Chapter 292
Chapter 292:
As they made their entrance into Delgado Jewelry’s celebration banquet, time seemed to pause, as if a scene from an enchanted tale had sprung to life before the guests’ eyes.
The assembled crowd fell into an awestruck hush, their collective breath caught in their throats.
“Wow, Janice! You look gorgeous!” Sierra burst forward from the crowd, her excitement bubbling over as she clasped Janice’s hands in wonder. “For a moment, I truly believed a fairy had graced us with her presence, only to discover it was you, Janice!”
“You certainly haven’t lost your gift for flattery.” Leah approached, commanding attention in a black evening gown that captured the night sky itself, each star-like sparkle emphasizing her presence. Her striking makeup, bold and fierce, typically created an invisible barrier that kept others at a respectful distance. Yet as she took her place beside Janice, her intimidating aura seemed to melt away.
The stark contrast left onlookers whispering among themselves, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. How was it possible that Leah, the formidable CEO of Freak Design, could turn so naturally into what appeared to be Janice’s devoted follower?
Wasn’t Janice cast out of the Edwards family? Even with the considerable influence of the Green family and her connection to JE, surely it shouldn’t warrant such deference from someone of Leah’s status.
“Leah, you look stunning today too.” Sierra’s warm compliment broke through the murmurs. She, too, had dressed up for the occasion, trading her usual playful charm for an air of sophisticated grace. “One of you is a goddess, the other an enchantress. You two are simply stunning.”
“Sierra, you really know how to sweet-talk, don’t you?” Leah exhaled softly, shooting a resigned glance at Janice. “At this rate, she’ll steal my position before long.”
A playful smirk crossed Janice’s face. “Your status does seem rather precarious.”
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The comment caught Leah off guard, genuine concern flickering across her features. What had started as a lighthearted jest suddenly felt like a warning bell in her mind.
There was a time when Leah had been unmatched in her ability to delight Janice with well-placed compliments. But now, with this newcomer’s silver tongue, her special place felt threatened.
Catching Leah’s flicker of worry, Janice reached out and gently flicked her forehead. “What’s going on in that head of yours? You know you could never be replaced.”
Leah rubbed her forehead with a frown, but warmth bloomed in her chest.
That playful flick was their thing—something Janice had never shared with Sierra.
It was proof enough that Janice spoke true: her place was secure.
“All this praise floating around, you must be feeling left out,” Janice mused, casting a sideways glance at Aiden.
Sierra jumped at the opening, flashing her sweetest smile in Aiden’s direction. “Aiden, you’re looking particularly dashing today. You and Janice are the perfect match.”
While the initial compliment barely registered, the latter observation tugged the corners of Aiden’s mouth into the faintest of smiles.
“Well, well! The stoic CEO actually cracking a smile?” Leah pounced on his reaction, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Aiden, you’re quite pleased hearing that you and Janice make the perfect pair, aren’t you? Those rumors must be wrong after all. It looks like this marriage runs deeper than anyone thought.”
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