Chapter 5 Adaline's Provocation

Inside the lavishly decorated banquet hall, guests conversed animatedly, their glasses clinking in merry toasts.

Upon entering, Lilah made her way to the hosts of the soiree.

The Hughes family, known for their opulence, had organized the event. Kylie Hughes had eagerly anticipated meeting L.P. Her astonishment was palpable when she saw Lilah.

"You're L.P?" Kylie inquired.

"In the flesh," Lilah affirmed, presenting her invitation.

Kylie's eyes sparkled. "It's such a privilege to meet you. I'm hoping you might consider crafting a custom jewelry set for my daughter?"

Lilah, attaching an emblematic brooch of Aurora Jewelers to her attire, responded, "I've recently affiliated with Aurora Jewelers and will commence work shortly. For all jewelry requisitions, you can approach Aurora Jewelers."

"I'll certainly reach out!" Kylie was genuinely charmed by Lilah. Their conversation was delightful, and if not for others vying for Kylie's attention, it might have persisted indefinitely. As Kylie moved on, Lilah, turning abruptly, collided with an obstacle, causing the crimson wine in her grasp to splash.

"My bag, Lilah!" Adaline's voice rang out, drawing myriad glances their way.

The pristine bag now bore unsightly wine blotches. Adaline's countenance feigned sorrow. "Lilah, such thoughtlessness. My bag is ruined."

"I'll reimburse the cleaning expenses," Lilah offered calmly.

Adaline's face was a mask of pretentious pity. "Being in the jewelry domain, shouldn't you discern better? This is a rare piece. It's one of only ten globally, and it's embellished with blue diamonds. Cleaning it would diminish its worth." Her voice, although seemingly gentle, dripped with scorn. She continued patronizingly, "Let's simplify matters. Compensate with 300, 000 dollars."

"300, 000 for this bag?" Lilah responded with an amused smirk.

"It was a gift from Iker, worth half a million," Adaline retorted, her eyes shimmering with tears. "I didn't think you'd ruin it, Lilah. But I'm sure it wasn't intentional. Your relationship with Iker is history, after all."

Murmurs of sympathy for Adaline buzzed around.

"How can Lilah claim to be a jewelry designer and not appreciate the value of these diamonds?"

"I bet she did it out of envy, seeing Adaline's gift from Mr. Lewis."

"Adaline's generosity is astonishing. Knocking off 200, 000 just like that? I wouldn't be that kind. Clearly, Lilah and Adaline are worlds apart."

Lilah retorted with biting sarcasm, "Mr. Lewis has quite the taste, gifting his sweetheart a counterfeit bag."

Whispers erupted. "Is Lilah trying to evade payment by falsely claiming the bag is a replica?"

A hint of guilt flashed across Iker's eyes, but then his countenance grew icy. "What are you implying, Lilah?"

Without hesitation, Lilah plucked a blue diamond from the bag and hurled it to the floor.

With a pronounced crack, it shattered.

"It seems the bond between Mr. Lewis and Miss Adaline Phillips is as fragile as this gem. For the knowledgeable ones here, need I mention real diamonds aren't so easily broken?" Lilah cast a disdainful glance at Adaline, her voice dripping with scorn. "Fakes will always remain fakes, no matter how much you wish otherwise."

It was a brazen affront!

Fury mingled with disbelief on Adaline's face as she processed that Iker might have presented her with a faux bag. She sought answers in Iker's eyes, which had grown stormy. He retorted defensively, "The authentic piece is en route. It couldn't be delivered by Valentine's Day, so I procured a superior imitation to appease Adaline temporarily. Once the genuine article arrives, I'll exchange it."

With a sardonic smile, Lilah replied, "Of course, I take your word for it."