Chapter 1701

Since they were close in age, Wilhelmina easily drew Bella into conversation, with Emily accompanying them. The three of them laughed and chatted happily. Wilhelmina had never had trouble getting along with other women. She had previously gotten along well with Phoebe, and now she and Bella were speaking with the same effortless warmth. However, Jack's heart twisted with unease as he watched the two women talk so freely with each other. He was worried that, with a slip of the tongue, Wilhelmina might expose his complicated relationship with other women. That would be a recipe for disaster. There was no one he dreaded more than Wilhelmina—for she held too many of his secrets in the palm of her hand. Wilhelmina even invited Bella out shopping that afternoon, leaving Jack with no chance to be alone with Bella. Determined to be a good host, Emily prepared a lavish dinner for Bella. She kept placing food on Bella's plate until her cheeks turned rosy with embarrassment. That night, Emi