Chapter 51
Shirley had spent so much money and effort on her outfit and makeup. ‘Are these people blind? she fumed. ‘What is so beautiful about Cynthia’s ragged clothes?”
However, deep down, Shirley knew that Cynthia was beautiful, the extent that she had the urge to throw acid on her face. Suddenly, Shirley regretted hosting her birthday party together with Cynthia. But soon, she adjusted her emotions.
Let her bask in her moment of pride for now. Tonight, she would be ruined, she thought.
After the three of them descended from the stairs, the lights in the hall brightened dramatically. The guests gathered around and showered the two young women with birthday wishes.
Shirley had invited many friends today, and they all crowded around her, offering her compliments. Soon, Cynthia was pushed out of the center of attention.
Meanwhile, Justin and Selena were also busy entertaining important guests. Therefore, she was quite content to keep her distance from the social scene.
She came to the buffet area, picked up a glass of champagne, and took a light sip. Then, she grabbed a slice of mousse cake and found a quiet spot on the couch to enjoy her treat.
Though surrounded by everyone, Shirley’s eyes frequently wandered back to Cynthia.
At first, she felt a thrill at seeing her isolated and forlorn at the side, but soon, she noticed people occasionally making their way over to Cynthia, chatting with her or inviting her to dance.
Among them were handsome young men. Even if Cynthia had politely declined their advances, they continued approaching her, one after another.
Shirley was fuming internally. She couldn’t understand why. In terms of status, she was the real daughter of the Jones family. In terms of dressing, her several hundred thousand dollar outfits were much better than Cynthia’s bare–faced look.
A plan began to form in her mind. She suddenly shouted toward Cynthia, “Cynthia!”
Cynthia heard her and looked over, seeing Shirley smiling brightly at her as the latter said innocently, “Cynthia, bring me a glass of champagne.”
Setting down her slice of cake, she picked up a glass of champagne and walked over to Shirley.
Before the banquet, Selena had specifically instructed them to portray a deep sisterly bond. Since Shirley was going to play along, Cynthia would comply too.
As Cynthia approached with the champagne, she heard Shirley openly mocking her in front of the gathered guests.
A woman in a mermaid dress standing next to Shirley covered her mouth in laughter. “Shirley, why does that dress on her look like the discounted goods you bought at the duty–free shop last time?”
Shirley shot a haughty glance at Cynthia and said disdainfully. “Yeah. That kind of clothing looks like something from a street vendor to me, so I just gave it to her casually.”
“How could she wear your discarded clothes to such an important event? Doesn’t she feel embarrassed? She was once the daughter of the Jones family, after all. Doesn’t she have a decent outfit to wear?” someone asked.
“How does she even count as the daughter of the Jones family? My parents have long disowned her. She’s just clinging to our family. She’s not even worth as much as a housekeeper now,” Shirley said.
The guests around them started casting disdainful glances at Cynthia.
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Chapter 31
“She’s just too reluctant to give up the riches and glory of the Jones family. How shamelesst one commented,
Shirley shot a provocative glance at Cynthia as she said, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll just consider her a pet dog. Look how obedient she is, doing whatever she’s told.”
Laughter erupted among those gathered around Shirley. Their voices were loud enough as if they were deliberately telling it to Cynthia.
However, the latter’s expression remained unchanged as she walked up to Shirley with a glass of champagne.
Shirley knew that Cynthia wouldn’t dare to embarrass her on such an occasion. Otherwise, Selena wouldn’t let the latter off. Feeling emboldened, she began to humiliate Cynthia even more. “Cynthia, my shoes are dirty. Please help me clean them.” Then, she extended her foot to Cynthia and reached out to take the champagne glass from Cynthia’s hand.
She wanted to savor the champagne while enjoying the sight of Cynthia cleaning her shoes. She even hinted to those around her to record the moments.
Cynthia remained silent, seemingly complying as she passed the glass over. However, just as Shirley’s hand was about to touch the glass, Cynthia suddenly held it with both hands and calmly poured the champagne onto the floor.
The liquid in the glass streamed on the floor in a line before being quickly absorbed by the carpet. As Shirley had extended her foot out, half of the champagne was poured right onto her shoe.
She almost screamed. The pair of shoes she wore today were custom–made crystal heels from Moulmore. On the surface, it was adorned with thousands of tiny hand–sewn crystals, and the shoes took two months to complete and were worth several hundred thousand dollars:
Now, it was destroyed by Cynthia.
“Cynthia, what are you doing?” Shirley exploded in rage. She didn’t expect Cynthia to humiliate her in front of everyone.
The latter placed the champagne glass on a nearby server’s tray, her demeanor calm and elegant as if she had merely been toasting with someone else.
With a casual flick of her wavy hair, she resembled a cat that had just woken up.
Cynthia’s voice dripped with a sense of superiority and nonchalance as she spoke. “Im just offering you a drink. Drink up; don’t waste it. With that, she turned and walked away.
Confusion washed over the crowd.
One of Shirley’s companions pointed out, “Shirley, what she just did looked like an offering of libation to the dead.”
At this, everyone realized what had just happened.
Earlier, Cynthia had held the glass in her hands and poured the champagne onto the ground in a manner that mimicked the actions of offering libation to the dead.
“Shirley, is she cursing you to die?” someone asked.
Everyone was shocked. No one had expected Cynthia to act so brazenly toward Shirley
Shirley’s face turned pale with anger. Not only had her several hundred thousand dollar shoes been ruined by Cynthia, but she had also been publicly humiliated in such a demeaning way
Cynthia, stop right there!” Shirley rushed after her and blocked Cynthia’s path. “How dare you! Don’t you know your status now? If it weren’t for me begging Mom, you wouldn’t even deserve to celebrate your birthday here with me. You should be grateful, yet this is how you treat me!”
Chapter 31
Shirley’s friends also started gallying behind her. “That’s right, Shirley! She ruined your expensive shoes, you should ask her to lick them clean”
“She even cursed you on your birthday! You should ask her to kneel and apologize,” one said.
“Shirley, how dare she embarrass you? You must teach her a lesson!” another added.
Many people nearby turned their attention toward the commotion. However, even under such pressure, Cynthia’s smile remained unfazed.
She spoke slowly. “Shirley, I advise you not to push your luck. I can make you feel even more embarrassed. Do you want to give it a try?”
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