Leena burst into a fit of coughs. She couldn't help choking when she heard Mary's tone as she talked to Edward. She kept coughing and felt rather uncomfortable. She swore not to eat anything until Mary and Yarika left, including her favorite dessert that she had started enjoying just now.
Are you okay, Leena? Even if you lose your appetite from someone's way of speaking, you still need to make sure you don't hurt yourself." Edward was also extremely shocked by Mary's words and tone. But he kept his expression calm and didn't show any emotion on his face.
"I was just caught off guard. I promise I'll pay attention and not be so careless next time." As a matter of fact, Leena knew Yakira Mo. But she didn't know that she was Daisy's stepmother. As for Mary, she didn't know her at all.
Edward, who is she? Are you not going to introduce us?" Mary glared at Leena coldly. She was resentful that Edward and Leena were so close. But when she turned to face Edward, she revealed a sweet and gentle smile. Despite how much his words hurt her, she just couldn't help being attracted to him. She chose to ignore his taunt about her and smiled brightly.
Oh, yes! Mr. Mu, who is this pretty and elegant girl?" Yakira was a well-informed and shrewd woman. She wasn't as shallow as her young daughter who mistakenly thought that Leena was a girl of humble birth. Yakira immediately realized that Leena was born and raised in a prominent family at the first sight of her. Moreover, she confirmed that Leena wasn't a sophisticated girl for her innocent personality. Yarika could tell clearly that Leena was well-protected by her family for her to keep up her innocent act.
Mom, are you trying to embarrass Edward? This woman isn't pretty or elegant at all. Who knows where this bumpkin came from? She looks really tacky."
Mary pursed her lips for an instant. Yes, the dress that woman was wearing was the latest Chanel, but Edward must have bought it for her. Looking at her almost nude make-up, Mary further confirmed that there was no way she was born in a rich family. Nowadays, almost every rich girl from a prominent family would have elaborate make-up on a date. Only a vulgar woman like Daisy always appeared in public without any make-up. She had no idea about the basic social etiquette of using make-up at all.
Yes, I'm just a bumpkin. Don't even try and ask me who I am. A bumpkin doesn't deserve your attention." Leena didn't mind her scathing remarks at all. Instead, she smiled sweetly in response. Besides, actions speak louder than words. She wasn't stupid enough to forget her task today. She was supposed to work hard and act with Edward. As for irrelevant people and their remarks, she turned a deaf ear to them and didn't bother herself with them.
Mary, apologize to this lady right now! Behave yourself!" Yakira's eyes turned cold, giving Mary a look of bitter reproach. She was trying her best to gain some information, but her daughter kept dragging her heels.
Mom, why should I apologize to her? She's definitely a bumpkin! I didn't say anything wrong." Mary pouted and rolled her eyes. She couldn't figure out what's wrong with her mother. She was always on her side and used to readily agree with her in the past. Why was she changing her tune today? She kept going against her.
A bumpkin? Let me check. Oh! Yes, definitely a bumpkin," Edward replied as if he actually agreed with Mary. But he cast a cold sidelong glance at Yakira. The woman had been paying attention to the "A Beauty's Tears of Blood" necklace since the moment they arrived. Edward confirmed from her actions that she must be directly involved with the theft of the necklace.
Yes, you're right, Edward. We share the same view!" Mary was immediately delighted to hear Edward agree with her. She got it right! How could this old-fashioned woman be born in a prominent family? She didn't behave like a rich girl at all. There was no need for her mother to worry about anything. And she didn't need to apologize to this woman either. She would demean herself by doing so. Her mother was talking nonsense.
"Mrs. Ouyang, you seem to be quite interested in Leena's necklace. Have you seen it before?" Edward said with a wicked smile. He didn't want to talk to irrelevant people. It would be a waste of time. He turned a deaf ear to Mary who was full of herself.
"Oh, no! I just find it very beautiful, so I can't help looking at it. I wonder where Mr. Mu bought it from? It must be very expensive." Yakira shifted her eyes to avoid eye contact with Edward. The more she looked at it, the more she felt that it was the same necklace she had given to Paul. But why did Edward have it? Did Paul sell it for money? But that didn't make sense! She'd been sending him a large amount money every year. That would be enough for him to live a luxurious life abroad. He didn't need to sell the necklace to earn money for a comfortable life.
I bought it from a middle-aged man whose last name was Du. He said he just returned to the country and was in need of money, so he decided to sell his heirloom. I bought it from him when I met him. I also heard that it used to belong to some imperial concubine from the Qing dynasty, but I'm not sure if that's true or not."
Edward observed Yakira's reaction as he spoke. He bet that she had given the necklace to Paul Du. Otherwise, she wouldn't have turned white as soon as she saw it. The purpose of having Leena wear the necklace was to try and sound out Yakira with it. But after seeing her noticeable reaction, he decided to change his original plan and strike from the sidelines.
Who? A middle-aged man called Du?" Yakira immediately grew anxious. But sensing her improper reaction, she forced herself to calm down and pretended to cough. She looked away to avoid Edward's scrutinizing gaze.
Yes, a Du. Do you know him, Mrs. Ouyang?" The corners of Edward's mouth turned up slightly. He raised his eyebrows and looked at her intently. He was curious how Yakira would respond. Would she leave anxiously? Or would she stay here and act nonchalant? No matter how she responded, it didn't matter to Edward. He'd already gotten what he came here for.