Chapter 269
Chapter 269:
Sierra’s expression fell slightly, her lips forming a small pout. “She’s probably steering clear of any drama.” She had left home, and her mother had sent bodyguards to take her home by force. Meeting here would be awkward for them.
“Perfectly understandable,” Janice murmured, smoothing Sierra’s collar. Her eyes took in the young girl’s appearance, noting how the soft pink dress cast a rosy glow over her features, lending her an air of innocent charm. The ensemble stood in stark contrast to the austere formal attire Leonie typically insisted upon.
Those choices had never sat well with Sierra’s spirit.
Clearly, Sierra had picked her own outfit this time.
“There are a few things I’d love to discuss with her,” Janice mused thoughtfully.
Sierra’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Like what?”
Janice’s lips curved into a warm smile as she tapped Sierra’s nose playfully. “I’d ask her secret for raising such a delightful daughter.”
“Oh, you silver-tongued charmer! Don’t stop now!” Sierra beamed, her cheeks flooding with shyness.
“Janice, this exhibition is nothing short of magnificent. The guests are utterly captivated—a testament to your dedication to this event.” Stella glided over at that moment, offering Janice a measured nod of approval.
She cut an impressive figure herself today, adorned with carefully selected jewelry that proclaimed her status as a formidable businesswoman. Yet standing beside Janice, Stella felt her carefully crafted presence diminish. An uncomfortable sensation crept over her—as if she had somehow been reduced to the role of an assistant rather than a superior.
Inwardly, she acknowledged the bitter truth: some forms of grace simply couldn’t be acquired through effort alone.
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“Your kind words mean a lot, Stella. Though truly, this exhibition’s success rests entirely on Freak Design’s generous support,” Janice responded with effortless grace, her modest demeanor only serving to enhance her natural charm.
While Stella painted on a professional smile, frustration simmered beneath her polished exterior. Of course Freak Design had spared no expense—what else would they do for JE’s best friend? Freak Design had orchestrated every minute detail of the venue’s decoration, with Janice’s involvement being largely ceremonial. Yet here she stood, her false modesty ringing hollow.
“You’ll ensure Mr. Delgado properly acknowledges your contributions,” Stella remarked, masking her sigh with practiced grace. She consoled herself that as long as the exhibition achieved its goals, she could stomach Janice’s artful performance.
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Stella,” Janice replied, her smile a picture of innocence.
Their small talk dwindled to a natural close, and Stella glided away to attend to other distinguished guests. The exhibition had drawn an impressive constellation of society’s finest, their eyes gleaming with interest at the treasures on display.
Stella and her fellow Delgado Jewelry representatives took on their roles as guides.
“What’s drawing such a crowd to Delilah’s display?” Sierra’s question carried a note of genuine surprise. Following her gaze, Janice observed the sea of bodies surrounding Delilah’s booth.
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