?Chapter 365:
With a calcted raise of her voice, Sylvia remarked pointedly, “Elena, why are you not adorned with any jewelry today? Is the Harper family neglecting you? Here, I have a ne that Darren gifted me. Why don’t you wear it for now, to avoid any ridicule?” Sylvia’s words rippled through the crowd of guests.
“Isn’t Elena part of the Harper family? Why does she look so in today?”
“Could it be that the Harpers have little regard for her?”
“After her disputes with the Reed family, it’s audacious for her to even attend Sylvia’s wedding. It’s outrageous.”
“Haven’t you heard? Elena’s into Darren, and they were actually once engaged.”
“Really? Then what brings her here today? Is she here to disrupt the wedding?”
“Sylvia is truly generous, offering her own jewelry to Elena.”
Elena was keenly aware of the venom lurking behind Sylvia’s gaze. She twirled the ring encircling her finger—the solitary piece of jewelry she wore, a sapphire ring on her index finger.
Sylvia’s eyes narrowed as they fixed on the ring. The sapphire, the size of a marble, glowed with a mysterious, deep blue brilliance.
Sylvia scoffed dismissively, her mind set on the idea that the gem had undoubtedly been a counterfeit. In such an environment, the ultimate status symbol for a woman was her ne. Elena didn’t even own a ne—there was no way she could afford a sapphire ring that big. Sporting a counterfeit with audacious nonchnce, Elena appeared unbothered by potential mockery.
With feigned astonishment, Sylviamented, “Elena, your ring is stunning. It’s hard to believe it’s not genuine.”
Another round of murmurs filled the air. “What? She’s unting counterfeit jewels?”
“I’ve neverid eyes on such a huge sapphire. If genuine, it would be worth a fortune. Surely, it must be a counterfeit?”
“Who would dare to wear counterfeit gems to a wedding?”
Sylvia, still stinging from Elena’s past taunts in the, seized the opportunity for retribution.
With a veneer of concern, Sylvia said, “Elena, I have several authentic pieces. Why not wear one of mine? Otherwise, you might draw ridicule. My parents would be distressed, assuming you’re seeking attention deliberately. I’m sure that’s not your intention.”
“Are you done talking?” Elena, caressing her ring with a dismissive nce, replied, “Just because you’ve never seen it, doesn’t make it counterfeit.”
Sylvia countered skeptically, “Come on, there’s no chance that’s authentic!”
Someone interjected, “I believe I’ve seen it before. It’s Helena’s creation, the Azure Heart—a legendary, scarce sapphire.”
“There’s only one in the world, with nearly perfect purity, and Helena’s unique mark on the side. One nce is all it takes to confirm its authenticity.”
At the mention of Helena, Sylvia’s eyes widened as she abruptly remembered Elena’s other identity—the world-famous jewelry designer, Helena. Could the ring possibly be authentic?
A sudden shock gripped Sylvia, causing her hands to clench into tight fists.
The individual who recognized the ring as Helena’s creation stepped closer to Elena. “Miss Harper, may I examine your ring?”
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