the two-faced Adopted Girl Who Melted CEO's Ice-Cold Heart
Chapter 193: She’s just an infamous illegitimate daughter, yet Ignatius Leclair actually holds her in such high regard.

Chapter 193: Chapter 193: She’s just an infamous illegitimate daughter, yet Ignatius Leclair actually holds her in such high regard.

Delphine’s heart skipped a beat, and before she could react, Ignatius Leclair had already stood up and pulled her off the couch, his gaze cold as he looked at the newcomer.

Bessie Leclair was dressed in a dazzling custom-made gown adorned with diamonds, her makeup impeccable, her beauty unparalleled. She strolled into the lounge with a group of friends in tow, exuding an air of grandeur.

The moment she opened the door, she saw her elder brother locked in a deeply passionate kiss with Delphine Carter, his demeanor utterly captivated, as though he couldn’t pull himself away. Bessie’s lips twitched with anger, and a flash of jealousy flickered in her eyes. She cursed inwardly, "Little wench," but her face betrayed nothing. Instead, she flashed a charming smile and said sweetly, "Brother, why are you hiding here? Everyone’s curious about the engagement gift you’ve prepared for me."

Ignatius reacted swiftly. Seeing the gaggle of women chattering noisily as they entered, and knowing that aside from Bessie, no one else had seen the kiss, he frowned slightly and said coldly, "Let’s go."

"Delphine, you must come too," Bessie said with a seductive smile, her crimson lips curling upwards.

Delphine responded with a faint smile, unable to decipher what Bessie was planning.

A high-society engagement party was, in essence, a display of wealth and power. Over the years, the Leclair Family had remained at the pinnacle, with few descendants and a low-key demeanor. Those eager to curry favor found no opportunities, but now that the fourth Miss Leclair was getting engaged, an array of rare treasures that were rarely seen had flooded the Wade Family’s Squire Manor for the main event.

While the benefits were obvious, the ostentatious flaunting was something Delphine silently disapproved of, shaking her head inwardly.

As the Leclair siblings emerged together, they were immediately surrounded by crowds of people offering congratulations. Delphine felt stifled in the throng and cast a glance upward at the man at the center of attention—handsome, commanding, his aura as powerful as that of an emperor.

She paused momentarily and allowed herself a faint, self-deprecating smile.

Almost simultaneously, Ignatius stopped in his tracks and glanced back at her. His steps ceased, and his strikingly handsome features deepened with intensity. He then retraced his steps, took hold of her wrist, and led her forward.

The crowd was stunned, mouths agape in disbelief as their eyes all turned toward Delphine.

Her features were exquisitely sculpted, her skin as flawless as porcelain, and her demeanor was cool and unruffled, possessing an ineffable allure. She was indeed a rare beauty.

Some young heirs who had visited Squire Manor knew about how Thiago Wade and Yvonne Wade had tried to trouble her before she ended up fracturing two of Thiago’s ribs. Now, seeing Ignatius personally wait for Delphine made their hearts tremble and scream inwardly, "Who exactly is this woman? What makes even Mr. Leclair pause for her?"

Walking ahead, Bessie’s expression turned slightly sour. Just a lowly girl from the countryside with a tarnished reputation, and yet her brother was giving her such face?

Bessie’s gaze darkened as she glanced at Yvonne beside her and asked in a low voice, "Is everything ready?"

Yvonne’s heavily powdered face couldn’t hide the swelling on her right cheek. The jealousy etched into her formerly pleasant features now lent her a sinister air.

Yvonne nodded, her voice laced with venomous resentment. "Trust me, today she won’t get out unscathed."

Having accompanied Bessie, Yvonne naturally knew all about Delphine’s background. A lowborn illegitimate daughter daring to trample upon her dignity—this was a grudge she must settle.

At Yvonne’s reply, Bessie’s lips curved into an elegant yet charming smile. Stepping gracefully in her seven-inch heels, she sashayed to the hosting platform of the engagement party.

"Thank you all for attending my engagement party. Just now, I received a pleasant surprise," Bessie said as she took the microphone on the stage, her voice warm and smiling. "I will be marrying Jocelyn Yeager next Valentine’s Day, February 14th. On that day, I will also inherit ten percent of the Leclair Group’s shares and officially join the ranks of the corporation."

The moment Bessie finished speaking, the room erupted in chaos.

Delphine glanced at Ignatius in astonishment. Bessie’s ambitions were crystal clear—such a major enterprise as the Leclair Group, with ten percent of its shares, was enough to grant her a spot on the board of directors with significant decision-making authority. But where were these shares coming from?

Ignatius’s expression grew dark and sullen, his lips curling into a smile laced with cold contempt.