Chapter 132

"What are you doing? It's so noisy. I heard it from inside," Neil said, emerging from the room and removing his glasses to clean them.

Lydia curled her lips. "Someone was being garrulous and talking nonsense. I couldn't bear to retort."

Cora, unwilling to argue, approached Neil directly. "Mr. Field, what's the appraisal result for Selina's earrings?"

"The appraisal indicates they were favored by imperial ladies in ancient times. While the materials aren't the finest, the craftsmanship and history are exceptional. Each owner clearly cherished them, preserving them remarkably well. Therefore, their estimated value is fifteen million dollars," Neil replied.

"What?" Cora exclaimed, stunned. "But they said at the charity auction that these earrings belonged to a woman from the 1990s…"

Selina sneered. "They only said they were passed down from a woman of that era; the timeframe wasn't specific. You idiot."

Acquiring valuable items cheaply at charity auctions was common, depending on one's discernment and quick action.

"It's impossible! You're just a country bumpkin; how could you know the earrings' value?" Cora felt dizzy, utterly disbelieving.

Neil's eyes narrowed, his gentle demeanor replaced by a dangerous aura. "Mrs. Clark, are you suggesting I falsified the appraisal?"

Sara, nervous, quickly interjected, "Mr. Field, Cora didn't mean that."

Selina mocked Cora. "You're arrogant and narrow-minded. I've accomplished great things. A middle-aged woman who only knows how to spend and enjoy—you'll never catch up with me. How dare you question my taste?"

"What did you say? I'm Felix Clark's wife!" Cora raged.

"First, I'm Angel; second, I'm Trevon's wife; third, I'm younger and more beautiful. Where do you surpass me? What's your superiority?" Selina retorted.

Cora had to concede: Selina was a world-renowned jewelry designer, the wife of the Brady family head, and undeniably beautiful. She was speechless.

Even though Trevon disliked Selina, she remained his wife. If she were harmed, he would defend her. And as Angel, Trevon would undoubtedly show respect; each design she created became globally popular and sold out instantly.

The appraisal validated the crescent earrings' value. Feeling awkward, Cora left.

Selina sneered. "So, you're silent and arrogant, running away just like yesterday? If you lack ability, learn humility. The world doesn't revolve around you. No one will tolerate you!" Cora's fury burned; she wanted to attack Selina but, fearing the consequences, fled.

Passing Sara, she whispered, "Sara, please help me return the antiques home." She couldn't endure further humiliation.

"Cora," Sara began, but Cora was already rushing out of the appraisal house.

Sara's anger flared. "Selina, you've gone too far. Cora is your elder; how could you humiliate her?"

Selina's face darkened. "Mrs. Harvey, who are you to speak to me like that? Don't act like my mother; it's sickening!" She recalled Sara's earlier apology and felt betrayed.

Sara reprimanded her. "No matter how you deny it, you're my daughter. I gave you life. I've been tolerant, but you can't humiliate Cora!"

Lydia interjected, "Shocked! I've never seen such shamelessness. Stop being two-faced! We didn't provoke you; Cora did. How thick-skinned are you?"

"Cora's kind-hearted, just outspoken. You should forgive her…" Sara began, but Selina sprayed her with cola.

"Ah!" Sara gasped, staring in disbelief.

Selina, with practiced callousness, said, "Mrs. Harvey, I have a bad temper but a kind heart. I didn't mean to do it. You're broad-minded, so please forgive me."

Lydia clapped. "Good job, Selina!"

Sara, wiping the cola, clenched her fists. "I'll forgive you. No matter what you do, you're my daughter…"

"Stop acting! I don't need your help. Being your daughter is dangerous. I cherish my life," Selina retorted, wishing she could slap Sara to wake her up.

Selina questioned Sara's sudden change of heart, her neglect after bringing Selina home, her focus on Ashley. Sara remained silent and departed, unable to maintain her guilt. Selina was still her daughter.

Lydia said, "Selina, I'm glad you were lost soon after birth. Had you grown up under Sara's guidance, you might be immoral, not as smart and lovely as you are now."