Chapter 170
Deanna’s nails dug into her palms, her entire body trembling with the effort to stay still. Every fiber of her wanted to lunge at Stella-to wipe that infuriating calm off her face with one sharp slap. But the crowd’s eyes were on them, and dignity was the only weapon she had left.
Having weathered many storms in life, Deanna took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She knew that if today’s events got out, her reputation would be in tatters. All thanks to Stella, the troublemaker!
“Stella,” Deanna began, her voice sharp and cutting, “Keen has worked so hard for this competition. Even if you weren’t invited to accompany him, did you really have to go and ruin it for him? Besides, you don’t have a rich family background, nor do you have a fancy degree. We can’t just stand there on stage with Keen, can we?”
Her words were like daggers, laying bare Stella’s lack of pedigree and education, with zero concern for tact.
In high society, pedigree and prestige were everything. Even outsiders could earn their place-provided they brought undeniable brilliance to the table. Without it? Well, the whispers followed. In their world, you were either exceptional or invisible. Mediocrity wasn’t just frowned upon-it was erased.
In their world, everyone was constantly comparing themselves to others, with intricate hierarchies of disdain. The elite looked down on those from different social standings. Those with prestigious backgrounds sneered at mere intellectuals. Intellectuals often mocked celebrities and models. And people like Stella, with seemingly nothing to their name, were at the very bottom, easy targets for everyone’s scorn.
The crowd’s gaze turned disdainful as Deanna spoke, their eyes assessing Stella with newfound contempt. Was she really just a pretty face with no substance? How did she even become a part of the O’Brien family? Rumor had it she married Haynes because she was pregnant. Could it be she manipulated her way in?
Even if she had, surely she should have at least one redeeming feature. Yet, the picture painted was that of a dramatic soap opera scene.
Stella, maintaining her composure, replied calmly, “Deanna, you must be joking. It wasn’t me trying to sabotage Keen’s competition; it was Ms. Pearce. She spilled coffee on my dress, making it impossible for me to continue in the competition. She ruined my dress, so it’s only fair she compensates me with a new one,” Stella continued. “And who told you I have no education or talent?”
Deanna was furious at Stella’s audacity to speak to her like that but had to
restrain her anger with so many eyes on them. “If you’re asking her to
compensate you with a new dress, why insist on the one she’s wearing? Don’t you realize she won’t be able to compete if she gives it to you? If Rachel can’t compete, what happens to Keen? Are you really going to let a mere dress cost him a top spot? What kind of heartless mother are you?”
Once, Deanna’s barbs would’ve stung. Now, they barely registered-just noise against armor forged through years of her bullshit. “Deanna, let’s get one thing straight. It was Rachel who spilled coffee on me, not the other way around. And as for competitions, why is Keen’s more important than anyone else’s? If Rachel can’t compete in a stained dress, why should I have to compete in one she ruined?”
Deanna was at a loss for words, pointing at Stella but unable to articulate a response. Jasper chimed in, “You wouldn’t score well anyway, so going on stage would just be a waste of time. You might even embarrass yourself, and then Haynie would have to clean up your mess.”