Chương 18: Prettiest Girl In The Room
Mentioning the Jade Family patriarch, Robert's face finally showed some seriousness.
Although Mr. Jade was getting old, the Jade Family was built by his own hands. When he was young, he was a powerful figure in the business world, with absolute control and respect.
The Jade Family had many descendants, but the successor hadn't been chosen yet.
Last time, Robert publicly broke off his engagement with Eclipse Rocelyn because of her so-called "disgraceful behavior." Any man would find it unacceptable, but Mr. Jade turned a blind eye to it because of family pride.
If Robert caused another scandal at Mr. Jade's birthday banquet, he would definitely make his family patriarch unhappy.
Robert took a deep breath and said to Mrs. Jade, "Mom, Eclipse wants me to publicly say that it was Jessica Rocelyn who seduced me and slandered her. That's why she agreed to marry me in the first place."
Mrs. Jade's voice was cold as she sneered. "So, you're saying you'd give up 20% of the Rocelyn Family's shares just to protect Jessica's reputation?"
Robert frowned, trying to hide his frustration. Ugh, Eclipse was always so difficult! She really knew how to push his buttons!
"Eclipse has already been kicked out of the Rocelyn Family. Except for the 20% shares, the rest will definitely go to Jessica in the future," Mrs. Jade said with a smirk.
In the end, Robert's heart still leaned toward Jessica. He didn't want her to suffer.
Mrs. Jade shrugged and looked down at the fancy banquet hall below, her smile cold. "But since you can sweet-talk Eclipse into marrying you, feel free to compensate Jessica however you want."
Eclipse's kind and cowardly image was firmly planted in both Mrs. Jade and Robert's minds. As long as Robert gave her a little bit of attention, she would forget everything that happened before and fall back into his arms.
But for some reason, when Robert thought of Eclipse's cold, distant face now, he felt uneasy.
He couldn't help but remember how obsessed she used to be with him, always looking at him with adoration.
_People don't just change like that overnight_ Robert thought, dismissing the unease. _She's probably just trying to get my attention again._
As Robert and Mrs. Jade spoke on the balcony, the Rocelyn Family of three arrived at the grand banquet.
Jessica Rocelyn was wearing a gorgeous, snow-white off-shoulder gown, looking delicate and elegant.
She was glowing with beauty.
As soon as she entered, people couldn't help but stare in admiration.
With a graceful smile, Jessica mingled easily with the high-society guests.
Suddenly, she glanced up and spotted Robert watching her from across the room. She smiled gently, and Robert felt his heart soften.
Looking at her innocent face, Robert's mind filled with disgust at Eclipse's actions.
Sure, Jessica had made some mistakes in the past, but it wasn't intentional.
Eclipse, though, was vicious. She wanted to ruin Jessica's life, and it made Robert sick to think about.
"Isn't that Miss Rocelyn? She's stunning!" one of the guests said.
"Yes, she's not only beautiful, but talented too. I heard she won second place in some international fragrance competition."
"Wow, that's impressive!"
Jessica smiled proudly, raising her chin. The compliments made her feel so good.
For years, she had been looked down on because of her status as an illegitimate daughter, but now, she was the center of attention, envied by everyone.
Today, Jessica stood here, surrounded by admiration, like she was the true Rocelyn daughter.
As for Eclipse? She had been cast aside, hated by everyone.
But just when Jessica thought she had everything under control, a wave of whispers filled the room. People turned toward the entrance, eyes wide in surprise.
Someone important had arrived.
A beautiful woman stepped into the room, wearing a deep blue gown.
A sparkling blue diamond rested on her forehead, and her lips were painted a rich red.
Her skin was pale and perfect, her black hair flowing down her back like a waterfall.
She was absolutely breathtaking.
But even more than her looks, it was her grace and nobility that stunned the crowd.
She made everyone else in the room look ordinary by comparison.
"Who is she?" someone gasped.
"She's gorgeous!"
"When did Star City get someone this beautiful?!"
Jessica, standing near the entrance, froze when she saw Eclipse walk in. The smile on her face disappeared instantly.
For years, Jessica had tried to steal everything from Eclipse.
She immediately noticed the blue diamonds on Eclipse's neck and forehead—the same diamonds that a mysterious man had taken from her!
Jealousy, shock, and anger flashed through Jessica's eyes.
The men who had been admiring her just a minute ago were now staring at Eclipse, completely captivated.
Jessica's heart burned with jealousy.
*Does Eclipse think that by showing off her beauty, she can make people forget her past?* Jessica thought, gritting her teeth.
Forcing a smile, Jessica stepped forward and broke the silence. "Eclipse, you're here."
She walked closer, her voice low and sinister as she stared at Eclipse. "Where did you get that diamond, Eclipse?" she asked, her eyes cold.
Eclipse lifted her chin arrogantly, looking at Jessica with calm amusement.
Since they were kids, Jessica had always been like this, trying to steal anything Eclipse liked, no matter what.
It was almost funny now.
Eclipse's lips curved into a small smile as she toyed with the diamond around her neck. "Do you like it? Are you jealous? Something you wanted so badly... and now, it's mine. How does that feel?"
Jessica's face twisted with rage.
Eclipse laughed softly. "I thought Robert loved you more than anything, but he can't even buy you something nice. You've spent years trying to win him over, and yet, you still come to me, acting like you've won something. It's pathetic!"
Jessica glared at Eclipse, her eyes filled with venom, like a snake ready to strike.
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Chinwe_Marthar
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