Chapter 10 Pretense

• Demi acted as if she didn't understand; her eyes fixed intently on the candy in Helen's pocket.
• "Helen, candy! I want candy!"
• With Demi's being a little foodie and craving a treat, Helen smiled warmly and pulled out some candy from her pocket for her.
• "Alright, alright. You did an excellent job; these candies are all yours.
• As soon as Demi got the candy, a radiant smile appeared on her beautiful little face. She clung to the candies, unwilling to let go.
• Helen smiled helplessly at the sight and then went off to tend to other matters.
• As soon as Helen left, Demi's brilliant smile faded away.
• She thought back to the explosion, her gaze turning cold and sharp. Her misplaced trust in vile people had caused that explosion in the lab.
• The mere thought of those treacherous two, a man and a woman, made her feel disgusted.
• The very thought of those two scoundrels sickened her. She had treated them like family, yet they had plotted against her, trying to take everything she had.
• Demi's eyes darkened even further. Too bad for them, though. What was hers was not easily stolen.
• "Demi, I've come to see you!"
• Upon hearing the voice, Demi instantly returned to her usual vacant, simple-minded demeanor.
• Karen strutted in. She was adorned with jewelry all over and exuded the air of a wealthy woman.
• Despite how much she actually despised Demi, she still managed to maintain a sweet and affectionate facade in front of others.
• "Oh, Demi, I was in such a rush today that I didn't have time to bring you a gift. You won't be upset at me, will you?"
• "Of course, I won't be upset at you!"
• Karen's smile deepened at her answer. At least this fool knew her place.
• But the next moment, Karen's smile froze on her face.
• Demi blinked, her expression full of innocent foolishness.
• "Karen, your bracelet is so pretty. I love it! Karen, can you give it to me?"
• This fool knew how to pick things! The bracelet Demi admired was a limited edition!
• Of course, Karen had no intention of giving away such a valuable piece of jewelry. But with Helen standing nearby, her stomach churned with frustration.
• Karen knew that Helen worked for Juliet. She would report anything that happened around Demi to that old lady.
• Juliet harbored a deep affection for this fool.
• Karen scoffed internally, cursing the old woman for being blind.
• Demi was just a fool, nowhere near as accomplished as her own daughter. Yet that old witch doted on this idiot and ignored her daughter, the top socialite of Phora. What a blind old hag!
• But Karen couldn't afford to cross Juliet. Plus, she had to keep up appearances as the 'good' stepmother. Rejecting Demi's request was not an option.
• Reluctantly, Karen bit her lip in silent frustration. She removed the emerald bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Demi with a forceful smile.
• "Of course, Demi. If you like it, it's yours!"
• Demi could easily see the pain in Karen's eyes, but she didn't care. She let out a subtle smile and reached out without hesitation to take the bracelet.
• "Thank you, Karen! I love it!"
• This fool actually accepted it!
• Karen was seething inside, but she had to maintain her facade of generosity. "As long as you like it, Demi."
• Demi played with the bracelet nonchalantly, tossing it in the air and catching it again. She threw it up and down repeatedly.
• Watching this, Karen's heart was in her throat. She couldn't help but blurt out, "Stop it!"
• But it was too late. The bracelet slipped from Demi's hands, and with a crack, it shattered on the ground.
• Karen's expression instantly changed. "You ras ... "
• Although she had given the bracelet to Demi, she had planned to find a way to get it back later. But now that it was broken, it was beyond recovery!
• Just like that, the bracelet, worth a few hundred thousand dollars, disappeared. How could Karen not be furious?
• On the other hand, Demi didn't seem to care at all. It was just a bracelet that cost hundreds of thousands, and she hadn't hesitated to smash it to pieces.
• She noted Karen was on the verge of exploding; so she blinked and put on an innocent, confused look.
• "Karen, are you mad? I didn't mean to!"
• Noticing Helen watching from the side, Karen suppressed her anger once again, forcing another smile that couldn't have looked more fake.
• "How could I be mad? The bracelet is yours now anyway. If it's broken, then so be it."