Chapter 290 Attempting Suicide
Jasper's words hung in the air, silencing the room. A moment of stunned silence followed before Andrew chuckled, a bit strained.
"Mr. Foster, you must be joking."
"Our families are so close—you're our partner, and your wife is a dear friend to Adeline. This marriage would only strengthen our bond. Why oppose it?"
"Because," Jasper said, his voice serious. He pointed at Adeline. "She. Is. Unworthy."
Those three words cut through the tension like a knife.
A heavy silence fell, making every sound louder. Adeline's face went pale, her composure slipping. Beside her, Sebastian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. Andrew and Aurora exchanged confused looks, their smiles fading.
"Jasper," Stella interrupted, concerned. She moved to sit beside him, speaking softly but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Adeline has finally found someone special, and Sebastian's family is thrilled. Why did you say such things?"
Her words, though gentle, hinted at a hidden flaw in Adeline. Aurora's frown deepened, her eyes darting between Adeline and Stella. Andrew's face hardened, losing its earlier cheer.
"Mr. Foster," he said, displeased, "you said Miss Wilson is unworthy. We need an explanation."
"No explanation needed!" Sebastian snapped, his voice tight with anger. "Adeline is a valued employee of Foster Group. Mr. Foster just fears losing a talented designer if she marries me."
With a flourish, he opened a velvet jewelry box. Inside was a stunning diamond ring. Adeline recognized it immediately—her first creation, made during her time abroad. She had auctioned it to repay Brandon's kindness. The ring held deep sentimental value, a reminder of her past.
And itwas now in Sebastian's possession, showed the Carter family's careful planning. They hadn't just spent money; they had put thought into it.
Sebastian's words resonated with the elder Carters. Andrew's face softened, some warmth returning. "Miss Wilson," he said kindly, "please accept this token of our sincerity."
"This ring, your first creation, is our engagement gift. We hope it symbolizes your commitment to your craft and your heart."
Aurora smiled warmly. "Indeed, Miss Wilson. The diamond's brilliance and purity reflect your own."
Jasper's humorless laugh cut through Aurora's words. "Pure?" He stared at Adeline, cold and sharp. "Do you think you deserve that word?"
Adeline's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She knew this wasn't over as long as Jasper had the floor. Meeting his gaze, she shot back, "Then tell me, Mr. Foster. How am I impure?"
"Have I betrayed anyone? Have I been anything but faithful and true?"
Jasper's eyes turned icy, his stare unyielding. His words were cold and clipped. "All I know is that a woman who sleeps her way to the top can hardly be called 'pure.'"
The room was stunned. Aurora and Andrew gasped, their faces pale. They turned to Sebastian, disbelief and accusation in their eyes.
"He's lying!" Sebastian shouted, his voice raw with anger. "Adeline isn't like that! These are just vile rumors!"
He grabbed the ring, his hand shaking as he tried to put it on Adeline's finger. But the more he struggled, the more agitated he became. Finally, Adeline pulled her hand away.
"Sebastian, stop. That's enough."
"Adeline..." he began, his voice thick with despair. But she cut him off, standing up.
"I apologize," she said firmly, despite the tremor in her voice. She turned to Aurora and Andrew, bowing her head slightly. "Sebastian and I are in a committed relationship, but marriage isn't on the table yet. I didn't mean to mislead you."
Her words left the elder Carters bewildered.
"Furthermore," she continued, taking a deep breath, "Mr. Foster is right."
"I'm not worthy of someone as kind and decent as Sebastian. I came tonight expecting a simple family dinner, not a marriage proposal. I'm sorry for any misunderstanding."
With that, she turned to leave, her steps measured and resolute. But then, as if remembering something, she paused and turned back.
"Mr. Foster."
She walked up to him slowly, a chilling smile on her lips. "Are you satisfied now?"
Jasper snorted, setting down his coffee cup with a delicate clink. "Adequate."
His dismissive tone ignited a fire in Adeline's eyes. In a flash, she slapped him hard across the cheek. The force snapped his head to the side, momentarily stunning him.
Adeline lowered her hand, the sting vibrating through her palm. "Anyone can spread rumors about my character," she said, her voice low and dangerous, "but you, Mr. Foster, have no right."
With that, she turned and walked out, leaving a stunned silence behind.
Aurora and Andrew stared at the empty doorway, speechless. Sebastian, his face a mask of fury, moved to follow Adeline, but Andrew grabbed his arm tightly.
"What in God's name is going on here?" he demanded, his voice shaking with suppressed rage.
"Adeline is not that kind of woman!" Sebastian insisted, his words desperate. "Those are just vicious lies!"
Andrew scoffed, his expression hardening. "Lies start somewhere, Sebastian. Where there's smoke, there's fire. If she were truly innocent, why would such rumors exist?"
He tightened his grip on Sebastian's arm. "Until this is cleared up, you are not to see her. Do I make myself clear?"
Meanwhile, Stella fussed over Jasper, pressing an ice pack to his reddening cheek. "Jasper, that woman is out of control! Should we find another designer for the project? Maybe replace her entirely? She dared to strike you!"
Jasper remained silent, his eyes narrowed as he stared into the distance. The image of Adeline's face, filled with despair, anger, and hatred, lingered in his mind. It was the first time he had seen such raw emotion from her, and it both disturbed and intrigued him.
His phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. It was Ryan.
"Mr. Foster, we have a situation. Adeline is at the cross-sea bridge. Sir, do you think… do you think she might be attempting suicide?"
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