I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 225: The Air Would Be Rife With Speculation

Chapter 225: The Air Would Be Rife With Speculation

The soft glow of Lyse’s phone illuminated her face as she held it to her ear, a faint smile playing on her lips. Bella’s voice, bright and cheerful, filled the room, a welcome distraction from the lingering tension of the past few days.

"Lyse, darling, did you get the invitation?" Bella asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

"Invitation?" Lyse echoed, her brow furrowing slightly. "What invitation? Infact, who is this?"

"Oh I’m sorry, it’s Bella. I’m Ken Stuart’s manager, we met at your home a couple of months ago." Bella clarified. "And he has been invited to a charity event next week, and he specifically asked me to invite you."

Lyse’s eyes widened slightly. In the middle of the brouhaha, she had entirely forgotten about the invitation from Ken.

"Oh," she said, her voice laced with surprise. "I... I have been so busy, I forgot all about it."

"Well, that is alright," Bella assured her. "He is very keen for you to attend. He said he’s a big admirer of your designs."

Lyse’s smile widened. "That’s... that’s very kind of him," she said, her voice filled with gratitude at the thought of Ken taking notice of her work.

"So," Bella continued, her voice laced with a hint of mischief, "are you interested?"

Lyse hesitated. She had been thinking of avoiding social events lately, preferring to focus on her work and her own emotional well-being. But the idea of attending a charity event, of supporting a good cause, was appealing. And the fact that Ken Stuart had personally invited her was an honor she could not easily dismiss. Then she remembered how jealously Levi had reacted to the invitation. It would serve him right to see her out with Ken Stuart.

"Yes," she said finally, her voice firm. "I would love to go."

"Wonderful!" Bella exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "Ken will be so thrilled. He was hoping you’d say yes."

She paused, her voice turning slightly conspiratorial.

"He’s a good man, Lyse," Bella said, her voice softening. "He has a big heart. And he’s really looking forward to seeing you there."

"I’m looking forward to it too," Lyse said, her voice sincere. "Thank you for inviting me, Bella."

"Of course, darling," Bella replied. "I will send you all the details. It is going to be a fabulous evening."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. Lyse hung up the phone, her smile still lingering. She felt a surge of excitement, a renewed sense of purpose. She had been feeling lost and adrift lately, but this invitation felt like a lifeline, a reminder that she was still valued, still appreciated.

In a whole other city, in a luxurious penthouse apartment, Bella hung up her own phone, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Ken Stuart, the tall, distinguished man with silver hair and a warm smile, was pacing anxiously in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Well?" he asked, his voice laced with anticipation. "What did she say?"

"She said yes!" Bella exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "Lyse is coming to the event with you."

Ken’s face lit up, his anxiety momentarily forgotten.

"That is wonderful!" he said, his voice filled with relief. "I was hoping she would. She is such a remarkable young woman."

"She is," Bella agreed, her smile widening. "And she is going to make your time at the event even more special."

Ken’s smile faltered slightly. "Speaking of special," he said, his voice hesitant, "would you... would you mind coming with me? For emotional support?"

Bella’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of mock exasperation. "Emotional support? What am I, an emotional animal?" she echoed, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. "Ken, darling, you are a grown man and half the women in the world are in love with you. You are a successful man. You can handle a charity event."

Ken’s cheeks flushed slightly. "I know, I know," he mumbled. "But I’m just... I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what I’m going to say to her, she makes me tongue tied."

Bella sighed, her expression softening. She knew Ken was genuinely anxious. He was a kind and gentle soul, and the situation with Lyse was not his usual business.

"Alright, Ken," she said, her voice laced with affection. "I’ll go with you. But only as a friend. And only if you promise to stop being so nervous."

Ken’s face lit up again. "Thank you so much, Bella," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You are a lifesaver, what can I do without you?"

"I know," Bella replied, her smile returning. "But remember, Ken, I’m not going to be your... your girlfriend-for-the-night. I don’t want to be attacked again by your crazy girlfriend."

Ken’s face fell. "Oh, right." He looked away, embarrassed.

"I am serious, Ken. I don’t want any misunderstandings. I am just there as a friend, and that is it."

It pained Bella to create the distance between them, but she knew that if she allowed herself even a little then she would be in trouble. Ken had no idea that she had been in love with him all this while and there was no need to ruin their relationship. She would rather have him as a friend and nothing more, than lose him all together.

Ken nodded, and looked back at Bella. "I understand. Thank you, Bella."

Bella smiled. "You’re welcome, Ken. Now, let’s talk about the event. We need to make sure everything is perfect for Lyse."

They moved away from the window, their voices fading as they discussed the details of the upcoming charity event. Lyse’s presence by his side would probably cause an uproar, any time a woman appeared on Ken’s arm, the air would be rife with speculation.

There was also Felicity to deal with, she would not be pleased to find out Ken went for an event with a different woman, and one younger than her. She would be sure to make a whole issue about it.