Chapter 105 Alliance
The mocking voices around Clara instantly quieted down as several of the ladies exchanged glances. These women all had spent years navigating high society—they could easily read between the lines of Clara's implications.
While no one dared directly question Charles's judgment, the suggestion that Emily had "used her methods to become Charles's girlfriend" was enough to cast a shadow over Emily's moment in the spotlight.
"What exactly do you mean by that, Ms. Johnson? Does Emily have some unknown... talents?" The woman in the purple gown, always eager for drama, immediately seized on the topic with curiosity.
Clara's heart leaped with joy, but she didn't dare be too explicit. She quickly waved her hands. "Oh no, don't misunderstand me. Emily is wonderful, and it's only natural that Mr. Windsor would like her. I'm just... a bit envious, I suppose. After all, Mr. Windsor was never quite so attentive with me. I guess I was too naive, didn't know how to... take care of people properly."
Her words seemed self-deprecating, but every sentence was carefully crafted to guide public opinion—subtly implying that Emily's methods of winning men over were exceptional, while emphasizing that she had been Charles's woman first, making Emily merely a latecomer.
Moreover, she hadn't said a single explicitly negative word about Emily, so even if Charles heard about this, he couldn't find any substantial fault with her words.
Seeing that she had everyone's attention, Clara grew bolder and continued in a wounded tone, "Actually, when Mr. Windsor gave me that necklace before, I thought there might be a chance for us. Then Emily came back, and Mr. Windsor gradually started ignoring me. Come to think of it, when Emily first returned to Emerald City, she even approached me, saying she wanted to learn about design from me. I shared so many of my experiences with her without holding anything back."
Her words not only emphasized her generosity in sharing her experiences but also implied that Emily had climbed up by stepping on her—Emily's design skills were all learned from her, and even Charles was taken away by Emily under the pretext of seeking advice.
Lucy stood nearby, watching it all unfold and secretly admiring Clara's cleverness. Clara had managed to avoid offending Charles while damaging Emily's reputation and gaining sympathy for herself.
She quietly filed away Clara's techniques, thinking they might be useful with Charles someday.
Just then, Skylar, who had commissioned evening gowns from Obscura Fashion, suddenly spoke up, "Wait, that doesn't make sense. I remember Emily was already famous before returning to Emerald City. She's the renowned Jane—why would she need design advice from you? And Charles isn't the type to be fooled. If he doesn't like someone, no amount of charm will make him give them a second glance. You'd be better off focusing on improving your own designs instead of dwelling on this nonsense."
Skylar's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing Clara's momentum.
She hadn't expected Skylar to suddenly defend Emily, let alone call out her scheming so bluntly. Her face flushed red, and she found herself speechless.
The surrounding crowd quickly chimed in, "Yes, Ms. Johnson, Skylar's right. Better to focus your energy on worthwhile pursuits."
"Mr. Windsor's judgment is impeccable, and Emily's talent speaks for itself."
Just as Clara stood there red-faced and mortified, a commotion erupted near the club's entrance.
Everyone turned to see Elora King striding in wearing a silver sequined gown and dramatic diamond earrings, surrounded by an entourage.
She was the heiress to Luminance Jewels. While Luminance Jewels ranked just below the Windsor Group, it wielded enormous influence in the fashion world, so Elora held an unparalleled position among the social elite—someone everyone sought to please.
The moment Elora entered, her gaze swept across the room before settling on Clara.
She sauntered over with a smirk playing at her lips, "Well, Ms. Johnson, why do you look like someone's wronged you?"
Clara hadn't expected to encounter Elora here, much less have her initiate conversation. She quickly wiped the redness from her eyes and forced a smile, "Ms. King, how lovely to see you. I'm fine, just chatting with everyone."
Elora raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over the ladies who had just supported Skylar, her tone carrying a hint of intimidation. "I thought I heard someone questioning Ms. Johnson's design abilities as I came in?"
Her words instantly silenced those who had been agreeing with Skylar moments before.
Elora's volatile temper was notoriously bad in their circles, and with Luminance Jewels' power backing her, no one wanted to risk offending her over such a trivial matter.
Skylar frowned but remained silent—while she admired Emily, she had no desire to clash with Elora.
Seeing no one contradict her, Elora turned back to Clara with satisfaction, her tone carrying approval, "Ms. Johnson, I've seen your Lustre collection. Very innovative. The fact that you revived Mirage Fashion in such a short time proves your talent is undeniable. Unlike certain people who have big reputations but whose actual abilities remain mysterious—perhaps they've reached their current position through less than honorable means."
While ostensibly praising Clara, every word was designed to disparage Emily. The person she referred to as using "less than honorable means" was obviously Emily.
This animosity traced back to several days earlier, when Elora's design director, Valerie, had gone to Glamour Gem Group to negotiate a partnership; not only had she failed to secure Miracite supply rights, but Emily had beaten her to it. Valerie had returned and distorted the facts, claiming Emily had publicly belittled Luminance Jewels, calling their design philosophy outdated and unworthy of Glamour Gem Group's premium materials.
Although Elora had personally negotiated with Glamour Gem Group afterward and secured distribution rights for other gemstones, her pride couldn't tolerate such humiliation. She'd been looking for an opportunity to put Emily in her place.
Today presented the perfect chance to diminish Emily while cultivating Clara as an ally.
Watching Emily and Clara tear each other down would be quite entertaining.
Clara's eyes lit up instantly upon hearing Elora's words.
She hadn't expected Elora to take her side and help disparage Emily. She quickly played along, "Ms. King, you're too kind. I only did what needed to be done. Emily is indeed impressive—being able to win Mr. Windsor's favor proves she has exceptional... qualities."
While her words sounded modest, Clara was practically glowing inside—with Elora's backing, who would dare question her in the future?
Elora snorted coldly, "Exceptional qualities? I'd say exceptional seduction skills. Mr. Windsor has simply been deceived. Once he sees the truth, he'll know who possesses real talent."
The surrounding crowd nodded in agreement—no one dared contradict her.
Elora's status was unassailable, and with Emily and Charles having already left, no one would risk offending Elora for someone who wasn't even present.