Rebirth: We Split Ways.. novel Chapter 68

When Carla observed the audience's reactions, she was confident that her decision to have Penelope as the grand finale was impeccable.

On the other side, Andrew's astonishment was no less than anyone else's.

He never anticipated reencountering Penelope. Previously engulfed in melancholy and regret, he felt fate had played a cruel joke on him. He deeply regretted pushing away his destined goddess with his own hands.

He had once decided to bear the consequences of his mistakes and refrain from disturbing Penelope again.

But seeing her on the stage reignited the fiery passion he felt during their first encounter on that rooftop.

"Mom, look, it's that ominous thing again!" Danna whispered cautiously to Melissa in the corner.

Melissa replied curtly, "I have eyes; I don't need you to point it out."

"Oh," Danna murmured, pressing her lips together tightly. The reprimands from her second visit to the palace still stung. Now, in the presence of her family, she felt as if she couldn't even draw a proper breath.

Melissa’s eyes fixated on the "Tears of the Ocean" necklace, contemplating a different scheme—perhaps acquiring this necklace would salvage their reputation.

Lately, the Archer family has faced humiliation, with Penelope publicly shaming them at a luxury store and Danna being detained due to the diamond bracelet incident.

The reputation of the mother-daughter duo within the city's elite social circles was nothing short of dismal. When people spoke of them, words like "financially challenged," "phony affluence," and "petty thievery" often circulated.

As the exhibition's centerpiece, Penelope did not leave the stage after her walk.

Carla, as the chief designer, began her acknowledgments.

"Thank you for your unwavering support towards Forever Gems Jewelry and for recognizing the tireless efforts of our dedicated team behind the curtains. Yet, above all, my deepest gratitude goes to—"

The dialogue paused as Melissa from the audience interjected, "Designer Zhen, I'm truly enamored with this necklace. Whatever the price, consider it sold to me."

Carla's icy gaze fixed on Melissa. "Excuse me, it's rather rude to interrupt someone while they're speaking."

Other onlookers also shot disdainful looks her way.

Melissa exuded arrogance, her eyes gleaming with a self-satisfied smirk. "You've spoken quite a bit, haven't you? Aren't you aiming to sell this jewelry? Well then, seize this chance and sell it to me now."

She had come prepared this time, securing a card with a generous limit from Grandpa. She was determined; this time around, she believed she could restore her tarnished reputation in Seattle.

The ongoing discussion again overshadowed Melissa's voice, rendering her unnoticed amidst the chatter.

"Such an extraordinary combination of beauty, talent, and wealth! Remarkable!"

"What about the former mother-in-law? This is quite a dramatic turn."

"A designer with integrity wouldn't sell out for a few dollars."

"The display of newfound wealth is quite amusing, indeed."

Melissa was yanked back by Danna just as she rose from her seat, ready to depart in embarrassment. But before they could exit, media reporters swarmed in, each brandishing a microphone, effectively cornering them.

"Ms. Melissa, how do you feel about your former daughter-in-law publicly rejecting you?"

"This necklace is conservatively valued at around one billion. I heard you couldn't even afford a necklace worth $180 million at luxury stores before. So, are you just making a scene by saying you want to buy it this time?"

"Miss Penelope faced humiliation by the Archer family, and now she's interested in purchasing items she designed herself. Does this mean the Archer family acknowledges their error and feels remorseful toward her? Are they looking to make amends?"