I married the wrong man."

"What does it have to do with my mother?"

The few people gathered around hadn't expected her to say that, and their faces all registered shock.

Daniel frowned at her.

She turned to look at Frederick. His dark eyes were calm and unbothered; he didn't seem to think much of her words.

Lydia continued, "It's all his fault! He's too outstanding, which made those evil women set their sights on him and repeatedly try to frame me."

The hint of helplessness, melancholy, and disappointment expected of a wife was exactly what Jordan wanted to see.

Frederick turned around. "Things like this won't happen again."

It sounded like a promise.

Her pretense and his perfunctory act actually made some people believe it was real.

Standing opposite them, Sierra was enraged by the mention of 'evil women' and Frederick's apparent pity for Lydia. She stared at their linked arms, her eyes filled with toxic malice.

"How can you blame Mr. Foster for this? If you ask me, you're lucky to have married into the Foster family. Not only is Mr. Foster tolerant, but Chairman Foster is also very understanding," Meredith chimed in. "From now on, you should spend less time with your mother and come home more often. Your stepmother has great tips for both navigating social circles and raising children. It would do you good to ask her for advice."