Chapter 15

Following Jessica, Beatrice Young angrily complained, "Emily is really too much. She'll say anything just to flatter Marie." Jessica took a deep breath. "Why are you so upset? They'll get slapped in the face soon enough." Just wait a few more days. By then, Wayne would acquire the Weiss family's shares and become the new president of Weiss Group. At that point, Shirley would be pulled off her pedestal. Jessica believed that with her beauty and intelligence, she would rise to become the new top socialite. Who was Marie except for someone with a better family background? Soon enough, she would see how Marie dared to act arrogant in front of her. All the people who mocked her would pay for it tenfold. At this moment, the ladies had gathered around a few older women, and the socialites had been called over by their mothers. The women present that evening were all prominent socialites from wealthy families, each with their own pride. Even if they admired someone, they would never take the initiative to attach themselves to them. This was because doing so would appear frivolous and would invite ridicule. Jessica was a prime example of such an act. What they could do was be well, presenting their cultured, graceful, and intelligent sides in the shortest time possible to win the favor of the older women. However, the little one in Isabelle's arms seemed to be an easier way for them to get closer to Benjamin. Unfortunately, they soon found out that Damian was just as difficult as Benjamin. He wouldn't even look at them, no matter how they tried to coax him. Thinking she was clever, Emily tried to use desserts to win him over. However, Damian, annoyed by the noise, grabbed the cupcake from her hand and smashed it into her face. The cake splattered all over Emily's face, making her look utterly disheveled. She was so embarrassed that she almost cried. Isabelle quickly apologized to Emily and instructed the staff to take her away to clean up. Back by her mother, Mia Hale's side, Jessica felt a little better upon seeing this scene. Damian's indifference left the socialites feeling discouraged. Everyone observed Damian, who neither cried nor laughed, and secretly wondered if he might be mute. Meanwhile, the men were gathered together, drinking and chatting while keeping an eye on the socialites. Benjamin sat alone at the back, seemingly isolated from everyone else and looking out of place with the atmosphere. Yet, his powerful presence made it hard for anyone to ignore him. Just then, Shirley stood up from the piano and walked toward the older women. Finally, someone noticed her. "Shirley is also here?" The mention of Shirley's name made everyone look toward her. She was wearing a purple gown, and her lightly made-up face was lovely. Her skin was so fair it seemed to glow, and her long legs peeked out from beneath the gown. Shirley was stunning, and her beauty was enough to make the other socialites pale in comparison. Jessica and Marie both felt uncomfortable upon seeing Shirley. Whenever they attended a banquet, the last thing they wanted was for Shirley to show up. Once she did, they would always become mere backgrounds. No one could steal the spotlight from Shirley. Coming back from her change, Emily looked at the scene and sneered. "She just got dumped by Samuel, and she still has the nerve to show up at this banquet?" Marie's face darkened. "Emily, stop talking nonsense." At that moment, someone from a noble family sighed loudly. "No wonder she's the number one socialite of Elderstone. The moment she shows up, she outshines everyone else." Soon, a mocking laugh came from the crowd. "She's beautiful, sure. But it's a pity she's been dumped," Jayden Clay, Wayne's son and Jessica's brother, spoke. Jayden's voice wasn't soft. Even Shirley heard him, let alone the group around him. All the men from noble families, the socialites, and a few older women turned their gaze toward Jayden. He sneered. "There are some things you outsiders don't know, but Shirley climbed into Samuel's bed before she even turned legal. After all these years, Samuel must be tired of her." Then, he placed a hand on the shoulder of another man and teased, "Dude, if you don't mind, you can pick up this worn-out shoe and wear it yourself." The man felt embarrassed and immediately scowled. "I didn't expect Elderstone's number one socialite to be so improper. What kind of man would marry such a woman?" The other men instantly lost any good impression of Shirley. They thought that while a woman didn't have to be a virgin, who would dare to marry her if something scandalous as this became public knowledge? Which man could stand the embarrassment of having a wife who was known as a "worn-out shoe"? They would feel ashamed to even take her out in public. Shirley's face lost all color when she heard them. She barely restrained herself from rushing over to slap Jayden across the face. How could there be such a vile man in this world? But Shirley couldn't do anything. She anxiously looked at Benjamin, only to see him with his back to the crowd. He was on the phone, seemingly unaware of what was happening. Shirley let out a quiet sigh of relief. However, she quickly noticed Isabelle's gaze on her face, and her heart tightened again. Damn it, Jayden! Just then, a deep voice came from behind Jayden, dripping with disdain, "Jayden, if I'm not mistaken, Shirley is your cousin, right? How could you, as her older cousin, slander your relative? Have you got a damaged brain? "Also, you're a man. Stop acting like an evil man and gossiping about women. This behavior is a shame to men." The man's words left Jayden's face pale with anger. He pointed at the man and asked, "Who are you? I don't need you to interfere with my business." Derek, towering over him, looked at Jayden like he was an ant. "You're not even worthy to know my name." Jayden's face turned green, and his fists clenched tightly. If this wasn't the Blackwoods' turf, and if Benjamin weren't here, he would have already thrown a punch. Just then, Derek's phone rang. He didn't pay Jayden any mind, but after picking up the call, his expression darkened after just a few seconds. Shirley felt like she had seen him before, but she couldn't remember where. After hanging up, Derek stared at Shirley for a few seconds before hurriedly leaving Blackwood Manor. Jayden spat toward Derek's retreating figure. "Lucky for him, he ran fast. Otherwise, I'd kill him." Someone in the crowd laughed sarcastically. "Jayden, that's Derek Ashford. Your end would've been miserable if he had stayed." Jayden immediately fell silent. Derek! So, it was Derek! No wonder... No wonder he seemed so familiar! He hadn't changed. He was still the caring older brother figure. Shirley didn't forget her purpose for coming. She quickly collected herself and walked decisively toward Isabelle.