After a Disabled Alpha Marked a Yandere Female Lead - Chapter 59

Chapter 59: A Confrontation at the Jewelry Exhibition

On the day of the jewelry exhibition, a group of reporters had gathered early, their cameras ready to capture every detail. The items on display were all highly sought after, but one designer’s work, in particular, was the center of a heated controversy.

Dong Aoyu sat in the front row, a look of contempt on her face. “It doesn’t look like much to me,” she said, staring at a lonely piece of jewelry. “Since the designer didn’t show up, let’s just remove her piece from the stage.” The exhibition manager was visibly nervous and didn’t dare to act.

“Would that… be appropriate?” he stammered.

Dong Aoyu raised an eyebrow. “Appropriate?” she asked.

“The exhibition’s rules have always been…”

“The rules are mine now,” Dong Aoyu declared. The manager’s face paled. The exhibition had been founded by Director Jiang, but now the tables had turned. Dong Aoyu had already secured the backing of the top brass to take over the management rights. “We only have a few minutes left. Get to work!”

Just as the manager turned to carry out the order, a commotion rippled through the guests. “Ms. Zhu is here!” someone shouted. All eyes turned to the stage.

Dong Aoyu looked over, unimpressed. She hadn’t expected the sick woman to show up, especially now. It was like walking into a trap. But knowing Zhu Qingluo was there ignited a sense of challenge in her. She subtly signaled the manager. The manager hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

The host unveiled the centerpiece, revealing the striking jewelry to the crowd. A moment later, Zhu Qingluo appeared on the side of the stage. Assistant Wu pushed her wheelchair forward, stopping just inches from the display case.

Zhu Qingluo, wearing a white gown, had her long legs wrapped in sleek trousers. She exuded a calm and steady presence. “I came here for two reasons,” she announced. “The first is to promote this piece of jewelry. The second is to answer a question that I know is on all of your minds.” Her voice was calm and commanding. The crowd fell silent, waiting for her to continue.

Dong Aoyu listened, growing impatient. She stared at Zhu Qingluo’s calm expression. This woman was just as cold and selfish as the reports had said. While her family’s empire was crumbling, Zhu Qingluo was here, foolishly trying to make a name for herself. She really has cut ties, Dong Aoyu thought with a sneer. Even married couples abandon ship when disaster strikes.

According to the rules, Zhu Qingluo was supposed to take her piece from the host. But the manager, instead, turned and presented the jewelry to Dong Aoyu. Dong Aoyu picked it up, a look of contempt on her face. As she looked up, she met Zhu Qingluo’s gaze. The jewelry’s sparkle seemed to mock her. Zhu Qingluo’s expression grew cold.

Reporters rushed the stage. The flashes of their cameras filled the air. “Ms. Zhu, why are you here?” one reporter asked into the live broadcast. “Is it true that Director Jiang plans to abandon her company? Are you considering a takeover offer?”

“That’s enough,” Dong Aoyu said, feigning concern. She glared at the reporters. “This is just Ms. Zhu’s personal exhibition. I’m helping to promote her work as a gesture of goodwill between our families.” Her words were laced with sarcasm.

Zhu Qingluo didn’t deny her words. She just nodded. “Thank you for showing your support, Ms. Dong. If you like a piece, please feel free to follow the procedure and take it.”

“So this is your work,” Dong Aoyu said, looking at the jewelry again. “I’ve decided to hold a raffle and give this to a lucky winner here today. You don’t mind, do you?”

Zhu Qingluo’s eyes narrowed. “You have no right to do that,” she said, her voice like ice.

“Haha!” Dong Aoyu laughed, her eyes glinting. “Ms. Zhu, if you’re not willing to part with it, there’s nothing I can do. The stock transfer papers have already been sent to you.”

“Really?” Zhu Qingluo’s voice was filled with a hidden meaning. Dong Aoyu thought she was being dramatic and was about to dismiss her.

Suddenly, Assistant Wu appeared with a document. Dong Aoyu’s secretary tried to stop her, but Zhu Qingluo calmly said, “Stop.”

“Ms. Zhu, this was delivered for you,” Assistant Wu said, bowing respectfully to Zhu Qingluo and the crowd. The secretary was stunned. Zhu Qingluo was still in her wheelchair a moment ago. How was she here?

“Thank you,” a cold voice said from behind her. The secretary turned and saw Zhu Qingluo standing, tall and graceful. She took the contract from Assistant Wu.

“It seems the Zhang family has already rejected the contract to manage this exhibition,” Zhu Qingluo said casually. “Your signatures, Ms. Dong, are no longer valid.”

“That’s impossible!” Dong Aoyu yelled, her face pale.

Zhu Qingluo opened the contract, revealing it to Dong Aoyu. Dong Aoyu’s head spun. She lunged forward to grab the document, but Zhu Qingluo simply stepped aside. Dong Aoyu stumbled forward, losing her balance. The jewelry flew from her hand. Zhu Qingluo caught it with ease. The cameras flashed, capturing the historic moment.

The crowd erupted into murmurs of excitement. “So the Jiang family still has someone in charge! We can’t jump to conclusions just yet.”

The exhibition manager, who was in on the plan, quickly approached Zhu Qingluo. “You finally came! This is incredible,” he said.

“Thank you for your cooperation,” Zhu Qingluo said. She had a plan, and the manager was on her side, pretending to be intimidated by Dong Aoyu.

“It was nothing,” he said, scratching his head. “Please, give me your piece. It deserves the best possible display.” Zhu Qingluo smiled and handed it to him. The manager placed the jewelry back on the stage. Its light shone for all to see. The cameras turned to it, capturing its brilliance. Later, it would be hailed as a “museum treasure.”

Zhu Qingluo spent the rest of the night networking with the families who had once been allies of the Jiang family. She successfully won them over. At 2 a.m., she returned home and walked into a dark and silent house.