Chapter 131

"Cora, let's go," Sara said. She'd spent considerable time comforting Ashley yesterday and felt no guilt about her current dislike of Selina. A quarrel here would only damage her own reputation.

However, Cora, furious, ignored her. Breaking free, she sneered at Selina. "You bought a pair of crescent earrings yesterday and shamelessly claimed they were worth over fifteen million dollars. So, you're here to have them appraised?"

Selina retorted, "And you're here to verify the value of the antiques you bought at yesterday's charity auction? The results won't change their price, you fool."

Cora bristled. "Stop your nonsense! I'm eager to see if your earrings are truly so valuable!"

Despite her initial anger, Cora's confidence waned after calming down. The appraisal cost her more money, revealing a significant loss from the previous day. She lacked the confidence to argue with Selina, regretting her impulsive actions.

Yet, she maintained a façade of confidence. If Selina's earrings proved less valuable, Cora would have her revenge.

"Okay, Neil. Please proceed as instructed." With Selina eager to prove her point, there was no reason for refusal.

Neil and Lydia, witnessing the quarrel, heard the request. Neil clapped his hands, took the box from Selina, and entered the appraisal room.

Later, Cora whispered to Sara, "Do you know Selina and Neil are friends?"

Sara shook her head. "I don't know. I know little about Selina. I can't see through her at all—in fact, I never could." She'd only learned much about Selina after severing ties with the Harvey family.

If it were someone else, Cora would fear collusion to defraud her. But Neil's reputation as a professional antique appraiser ensured the integrity of the appraisal; compromising his reputation would ruin his career.

During the appraisal, Lydia offered Selina snacks and cola. Their cheerful consumption caused Cora to cover her nose and mouth in disdain. "Can such cheap food satisfy you? No wonder you're from the countryside."

Cora, accustomed to luxury—air-freighted tea and desserts prepared by royal chefs—disdained their simple fare.

Lydia sniffed dramatically, pinched her nose, and feigned disgust. "Selina, someone smells dreadful. I can detect it from across the room."

Selina laughed. "It doesn't matter. We grew up in the countryside, and there's no shame in that. It's better than someone of high status looking down on rural people. They may have fine food, but they lack our beauty."

Lydia added, "You're right. They're envious of our beauty. I even feel a pang of jealousy—I'm almost nauseous."

Cora, incensed by their remarks, snapped, "You...did you call me and my friends 'bumpkins'?"

Lydia, confused, looked at Cora. "We didn't name anyone. Why are you speaking to us? Are you insane?"

Selina produced her phone. "Mrs. Clark's youthful photos are online. Let's see…well, she's attractive, but not as pretty as you."

Lydia agreed, "How could she compare to you? Look…it's true."

Cora trembled with rage, wishing to drench them with water. Their rudeness and shamelessness were appalling.

Sara attempted to calm her. "Cora, please. You know their nature. Why provoke them?"

"Sara, did you hear how Selina spoke to me? How dare they treat me so?" Cora fumed.

Sara sighed. She always avoided Selina, not just because of her treatment of Ashley. Since cutting ties with the Harveys, every encounter had been unpleasant; Selina was particularly cruel when they were vulnerable. Sara felt lost, uncertain how to interact with her. She questioned whether her actions had somehow contributed to their strained relationship.

Reflecting on Selina's return to the Harvey residence, Sara realized the depth of her earlier misjudgment of Selina. Having wrongly accused Selina of theft caused deep hurt, leading to the severing of ties with the family.

Seeing Sara's distress, Cora bit her lip and averted her gaze. "For your sake, I won't stoop to their level."

"For Sara's sake? How flattering," Lydia scoffed. Cora's refusal to admit defeat was evident; unable to counter their arguments, and realizing the fading beauty of her youth, she sought refuge in excuses. Selina sneered. "Lydia, you're wrong. I'm simply humiliated."

Seeing Selina's cruelty, Sara felt a pang of sympathy. Regardless of Selina's stubbornness and rebellion, she remained her daughter. The pain of childbirth was a lingering wound, a constant reminder of their bond. Sara hated Selina, felt guilty towards her, and yet loved her—torn between conflicting emotions, unsure how to proceed.