“How can Lilah claim to be a jewelry designer and not appreciate the value of these diamonds?"

“I bet she did it out of envy, seeing Adaline's gift from Mr. Lewis"

“Adaline's generosity is astonishing. Knocking off 200, 000 just like that? I wouldn't be that kind. Clearly, Lilah and Adaline are worlds apart."

Lilah retorted with biting sarcasm, "Mr. Lewis has quite the taste, gifting his sweetheart a counterfeit bag."

Whispers erupted. "Is Lilah trying to evade payment by falsely claiming the bag is a replica?"

A hint of guilt flashed across Iker's eyes, but then his countenance grew icy. “What are you implying, Lilah?"

Without hesitation, Lilah plucked a blue diamond from the bag and hurled it to the floor.

With a pronounced crack, it shattered.

"It seems the bond between Mr. Lewis and Miss Adaline Phillips is as fragile as this gem. For the knowledgeable ones here, need I mention real diamonds aren't so easily broken?" Lilah cast a disdainful glance at Adaline, her voice dripping with scorn. "Fakes will always remain fakes, no matter how much you wish otherwise."

It was a brazen affront!

Fury mingled with disbelief on Adaline's face as she processed that Iker might have presented her with a faux bag. She sought answers in Iker's eyes, which had grown stormy. He retorted defensively, “The authentic piece is en route. It couldn't be delivered by Valentine's Day, so I procured a superior imitation to appease Adaline temporarily. Once the genuine article arrives, I'll exchange it."

With a sardonic smile, Lilah replied, "Of course, I take your word for it."

The surrounding crowd struggled to stifle their laughter.

Why hadn't Iker procured the genuine piece earlier if his intentions were sincere?

As Iker's face drained of color, Adaline's embarrassment became palpable. Her eyes darted to the brooch on Lilah's chest, seizing it as an opportunity to shift the narrative. "So, Lilah, you joined Aurora Jewelers immediately upon returning? Are you still harboring resentment for the past and your pregnancy out of wedlock?"

The murmured phrase "pregnancy out of wedlock" shifted the mood in the room.

Iker snapped back to attention, his voice sharpening with anger.

“Lilah, reconsider your decisions. As a Phillips, how can you associate with our competitor?"

"You once pledged your love to me, yet you betrayed me with Adaline."

Lilah's voice was laced with sarcasm, her eyes narrowing with veiled contempt.

The crowd's attention pivoted to Iker and Adaline, the air thick with tension. Many couldn't reconcile the angelic facade Adaline presented with the private improprieties Lilah hinted at.

Flushing furiously, Adaline retorted, "How dare you slander me, Lilah?

You carried another man's child and refused to end the pregnancy. It left Iker no option but to end your engagement!"

She cast a desperate glance at Iker, seeking affirmation.