Chapter 74
“You… All of you, shut up!” Yelena’s face burned with humiliation as she turned to run away, but she stumbled, spraining her foot on her high heel and hissing in pain.
Cordelia stood by, coldly watching Yelena’s downfall. She had brought this upon herself.
Cordelia pursed her lips, feeling no sympathy for Yelena. While they were both Jenners, to the outsiders, they were united as a family, and Cordelia couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by her connection to someone like Yelena.
Before Yelena left, she shot Cordelia a venomous glare, her teeth nearly crushing from how hard she was gritting them.
Oliver smiled at the crowd. “It’s a misunderstanding. Please continue with the event!”
The dinner resumed, but Cordelia’s mood was spoiled. She was about to turn away when Oliver called out from behind.
“Ms. Jenner, please hold on.”
Reluctantly, Cordelia turned back to greet the man.
Oliver noticed the jade ring on her hand and glanced at Marcus, who stood beside her. “Aren’t you introducing us?”
Cordelia hesitated before pulling Marcus over. “This is my husband, Marcus Grist. Honey, this is Mr. Oliver Jones, the CEO of the Star Group, whom I’ve mentioned to you before.”
Oliver extended his hand, but Marcus stepped back, nodding. His expression had changed as he observed Oliver’s strange demeanor. It seemed as though Oliver was trying to see through something, and Marcus instinctively became more guarded.
Oliver’s hand froze mid-air, caught off guard by Marcus’ refusal to shake hands. He chuckled awkwardly, running a hand through his hair to cover his discomfort.
Cordelia laughed lightly. “Honey, Karine tried to pick on me last time. It’s thanks to Mr. Jones recognizing this jade ring as genuine and helping me exaggerate its value that Karine couldn’t get her way!”
“No problem at all,” Oliver smiled, though he sneaked several glances at Marcus. “I’m an enthusiast of gemology. I only spoke the truth. Ms. Jenner’s ring is truly a rare gem!”
“I was told it’s a wedding ring?” Oliver added, his gaze now lingering on Marcus.
“Heh, Mr. Grist,” Oliver said with a meaningful glance. “I wonder where you found such a beautiful jade. It’s been over a decade since I married my wife. I’m thinking of getting her a piece for our anniversary this year!”
Cordelia had wanted to say it was her husband’s family heirloom, but she quickly noticed that Marcus was acting strangely.
His guard and the intense look in his eyes reminded her of a wild animal on high alert before a threat.
There was also something unsettling in Oliver’s gaze.
Cordelia paused, then smiled. “I bought this with my husband.”
Marcus was caught off guard by her quick thinking.
“My husband said he wanted to get me a piece of jewelry before we got married, so we went shopping everywhere. We visited every antique shop and jewelry boutique, and we finally decided on this one. The shop’s near Green Pine Street. The owner’s an old lady, and the pieces in her shop have quite the history.”
Cordelia’s story was convincing. Green Pine Street was well-known in Jangasas for its antique shops, and some people had managed to find rare gems there.
Oliver squinted, clearly confused.
Cordelia held Marcus’ arm and smiled brightly. “Honey, we were right to go to Green Pine Street. Who would have expected we’d find such a gem? It really was a steal!”