The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1401

"How do I look?"

Ava glanced at her young daughter and nodded in satisfaction. "Absolutely stunning, of course. Look at you both, you are my baby daughters. Don’t worry, you two will be the belles of the ball."

Barbara and Becky, one on each side of Ava, gratefully beamed at her.

"We won't be the prettiest ones there. The most beautiful woman at the banquet will definitely be you, Mom."

Ava chuckled. "You girls sure know how to sweet-talk."

They all shared a light-hearted laugh. After a while, Becky's smile faded, and she asked somberly, "Dad's going to be there with you at the state banquet, right?"

Ava's smile vanished, too, as a flicker of pain crossed her eyes. Becky realized her misstep, but it only fueled her resentment. "Dad's being ridiculous. You're his lawful wife. How can he spend every day with that other woman? She can't even have children, and yet he neglects us for her. I hate him!"

Ava felt a pang of pain. "Enough, Becky! Haven't I taken good care of you two?"

Startled by Ava's outburst, Becky withdrew her hand and stomped upstairs.

Barbara comforted Ava, patting her shoulder gently. "Don't be upset. Dad will definitely come back for such an important occasion. He always did, didn't he? And unlike other men, Dad doesn't have multiple wives. You still have your dignity..."

In their society, it was common for wealthy men to have several wives.

Ava, who grew up in a more conservative environment, found it hard to reconcile with this.

Barbara and Becky, however, having grown up here, had no problems with it. They never understood why Ava was so opposed to their father taking other wives. As they grew older, they began to understand some things, but still couldn't change anything.

Moreover, their father never intended to marry their mother. If it wasn't for Ava getting pregnant and telling their grandmother, their father wouldn't have married her.

Perhaps Ava should have let their father marry that other woman. It might have made him remember Ava's understanding character. But who was to blame now?

Although no one voiced these thoughts, they were all aware of it. They avoided the topic out of respect for royal dignity.

Ava was the adopted daughter of Queen Julia, and her husband, William, was Julia’s nephew.

Barbara guided Ava to the couch, and then brought up a new topic. "Mom, do you remember Chloe?"

Ava's face changed. "I remember. Why?"

Barbara gave a mysterious smile, her eyes holding a glint of something more. "She's been invited to the state banquet. I'm just wondering if she has any other plans..."

Ava, who had sensed something strange in Barbara's tone, turned to her. "What are you implying? Spit it out."

Barbara chuckled lightly. "I'm just worried about her past feud with Becky in P City. I wonder if she might stir up trouble this time..."

Ava snorted, "She's just there to perform. She doesn't have the right to even see you two. After her performance, she should leave. How could she possibly have anything to do with you?"

Barbara raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "If that's the case, then it's all good."