Chapter 51

Shirley had spent a fortune on her outfit and makeup. "Are these people blind?" she fumed. "What's so beautiful about Cynthia's ragged clothes?"

Deep down, however, Shirley knew Cynthia was beautiful—to the extent that she felt the urge to throw acid on her face. She suddenly regretted hosting her birthday party with Cynthia. But she quickly adjusted her emotions. Let Cynthia bask in her moment of pride. Tonight, she would be ruined, she thought.

After the three descended the stairs, the hall lights brightened dramatically. Guests gathered, showering the young women with birthday wishes. Shirley, having invited many friends, was surrounded by compliments, quickly pushing Cynthia out of the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Justin and Selena were busy entertaining important guests. Content to keep her distance, Cynthia went to the buffet, took a sip of champagne, grabbed a slice of mousse cake, and found a quiet spot on a couch.

Though surrounded by people, Shirley’s eyes kept returning to Cynthia. Initially thrilled to see her isolated, she soon noticed people approaching Cynthia, chatting or inviting her to dance—handsome young men, no less. Even after politely declining, they persisted.

Shirley fumed. She couldn't understand it. She was the real Jones daughter; her several-hundred-thousand-dollar outfit far surpassed Cynthia's simple look. A plan formed. She shouted, "Cynthia!"

Cynthia looked over; Shirley smiled brightly and said innocently, "Cynthia, bring me a glass of champagne."

Setting down her cake, Cynthia picked up a glass and walked to Shirley. Before the banquet, Selena had instructed them to portray a close sisterly bond. Since Shirley was playing along, Cynthia would comply.

As Cynthia approached, Shirley openly mocked her. A woman in a mermaid dress giggled, "Shirley, why does that dress look like those discounted things you bought at the duty-free shop?"

Shirley glanced haughtily at Cynthia and said disdainfully, "Yeah, it looks like something from a street vendor. I just gave it to her."

"How could she wear your discarded clothes to such an important event? Doesn't she feel embarrassed? She was once a Jones daughter, after all. Doesn't she have a decent outfit?" someone asked.

"How is she even a Jones daughter? My parents disowned her. She's just clinging to our family. She's not even worth a housekeeper now," Shirley declared.

The guests turned their attention to Cynthia, casting disdainful glances.

Chapter 31

"She's just too reluctant to give up the riches and glory of the Jones family. How shameless!" someone commented.

Shirley shot a provocative glance at Cynthia. "It doesn't matter. I'll just consider her a pet dog. Look how obedient she is, doing whatever she's told."

Laughter erupted, loud enough to reach Cynthia. Her expression remained unchanged as she approached Shirley with the champagne.

Shirley knew Cynthia wouldn't dare embarrass her; Selena wouldn't allow it. Emboldened, she continued to humiliate Cynthia. "Cynthia, my shoes are dirty. Please clean them." She extended her foot and reached for the champagne. She wanted to enjoy the champagne while watching Cynthia clean her shoes, even hinting to others to record it.

Cynthia remained silent, seemingly complying. But as Shirley reached for the glass, Cynthia held it firmly and calmly poured the champagne onto the floor. Half landed on Shirley's shoe.

Shirley almost screamed. Her custom-made Moulmore crystal heels, adorned with thousands of hand-sewn crystals, were worth several hundred thousand dollars and took two months to make. Now, they were ruined.

"Cynthia, what are you doing?" Shirley exploded. She hadn't expected this public humiliation.

Cynthia placed the glass on a tray, her demeanor calm and elegant. With a flick of her hair, she resembled a cat awakening from a nap.

Her voice dripped with nonchalance. "I'm offering you a drink. Drink up; don't waste it." She turned and walked away.

Confusion filled the crowd. One of Shirley's companions pointed out, "Shirley, what she just did looked like an offering of libation to the dead."

Everyone realized what had happened. Cynthia had poured the champagne as if offering a libation.

"Shirley, is she cursing you to die?" someone asked.

Everyone was shocked by Cynthia's brazen act. Shirley's face turned pale. Not only were her expensive shoes ruined, but she had been publicly humiliated.

"Cynthia, stop!" Shirley rushed after her, blocking her path. "How dare you! Don't you know your status? If it weren't for me begging Mom, you wouldn't even be here. You should be grateful!"

Shirley's friends joined in. "That's right, Shirley! She ruined your shoes; she should lick them clean!"

"She cursed you! She should kneel and apologize!" another said.

"Shirley, you must teach her a lesson!" another added.

Many turned to watch. Even under this pressure, Cynthia’s smile didn't falter.

She spoke slowly. "Shirley, I advise you not to push your luck. I can make you feel even more embarrassed. Do you want to try?"