Claudia looked Jolie in the eye. The room was alive with anticipation, everyone waiting for her response.

“I apologize, but I do mind,”

Claudia responded calmly.

Claudia's words wiped the patronizing smile on Jolie's face. She looked particularly offended.

In Jolie's mind, she had just pulled off her best acting yet. She thought that by acting so kind to Claudia in front of so many people, Claudia would have no choice but to agree.

To her greatest surprise, Claudia saw right through her. She didn't bother to feign cordial respect with Jolie even in the presence of all these people. She straight-up voiced her opinion.

The onlookers gasped after they heard Claudia's response.

“Wow! Seriously! How come Claudia is so brave? She doesn't even bother to show her husband's stepmother a Little bit of respect. How did she manage to do that?"

"You know nothing! Based on what I have heard, Bennett and his stepmother never got along well. Claudia has to take her husband's side always, so there's no way she would be friendly to his enemy."

"If you ask me, that's not enough justification for Claudia to behave this way. She's in public. Wasn't it too impolite of her to refuse without mincing words?"

“Who cares about politeness? Claudia owes her nothing. Look, Bennett even gifted her such an expensive necklace. Do you seriously think he would let anyone bully her here? She has a strong backer, so why worry what an old shrew thinks?”

The comments came in whispers, but Jolie still heard them loud and clear.

Their words didn't quite get to her, though. Since she got married to Benico over ten years ago, she had been facing ridicule from elites. She was used to this.

She masked up her real expression and raised her chin. "Oh, I respect your decision, Claudia. Feel free to give yourself a tour of this place. Zaria here has something important to discuss with Bennett, anyways."

Zaria, who was standing next to Jolie, was all dolled up like the rest of the women at this party. Her makeup was so heavy that she was one contour away from being a cartoon character. As soon as Jolie finished speaking, Zaria chimed in, “Bennett, do you mind if we go somewhere else to have a chat?”

Bennett glanced at her indifferently.

“I'm sorry. I also mind.”

Wow! What an amazing couple!

Zaria's eyelashes fluttered with embarrassment. However, she continued to smile as she turned to look at Claudia. "In that case, can I have a word with you, Claudia?"

Claudia studied her expression for a few beats. Then, she asked seriously, “Would you back down if I say no?"

Zaria stretched her thin lips further to keep her frozen smile in place. "I'm afraid I'll be rather persistent, so you'd better not refuse now.

With an eye roll, Claudia finally said, "Okay, then I‘1l Listen to whatever nonsense you have to say."

“Ha-ha-ha!"

Someone in the crowd burst out laughing.