Chapter 365 Stirring up Trouble
Today, at the Opal Group's press conference, except for Admas, who couldn't attend due to old age, both Victoria and Jennifer from the Shawn family attended. Cathy clung closely to Victoria.
Victoria wore an elegant white dress today, complemented by an emerald necklace around her neck that truly commanded presence.
Jennifer opted for a professional look with a white blouse and a black pencil skirt, embodying the image of a career woman.
Everyone was somewhat startled upon seeing Chloe standing next to Michael, radiant as ever.
Chloe seemed even more refined than they remembered from a few weeks ago.
Cathy stared enviously at the jewelry Chloe wore.
They were set and designed in the shape of plants, crafted by the Opal Group's favored jeweler this season.
This was a globally limited edition set.
They sold out as soon as they hit the market, and poor Cathy hadn't been quick enough to secure one.
She had considered paying a premium but couldn't even get in line.
"Mom, look at her necklace!"
Cathy tugged at Victoria's arm, speaking with envy.
"That necklace...
"It's the one you liked, Mom. I don't know how Chloe managed to get that set. She's so lucky!"
Victoria narrowed her eyes, feeling a surge of jealousy and displeasure.
"How do you know her set is genuine?"
The designer's pieces were so outstanding that there were numerous fakes and replicas around.
Some replicas were so well-made they could be mistaken for the real thing.
At first glance, it was hard to tell whether they were genuine.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
"Mom, are you saying... Chloe's wearing a fake?"
"Only three sets exist in the whole world, and only one was sold domestically to a wealthy buyer who preferred to remain anonymous. Do you think that person could be Chloe?" Holding a champagne glass, Victoria swirled the liquid inside.
"What if it was a gift from Michael to her?"
Victoria scoffed lightly, "Do you really think that's possible? Everyone in the Shawn family knows Michael is nearly fed up with Chloe. The only reason they aren't divorced yet is because of Sir Shawn." She thought, "Would Michael buy such expensive jewelry for Chloe?
Impossible!"
Hearing her mother's words, Cathy found them quite plausible.
So, her gaze towards Chloe was filled with disdain.
"If she can't afford it, she shouldn't wear fakes and embarrass the Shawn family!"
Victoria drained her champagne in one gulp.
"If she didn't make a fool of herself, how would our class and upbringing stand out?"
She placed her glass on a tray held by a passing waiter and pulled Cathy aside.
Ten minutes later, the room was abuzz with whispered speculations.
People constantly looked towards Chloe.
*****
Michael was whisked away to the restroom by Asher, leaving Chloe alone at the banquet hall.
Suddenly, a young girl in a fishtail dress approached her.
With arms crossed, the girl looked Chloe up and down dismissively, her gaze pausing on Chloe's neck.
"Are you Mrs. Shawn?"
Chloe didn't recognize the girl and simply kept her smile, choosing not to respond.
The girl sneered condescendingly.
"Such a country bumpkin, coming to such an event dressed so old-fashioned. Aren't you ashamed of wearing that fake necklace?"
Chloe looked puzzled.
"Who are you?"
"You! It doesn't matter who I am. I just can't stand you wearing fakes. This is the Opal Group's event, and you dare wear fakes right in front of the chairman. You've got some nerve."
Chloe remained confused.
"It's not for you to judge whether I've got nerve or not. To face a stranger with such malice, you're pretty pathetic."
"Am I wrong? Do you even know how much your necklace and earrings are worth?"
"I don't!"
Chloe's quick reply caught her off guard.
"Why bother arguing with such people? She's just greedy and vain. Why else would she marry Michael? He never liked her. She's always been the one pursuing him just for the money." Cathy sauntered over, joining the girl who had been looking down on Chloe.
Now Chloe understood.
It was Cathy stirring up trouble again.