Chapter 18. Poised

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As the reporter continues to point the blame onto Esther, the guest looked at Genesis with more pity and hatred towards Esther. The air was thick with tension, and the sound of murmuring voices filled the room. They didn't once imagine that such a young girl could stoop so low, and that to the heiress of the Stokes family.

"She has been jealous of Genesis since childhood, no exception. She did this because she can't be compared to Genesis in any way." Elena enunciated, anger filling her voice once more. The place became tranquil, and an angelic laughter reverberated in everyone's ears. The sound of clinking glasses and soft whispers seemed to fade into the background as all eyes turned to Esther.

They turned their head to the source of laughter and were astounded by how much Esther glowed when she smiled. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds, and her skin radiated a warm, golden glow. "You are right when you say I can't be compared to Genesis when in fact I am better than her. In terms of talent, beauty, and brains, who is Genesis Stokes in front of me? Take away her family background. What is her worth?"

Esther's shrill voice rang out, mocking and taunting Lilith at once. Her once calm demeanor was replaced with a cold and vicious aura, suppressing everyone around. The room seemed to grow colder, and the atmosphere became even more tense.

The scent of expensive perfume wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of fresh flowers. Genesis face turned red with anger and humiliation, her eyes welling up with tears. "And what is there about Genesis to envy? A white lotus like her does not deserve my sympathy. You throw dust in everyone's eyes, and you forget that while you throw the dust, some particles would still find a way back to you. And so I tell you, Genesis, next time you try to throw dust—protect your eyes and aim well. You may never know when those particles you aimed for someone hit you as well." Esther's words hung in the air like a challenge, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The sound of rustling clothes and shifting bodies filled the room as everyone waited with bated breath for Genesis' response. "What is with these riddles? What do you want to prove here?" Elena asked, contemplating her next move. Esther merely glanced her way as she added, "The same person who has a log in the eyes is the same person advising a person who had a stick in his eyes. Mrs. Strokes, don't you find your character too competentious? The active daughter of the Strokes, advising me on being too rough, wow." Everyone knew what Esther meant when she said that. Yes, Elena, who was known for her rude and proud behavior, was ridiculing someone for being arrogant with her beauty. It wasn't that hypocritical.

The room seemed to grow even quieter, the only sound being the soft hum of the air conditioning. Lilith's voice broke the silence, her words laced with venom. "Why are you trying to smear my name when you did this, admit it, Esther. You did this. You envy me, right? Is it because of Brother Lachlan you're doing this? Do you want your brother's full attention? If so, why do all this? I could have introduced you to him." Genesis pitifully said, receiving everyone's sympathy. She had already changed her clothing, her gaze weak, and her body still had the heinous marks left by Gilbert Gu.

The sound of sniffling and sobbing filled the room as Lilith burst into tears. "Pfft!" Esther sneered and stared at Genesis with mockery. "Do you think if I wanted Lachlan's attention, I would do this? Just a little seduction would do the trick. But you wouldn't understand, since well your beauty is average and you need something called makeup to stimulate it." Esther glanced at Lachlan and turned her gaze to Genesis once more. "You keep claiming I dragged you into this. Do you have any proof to back up your words?" Lilith burst into tears as she wailed, "I have evidence. The surveillance camera would prove my innocence."..

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The room seemed to grow even more tense, the air thick with anticipation. "Are you sure you want to do this Genesis, this is live," Esther smugly responded, as someone left quickly to grab the tape. Lilith hesitated, feeling that there was more to Esther's warning. The sound of footsteps echoed through the room, and the anticipation grew thicker.

Everyone faced the projection on the wall, their eyes fixed on it, and it alone. A simple evening party to welcome the Young heir turned into a tensed drama where two girls had to prove innocence.