Chapter 296

Chapter 296:

Speaking up now would be like walking into a minefield. Though she worked for Delgado Jewelry, who knew what complaints might reach Kenneth’s ears through Leah?

“I just remembered some pressing matters that need my attention. I should go.” Cheryl cast an apologetic glance at Delilah before making her hasty retreat.

“Why did she leave?” Leah’s lips curved into a smirk as she lifted a glass of crimson wine from a passing waiter’s tray. “And here I was, anticipating such a touching display of sisterly solidarity.”

Delilah’s teeth grazed her lower lip as her fingers twisted in the fabric of her dress, her features etched with barely concealed hurt. “Ms. Sugden, I’m well aware of your considerable influence, and how your empire stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Delgado Jewelry. But this remains Delgado Jewelry’s celebration banquet. While your disdain for me is clear as crystal, you can’t compel me to leave this place.”

“Hold on a moment!” Leah’s hands flew up in a theatrical display of innocence. “Did those words ever cross my lips? Did I once suggest you should leave?”

A smile tinged with sorrow played across Delilah’s face. “Weren’t all those barbed comments designed to drive me away?”

Leah shook her head, amusement glinting in her eyes. Though she had to admit Delilah’s performance of wounded innocence while weaving her manipulative web showed promise, it was still like watching a novice attempt sleight of hand before a seasoned magician.

“By your implications, I’ve somehow morphed into the villain of this celebration, an outsider hurling cruel barbs at an innocent victim.”

The surrounding guests had begun to gravitate toward their exchange, their faces a canvas of confusion and barely concealed curiosity.

Delilah masterfully continued her performance, tears welling in her expertly made-up eyes, crafting an image of perfect vulnerability. Her carefully applied makeup—subtle and sweet—only served to heighten the illusion of guileless innocence.

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“That wasn’t my intention, Ms. Sugden.” Delilah drew in a measured breath, as if wrestling with inner turmoil. “I simply ask that, without concrete evidence of any wrongdoing on my part, you extend me the basic courtesy of respect.”

Her words rippled through the gathering crowd, painting broad strokes of understanding across their faces.

“Isn’t she Delilah Edwards? Word is she was dismissed. What business does she have here?”

“You said it yourself. She’s from the Edwards family, which has some ties to the Delgado family. Her presence at this celebration hardly raises an eyebrow.”

“Gee! I heard she’s a plagiarist, the very one who ignited Ms. Sugden’s fury at the exhibition. Delgado Jewelry, the crown jewel of original design, could see its pristine reputation tarnished beyond repair with such a questionable element in their design department.”

“Stop spreading rumors! The investigation’s wheels are still turning, and not a single thread of concrete evidence points to her plagiarizing anything.”

Whispers filled the air—some voices cast blame on Delilah, while others spoke in her defense, with many attendees merely enjoying the unfolding spectacle.

Off to one side, Aiden and Janice could be seen together, each with a glass of red wine in hand. They seemed utterly at ease, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere around them.

“Aiden, what do you think Delilah’s doing here?” Janice swirled her wine, her voice a mix of calm and curiosity. Delilah’s decision to attend the event was questionable at best.

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