Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
The mocking laughter grew harsher. Some people looked at Leila as if she was trash.
“I feel uncomfortable staying in the same place with such a thief and her mother.”
“Can someone get them out of here as soon as possible?”
Paying no heed to the clueless onlookers’ taunts, Leila calmly pulled out her phone and searched her album for the certificate of the emerald bracelet she had purchased. The very document proved she had purchased a bracelet, with a price tag far surpassing Evelyn’s.
Leila raised her voice and declared, “The certificate number can be verified. If you doubt it, verify it right here. I won’t lie about it.”
Confident, Leila presented the evidence, leaving the onlookers momentarily uncertain, exchanging glances. Evelyn remained skeptical.
“Even if it proves you can afford it, so what? Some people steal not out of need, but because they desire what others have. Maybe you bought your daughter a necklace, and she just wanted my bracelet.”
Leila put her phone away with a sneer. “I own several auction houses and have access to the finest items in the world. It’s odd to think my daughter would need to steal anything.”
Evelyn gasped and said, “You are lying. How could-“
Leila, no longer wishing to engage in this fruitless conversation with Evelyn, turned her sharp gaze to Zuri, who stood there feeling guilty.
Leila announced word by word, ensuring Zuri grasped the gravity of the situation, “This hotel should have surveillance cameras. The bracelet in question is enough evidence to file a case. I’ll call the police right now. I don’t want to point fingers, but I must warn the mastermind that police involvement could lead to her arrest. Once charged, if found guilty, she would have a criminal record for life.”
As expected, Zuri panicked and knelt before Leila, her face pale. “I’m sorry, Leila. I stole the bracelet and shifted the blame on Sophie. I didn’t mean to do so. Could you not call the police, please?”
Leila felt a deep sense of disappointment. The previous encounter with Zuri a few days before had made her soften her heart, assuming Zuri might have a tough time in the Kensington family’s residence. She hadn’t expected such cunning from Zuri at such a young age, reflecting all the worst traits of Melinda.
The sudden turn of events caught the bystanders off guard. Zuri knelt on the floor, crying bitterly, as if she had just realized the gravity of her mistake. She began to bow repeatedly. “I’m sorry, Leila. It was me. Please don’t drive me out.”
An onlooker commented, “She’s just a child, after all. She’s young and didn’t know better. Let this slide.”
“Yes, she knew nothing. Don’t be this harsh with a kid.”
Leila sneered at their comments. That was not what they said when they scolded Sophie without bothering to figure out the truth. She never intended to make things difficult for Zuri. From the very start, she solely wanted to set things right and clear Sophie’s name.
As Leila extended her hand, wanting to help Zuri up from the floor, someone beat her to it.
Melinda arrived at the scene unnoticed. Stepping forward, she embraced Zuri and began to weep. “Zuri! Oh, my poor Zuri! Why did you keep silent even when you were bullied? Some might think I’m a pushover and that’s why they targeted you. This is all my fault.”
Zuri clung to Melinda, both of them crying. They appeared pitiful, as if they were the ones wronged.
Evelyn regained her composure and glared at Leila with clear dissatisfaction. “Are you happy now, with things ending up like this?”
Leila laughed scornfully. “Need I remind you who started this scene? Who unjustly wanted to kick my daughter out of here without figuring out the truth, calling for just one side of the story? I know you look down on me and my daughter, but my daughter is where I draw the line. Going after her is going after me.”
Hearing this, the crowd quieted down, yet Evelyn still muttered, unreconciled, “Oh? A threat? Who do you think you are? How hilarious!”
Despite Evelyn’s contempt toward Leila, the gathered onlookers knew they couldn’t afford to offend Leila in any way, given Leila’s recent revelation of being the owner of the largest auction house in the city. The reputation of Leila’s famous auction house had reached them, with all over the newspapers and social media.
Their previous boldness stemmed from their assumption that Leila, a divorced woman burdened by a young girl, was easily swayed. Her effectiveness in defending her daughter and handling the situation surprised them. Leila turned to Melinda, her gaze frosty. “Melinda, have you forgotten the promise you made to me?”
Melinda froze at Leila’s words, toning down her demeanor.
A flicker of guilt and panic crossed her eyes. Yet, Melinda swiftly composed herself with the thought that she should not dread Leila, given that she had achieved her own agenda. Moreover, the Nixon family did not wield as much sway in Burmoos as the Martel family did.
With this thought in mind, Melinda regained some of her confidence. She lifted herself from the floor, her expression still one of feigned distress. “Leila, I know you’ve resented me because of our past conflicts. I don’t want to clash against you, but you shouldn’t have involved my child. You forced Zuri to admit guilt to protect Sophie. Is this how you teach your child?”
Leila sneered. It appeared Melinda had found herself a supporter.
“I knew it! You vicious snake! You coerced her daughter into taking the blame willingly. Your presence annoys me. Leave, now!”
Evelyn raised her voice and then signaled to the bodyguard, wanting to have Leila escorted out.
“Today we’re celebrating your elder sister’s birthday. We gather here just for her. You can’t just throw out a guest. Aren’t you worried your sister will be upset?” Linsey stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Leila, and glowered at Evelyn.
Evelyn smirked. “Who do you think you are? My cousin just married into your family. Big deal! Do you think you’re someone now? Move aside, or I’ll have you removed as well.”
Observing Evelyn’s assertive demeanor, Leila was certain Evelyn would follow through on her threat. Having achieved what she came for, Leila didn’t see the need to stay.
Turning to Melinda, who was cowering behind Evelyn, Leila challenged, saying, “Melinda, the painting you begged me to gift you freely now serves as a present you gave to Charlee. Is this the way you repay my kindness?”
Feeling the judging glances around her, Melinda quickly denied the accusations. “No! Folks, listen to me, I spent a lot of money to buy the painting. Leila, stop spouting nonsense! How could it possibly be a gift from you? I paid for it. Mrs. Martel adores the painting, and that’s why you decided to steal my credit, right?”
Leila smirked and said, “Mark your words.”
Melinda felt a chill run down her spine as she saw the cold smile on Leila’s face, sensing trouble brewing. Evelyn snapped at the bodyguards, “You guys, what are you waiting for? Do I need to handle this myself? Get them out of here right now.”
“Wait!” A voice appeared from the rear of the crowd. A group of people approached swiftly. Joanna and Ethan were at the forefront.
Leila hadn’t been in touch with Ethan for a long time. She had avoided reaching out to him, given he had become a married man. Seeing him again brought a wave of awkwardness.
Ethan’s gaze turned complex upon seeing Leila. He seemed poised to speak, but a glance at Joanna next to him made him hold his tongue.
Leila’s gaze shifted to the woman standing next to Joanna. The woman, donning glasses, appeared to be kindly and middle-aged.
Leila observed that upon the woman’s entrance, the demeanor of everyone around shifted to one of respect. This had to be Joanna’s mother, Charlee, the center of this birthday banquet.
Charlee withdrew her hand from Evelyn’s grip and responded icily, “Enough of your baseless claims! Leila is my honored guest. Is this the way you treat a guest?”
Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock before she managed a strained smile. “Charlee, you can’t be serious-“
Before Evelyn could finish, Charlee cut her off, glancing over her shoulder at the bodyguards with a flicker of impatience. “Can’t you see she’s lost it? She’s probably had too much to drink. Take her away and let her sober up.”
The bodyguards promptly started to escort a flustered Evelyn away.
The crowd murmured, puzzled by Charlee’s harsh response.
But Leila saw through the facade. Charlee was trying to prevent Evelyn from causing more scenes and thus inviting further embarrassment.
By handling the situation this way, Charlee offered Leila a chance to forge a connection, which Leila seized without hesitation.
As thoughts raced through her head, Leila wore a smile and addressed Charlee, “Mrs. Martel, there’s no need for this. It was all just a misunderstanding.”
Yet, Evelyn seemed oblivious to Charlee’s protective gesture. She protested frantically and managed to wriggle free of the bodyguards’ grip. Then, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, causing onlookers to frown.
“Yeah, Mrs. Martel, it was just a misunderstanding.” Melinda quickly approached and flashed Charlee a charming smile. “Mrs. Martel, do you remember me? Have you checked your birthday presents yet? The painting? That’s from me. I must tell you, Leila deliberately stirred up trouble today. Evelyn had nothing to do with it; she’s totally innocent. Poor Evelyn. She’s been utterly distraught since the theft. Leila just exploited your kind nature and targeted your sister. Please, don’t let Leila deceive you.”
Charlee regarded Melinda with a thoughtful expression. “I do remember you. You bestowed upon me a painting. I’ve been avidly collecting works from that very artist. Thanks to you, my collection is now complete.”
Melinda gave a coy smirk and feigned modesty.
“Well, I do know a bit about art. I heard about your passion for paintings and calligraphy, and I feel fortunate that we share this interest. So, Mrs. Martel, I implore you, for my sake, don’t be harsh on Evelyn. I’m confident the blame lies entirely with Leila. Everyone here can vouch for that.”
Charlee offered a noncommittal smile and said nothing. Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes as she looked at Melinda with gratitude, and then her sobbing grew more intense. “Charlee, someone has finally spoken up for me! Why can’t you believe me? Are you scared of Leila? You say the word, and her auction house will be doomed.”
“Shut up!” Joanna rubbed her temples, visibly irritated. She waved her hand dismissively and commanded, “Take her out of here, now.”
Under her breath, Joanna couldn’t resist another jab, muttering that Evelyn was both foolish and embarrassing.
Once Evelyn was escorted away, the room fell into an immediate hush.
Charlee reached over and gently squeezed Melinda’s hand, offering a pat.
Melinda felt both honored and shocked by the gesture, her cheeks coloring with a blush. Having Charlee as an ally would mean she no longer needed to fear the Kensington family or Leila.
But Charlee’s next words abruptly burst Melinda’s bubble. Despite the warm smile, there was a cool undertone in Charlee’s voice. As she gazed at Melinda, her expression was serene yet distant.