Chapter 10
Diana's laughter, light and melodic, filled the room.
The atmosphere turned icy.
"You're talking nonsense," Finn's angry voice cut through the tension, his hand trembling as he pointed at Diana.
Diana raised an eyebrow, unafraid. "Did I say something wrong? The company's about to go under, and we're waiting for an investment to save it. Are you all just going to give up?"
Ignoring the hostile glares, Diana, in her high heels, confidently walked over and sat down across from them.
"You're getting more and more out of line," Finn's veins bulged on his forehead.
Diana shrugged and spread her hands, her attitude remarkably sincere. "What can I do? I had a mother but no father to teach me. What's the saying? 'A child's bad character is the parents' fault.' Maybe you should reflect on yourself first?"
"You..."
"Alright, alright, what are you doing? Diana finally came back. Let's just have a nice family meal together," Finn's stepmother, Layla, intervened, as she always did, playing the peacemaker.
Chase Garcia walked over. "Diana, you don't have to cause a scene every time you come back. Show some respect to your elders."
"Yeah, Diana, let's just eat," Veda chimed in, coming to Diana's side with Chase, leading her to the dining table.
Soon, the table was filled with delicious dishes.
Unfortunately, there wasn't a single thing she liked.
Diana picked up a knife and fork, eating a few bites without enthusiasm, her face remaining cold.
There was no rule against talking during meals in their family.
Finn took a sip of red wine, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. "You've been away long enough. I know what you're upset about, but remember, you're still my daughter. You won't be left out. The company is transitioning and has successfully joined the Johnson Group's Jewelry City. With the new product launch coming up..."
Finn paused momentarily, as if bestowing a favor. "Your talent is decent. Help the company with a few designs. As the company rises, so will your reputation."
Diana couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Are you trying to patronize me?"
"What kind of attitude is that? The jewelry company has plenty of designers. We don't lack talent. I'm giving you an opportunity you should cherish," Finn's voice grew more impatient.
Layla chimed in softly, "Yes, think about how many talented people emerge every year. Just look at the major jewelry competitions. We're only trying to help you because you're family. When you become a famous designer, we'll all benefit."
What a hypocrite!
They were clearly trying to exploit her designs.
But in their mouths, it turned into charity, an opportunity.
Diana put down her knife and fork, her smile unchanged. "Give the opportunity to someone else. I don't need it. By the way, my studio is also busy joining Johnson Jewelry City. We'll be competitors soon. Let the best person win."
Finn slammed his knife and fork onto the table. "What did you say? Your worthless studio wants to join Johnson Jewelry City?"
"Worthless studio?" Diana picked up a glass of juice and took a leisurely sip. "If you look down on our studio so much, why are you stealing my designs?"
Finn's face turned beet red. "What nonsense are you spouting? We're family."
"Really? A family that schemes against each other?"
"Why do you always have to be so sarcastic? Whether you accept it or not, Layla is my wife now, and you have siblings."
"My mother passed away years ago. Do you want to be my mom?" Diana raised an eyebrow at Layla.
Layla stood frozen, her charitable smile faltering.
Just as she was thinking of how to respond, Diana's mocking voice cut in. "If you want to be my mom, it's simple. I'll send you to the afterlife right now."
"And as for those siblings, my mother only had me. I don't recognize anyone else."
"Enough. Whether you recognize them or not, they exist. Now let's talk about the designs from your studio. Your studio is insignificant. Hand over the designs to the company. After all, the company will be yours in the future."
Diana let out a burp, her icy eyes like shards of ice. "The company is whatever. The designs are not happening."
"Diana, why are you like this? We're family. How do you think Dad feels? He's so hurt. And what's going on with Mr. Nelson? How did Michael get involved?"
Veda's words drew everyone's attention to Diana.
Clearly, they were curious about Diana's relationship with Michael.
Diana raised an eyebrow, her gaze falling on the "frail" Veda. "What do you think?"
"Diana, you're scaring me. I'm scared," Veda shrank back, leaning against Layla, looking frightened.
Chase suddenly stood up from his chair. "What's wrong with you? You cause chaos every time you come back. If you keep this up, don't come back."
"Shut up. How can you talk to Diana like that?" Layla scolded Chase coldly, but her tone lacked true reprimand.
"Why are you scolding Chase? I think he's right. Diana's getting stranger as she grows up. She won't give her designs to the family and wants to support that small studio. And what about Mr. Nelson?"
"I don't care what your relationship with Michael is, but you need to maintain things with Mr. Nelson. Apologize and say something nice. If we lose the investment, you'll see..."
"Shut up." Diana couldn't take it anymore. She sprang up from her chair, the movement causing a screech as the chair scraped the floor.
"What, didn't you understand me? If you really want to send someone over, isn't there someone in the family? The old and the young are both good at seducing people, right?"
"You bitch," Finn slammed the table again, knocking over a water glass, spilling water everywhere.
His attitude was firm, his command angry. "You must apologize, or I'll take your mother's ashes..."
Before Finn could finish, Diana, her blood boiling, gripped the table and flipped it over with a forceful shove.
Dishes and bowls crashed to the floor, creating a mess.
Diana looked at the mess on the ground and suddenly laughed, her cold eyes like ice. "What do you want? What else do you want? Listen, if you dare cross my line, I'll make you pay back double."
Her threatening gaze swept over everyone present before she walked away, her high heels clicking on the floor.