Chapter 127 A Lame Cover-up
Cynthia was used to her own way of talking and didn't feel like she was being picked on. She just grinned and said, "Hanging around the house all day gets old, so I figured I'd throw a little get-together. Tea culture's all the rage lately, so I went with that."
"Paloma, you hardly ever come to these things. It's a real treat to have you here. Come on in!"
Cynthia's words were sweet, and she seemed genuinely nice. Even Paloma, who usually didn't vibe with her, couldn't find anything to complain about.
Soon enough, Elodie showed up with Amara.
A new face at one of these shindigs always got people talking.
"Elodie, who's this?"
"Where'd this young girl come from? She looks so young!"
Elodie was ready for this and introduced her with a smile, "This is my friend's daughter, Amara Scott. She's a student at Skyreach Institute of Technology."
Amara flashed a smile and greeted everyone.
"Still in school, huh? No wonder she looks so fresh."
"Yeah, Skyreach Institute of Technology is pretty tough to get into, especially for girls these days."
Skyreach Institute of Technology was all about science and engineering, mostly guys, so it's tough for boys to get in.
Fewer girls went for those majors, so it's easier for them.
What kind of compliment was that?
Everyone got it, except for Elodie and Amara.
The other ladies exchanged looks, smiling on the outside but making faces behind their backs.
They all saw the mockery in each other's eyes.
They thought, 'Isn't that dress she's wearing a CELINE from three years ago? So outdated. Where'd she dig that up from? It's hideous.
'Exactly! Doesn't she know what kind of event this is? So tacky and out of place.
'Do they really think we're all idiots?
'The news about Leopold knocking up a college girl is all over our circle.
'And now Elodie brings her out, calling her "a friend's daughter"?
'What a lame cover-up.'
They didn't bother to call her out, just waiting to see what Elodie would do next. This was prime gossip material, too juicy to pass up!
They could even share it with their relatives. Why not?
Elodie had no clue what everyone was thinking and thought they were genuinely complimenting her.
Amara was feeling pretty good too. It was her first time in such a high-society setting.
The feeling was just amazing.
"Oh, isn't this Mrs. Russell?" Elodie smiled as she walked over to Paloma and sat down. "You made it today too?"
Word was that Paloma and Cynthia didn't get along. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Elodie smiled and tried to cozy up to her, "Your embroidered dress is gorgeous, and the color really suits you."
Paloma glanced at her, indifferent, "Thanks."
It was clear Paloma didn't want to chat, but Elodie acted like she didn't notice.
Elodie rolled her eyes, "Doesn't Cynthia have an embroidered dress like this too? I think she has a few!"
Paloma raised an eyebrow and finally looked at her, "And you are?"
"From the Wipere family."
"Oh, Mrs. Wipere, you seem really interested in our dresses. How about I invite you over to the Russell family sometime, and you can check out our wardrobe to see how many we have?"
Elodie's smile froze.
She thought, 'Why is Paloma reacting differently than I imagined?'
"Who do you think you are? Trying to stir the pot?" Paloma snorted, stood up, and looked down at her, "The issues between Cynthia and me are family matters. It's not your place to meddle!"
With that, she walked away and found another spot.
Elodie was left embarrassed, struggling to keep her cool.
Cynthia saw the whole thing and her disdain for Elodie was almost visible.
Paloma usually didn't get along with her, but it was just because of their different personalities and approaches. They might bicker over opinions, but they were still family.
She thought, 'Who badmouths their own family to an outsider?
'Is Elodie out of her mind?'
Paloma moved to another spot, but it seemed she didn't choose well because she ended up facing Amara.
Sitting timidly across from her, Amara didn't know what to do with her hands and feet. Whenever their eyes met, she put on a pitiful look.
Paloma hated such fake people.
Cynthia had a bit of that vibe, but it was tolerable. But Amara? Paloma couldn't even bear to look at her.
So, she averted her gaze, choosing not to look.
Out of sight, out of mind.
At that moment, Cynthia walked over to her, "Paloma, the lighting here isn't great. Let me take you to a better spot."
Paloma went to the place Cynthia arranged.
Finally, she couldn't see Elodie and Amara anymore.
She gave Cynthia a "well done" look.
Cynthia chuckled, full of helplessness.
Paloma had this temper, and Cedric spoiled her, the whole family indulged her, so she naturally had to go along.
Soon, everyone arrived and took their seats, and the tea ceremony class officially began.
A slender figure walked in from the side door, wearing a magnolia-colored embroidered dress that reached below the knees. The satin was embroidered with large magnolia flowers in silver thread, combining bright and subtle patterns. Paired with her fresh and elegant demeanor, it felt like spring had arrived.
Camilla wore light makeup and had her long hair up today.
She looked elegant and graceful, perfectly fitting today's theme—tea tasting.
Camilla's steps were light, but they naturally drew everyone's attention. They watched her sit down slowly and start speaking with a smile. "I don't know if any of you have seen a documentary about tea. It says: A leaf falls into water, changing the taste of the water, and thus tea was born..."
Camilla sat on the stage, speaking slowly and gently.
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