Chapter 313
pter 313 Wrong Move
Chapter 313 Wrong Move
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“This is a Renaissance–inspired evening gown, embroidered using genuine gold–and–silver threads. I’ve seen a similar piece in a museum before, but this one is even more exquisite—a true collector’s treasure p>
“What a lovely gift to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Golding on their Silver Jubilee. Mr. Shaw and Ms. White have really put their hearts into this p>
Praise filled the room.
Anneliese glanced over and saw Selina step forward, carefully helping the waiter unfold the embroidered evening gown from the wooden box.
Under the dazzling crystal lights, the gown shimmered with golden and silver threads.
It was stunningly beautiful and undeniably luxurious.
Anneliese paused for a moment, for the others did not know that years ago, she too had given Marlowe a Renaissance–inspired evening gown, one the woman had cherished deeply.
That gift alone made Marlowe regard her in a new light.
Marlowe had even worn that very gown to retake her wedding photos with Derek.
To this day, the portrait hanging in their bedroom was one of her dressed in it.
Now, Selina had presented an even more ornate and refined gown.
Clearly, she was trying to win Marlowe’s favor by copying Anneliese.
Hearing the chorus of compliments, Selina felt even more pleased with herself.
She shot another look at Anneliese, certain the woman must be seething, her expression surely ugly with rage.
To her surprise, Anneliese only smirked while shaking her head.
Pfft! It’s just cheap theatrics.
Selina rolled her eyes, then turned toward Marlowe with a bright smile.
“Mr. and Mrs. Golding, allow me to explain the origin of this evening gown. In fact, it comes with a beautiful story p>
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Chapter 313 Wrong Move
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She was brimming with pride, but before she could finish, Marlowe’s expression darkened as she cut Selina off coldly.
“This gown is far too extravagant, so please take it back. I cannot accept such a gift for nothing p>
Selina froze, her face paling instantly.
That was not at all the reaction she had expected.
With that, Marlowe turned and left.
Zacharias‘ heart sank, and he furrowed his brows.
Seeing Derek about to follow, he quickly stepped forward. “Mr. Golding, what’s p>
Derek looked at him, his smile gone.
He merely patted Zacharias on the shoulder and uttered meaningfully, “Mr. Shaw, it’s important to pick a virtuous partner p>
The way he addressed Zacharias said it all.
The gift had not won favor.
Instead, it had offended the couple.
Zacharias‘ expression was stiff, his smile forced, though he was filled with doubts inside.
And since Derek had not lowered his voice, everyone had heard their conversation.
In that instant, Selina felt the weight of mocking, disdainful stares fall upon her from every direction.
She truly couldn’t understand what she had done wrong for Marlowe to humiliate her like this in public.
Why had Marlowe cherished Anneliese’s gift but disrespected Selina when she had presented something much more valuable?
She found it unfair.
Selina couldn’t swallow the bitterness, not after becoming a laughingstock once at the White family banquet, and now, at the Goldings‘ Silver Jubilee.
At that, her eyes reddened.
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Chapter 313 Wrong Move
She bit her lip and raised her voice impulsively.
With her lips bitten and eyes red, she raised her voice.
“What have I done wrong, Mrs. Golding? I put my sincerity into getting this gift for seem to like it very much, but why won’t you accept it? Is it because of Anne p>
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you.
You
Anneliese was dumbfounded.
She hadn’t said a single word from beginning to end, yet somehow she was dragged into this.
Marlowe stopped in her tracks, turned back, and frowned at Selina.
“What does this have to do with Anne p>
“I know Anne once gave you a Renaissance–inspired evening gown too, but this one is far more elaborate and refined. Anyone can tell it’s way better than hers p>
She continued, “Now that Anne is married to a powerful Oceaton official, are you afraid she’d feel displeased if you accept my gift? She isn’t the sort of petty, domineering person to be upset over this. Isn’t that right, Anne p>
Selina looked straight at Anneliese, to which the latter remained silent.
Her expression was hard to describe, surprised at how dumb Selina was.
She had spoken so recklessly in public without knowing the full picture.
Thanks to her words, the crowd immediately turned their attention back to Anneliese.
“She married an Oceaton official? Which one? Does anyone know p>
“I’ve never heard of any official remarrying, though p>
“Oceaton is a major city, and a high–ranking official there would be old enough to be Ms. Claude’s father. To think she still agreed to the marriage p>
Hearing the crowd’s hushed discussions, Selina lowered her head slightly and smirked to herself.
Let’s see how Anneliese talks her way out of this one!
Just then, an alluring, deep voice suddenly rang out from the entrance of the banquet hall.