"Yeah," Leo said coldly, his lips curving into a humorless smile. "You should be ashamed of being her mother."
Jessica's eyes lit up instantly, mistaking his meaning. Her fake tears glistened as she clasped her chest dramatically.
"I know, I know! I am really sorry for Bella," she said pitifully, voice trembling in practiced sorrow. "I don't know why she would do something like this. She married into such a rich family, but her habits are still so… poor—"
Leo raised his hand slowly, silencing her. His smirk widened, sharp as a blade.
"Mrs. Aldridge… are you misunderstanding me?"
Jessica blinked. "What do you—"
"I wasn't talking about Bella," he cut in smoothly, his tone mocking. "I was talking about your dear daughter Stella."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Jessica froze, her smile cracking, and Stella stiffened, her head snapping up to glare at her mother for almost celebrating too soon.
