Chapter 241

“Oh, dear. They say heirlooms can carry a family’s luck. Now that the sculpture is shattered, isn’t that a terrible omen? If something were to suddenly happen to Grandpa, Aunt Marcia, you would be the disgrace of the James family!”
“You-you!” Marcia raised her hand to strike, her face contorted with rage, but Mrs. James Sr. stopped her.
If Marcia resorted to violence after creating such an embarrassing scene, her reputation would be utterly destroyed.
Having been around the block more than a few times, Mrs. James Sr. could see it clearly. This Yvonne was like a completely different person, a fierce wolf cub who would sink her teeth into anyone who dared to cross her.
Low murmurs had already begun to ripple through the crowd. The upper class enjoyed gossip as much as anyone else.
“Well, no wonder the eldest daughter of the James family married down. It seems her stepsister stole her intended match.”
“I heard Ms. James gave birth to her first daughter just a few months after marrying into the Reed family. It looks like she and Mr. Reed were involved long before the wedding.”
“It’s the classic wicked stepmother story, isn’t it? First her fiancé, then her wedding gifts. The poor thing.”
“I hear Joshua is the one calling the shots at the James Group now. Mr. James Sr. has clearly picked his favorite. It’s a shame for his first wife, who struggled alongside him for decades, only for someone else to reap all the rewards.”
“How can someone so heartless live with themselves? You have to wonder if they fear karma. Maybe this shattered jade is a sign.”
Although the guests kept their voices to a whisper, not daring to criticize Mr. James Sr. to his face, his expression had already turned grim.
Mrs. James Sr., equally mortified, forced a smile and pretended to scold Marcia. “Look at you, a grown woman acting so carelessly. Apologize to your sister at once.”
Marcia’s face was a dark mask of resentment, but she managed to mutter, “I’m sorry, Teresa. It was my fault for being clumsy.”
“It’s alright We’re family. I won’t hold
it against you,” Teresa said
though her eyes
magoanime perfect
were stilred, painting
picture of someone swallowing her
pride.

The eyes of every guest were fixed on them, and the faces of Mrs. James Sr. and Marcia grew increasingly strained.
After that incident, the atmosphere cooled considerably.
Queena and Oscar arrived later and missed the drama.
Queena was dressed in a
limited-edition haute couture gown, an priceless emerald necklace
gracing
ver neck,”
diamond-encrusted bracelet from a luxury brand on her wrist.
However, her complexion was pale, and even a thick layer of foundation couldn’t hide the dark circles under
her eyes She looked like a life-si dolf draped in luxury and jewels, utterly devoid of a soul.
She held Oscar’s arm, and they appeared to be an intimate, picture-perfect couple, a match made in heaven.
“Grandpa, happy birthday. Wishing you many happy returns,” Queena and Oscar said in unison as they approached Mr. and Mrs. James Sr., presenting their gift.
Mr. James Sr.’s expression softened considerably as he smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with Oscar.
Mrs. James Sr. was even more effusive, taking Queena’s hand and fussing over her as if she were her own flesh and blood.
“Queena grows more beautiful by the day. And you and Mr. Rogers make such a perfect pair, like two angels descended from heaven.”