the two-faced Adopted Girl Who Melted CEO's Ice-Cold Heart
Chapter 196: My Elder Brother Merely Treats You as a Plaything

Chapter 196: Chapter 196: My Elder Brother Merely Treats You as a Plaything

The appraiser stepped forward, picked up the agate snuff bottle in the shape of a reclining deer, and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, stammering, "This is... it’s an agate snuff bottle in the shape of a reclining deer. But I remember it was auctioned off in New York several years ago. Conservatively estimated, its current collection value has already reached eight million."

The appraiser silently swallowed the rest of his words. This item was from the eighteenth to nineteenth century, from the Qing Dynasty — not from the Jiajing era.

As soon as the appraiser finished speaking, the prominent figures of the aristocratic families began to stir in their seats.

"Young Master Leclair, when did the old master start collecting snuff bottles? Our family does have some passed down through the generations. Perhaps someday I could bring them to the Leclair Mansion for the old master to evaluate?"

"Snuff bottles are indeed quite rare nowadays. The old master truly has refined taste."

Ignatius Leclair curled his lips, rarely showing a smile. His deep, phoenix-like eyes revealed no bottom, yet he replied casually, "The old master just loves collecting these antique curios."

With one light remark, he confirmed the old master’s penchant for collecting snuff bottles and subtly validated Delphine’s earlier words as truthful.

Haha, if Delphine hadn’t unearthed this snuff bottle, Ignatius wouldn’t even have remembered that such an item resided in his collection room.

A battle of words vanished silently without a trace.

Yvonne Wade, despite her lack of discernment, naturally failed to recognize this as a treasure. Watching Delphine Carter dominate the attention, her face darkened considerably.

Delphine noticed the unpleasant expressions on their faces, lowered her gaze, then smiled softly and murmured, "I should thank you both. If it weren’t for your relentless pressure, I might not have had the chance to formally re-enter the circle of Southsea high society."

After today, the prominent families and elites of Southsea would undoubtedly learn of the orphan girl who was once expelled from the Leclair Mansion — that she had returned.

Disgraced yet able to make a comeback — it was a phenomenon worthy of reflection. Bessie’s coercion directly led Ignatius Leclair to stand behind her. She should thank Bessie.

"If it weren’t for your return — for Stone Leclair injuring me and then bringing in a fool like Yvonne Wade to trouble me — how else would Ignatius grow more and more sympathetic toward me?" Delphine lifted her eyes, smiled as she whispered words only audible to the two women, her gaze profoundly deep like the twilight mist of winter.

"You vile woman! My elder brother merely sees you as a plaything. He’ll abandon you sooner or later." Bessie Leclair trembled with rage, her hands shaking, but her face maintained a perfectly poised smile.

Delphine, utterly unyielding, gazed at her calmly, her posture graceful, lips faintly curled — shedding her past image of meekness and inferiority, declaring her cold and steady resolve for battle.

Bessie shot Yvonne a pointed glance.

Yvonne promptly stepped forward, picked up the microphone, and smiled toward the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Bessie has taken quite a liking to the pureblood horse that Miss Liu gifted her. She would like to challenge Miss Carter to a horse-riding competition. If you’ll excuse us."

As the Yeager Family estate included a racetrack, Yvonne’s words had barely landed when the crowd erupted in cheers, rising from their seats to head towards the stables.

Equestrian skills were a mandatory pursuit for the aristocratic youth.

Delphine’s expression slightly tensed.

Ignatius furrowed his brow, losing interest in conversing with the uncles and elder relatives beside him. He stood up decisively.

Maximilian approached and spoke softly, "Young Master Leclair, Reginald Yeager would like to meet you. It’s about Miss Carter."

Though neither side’s elders had arrived yet, Reginald Yeager — who had not shown himself to greet the guests from start to finish — had left the matter fully to Bessie’s dramatic performance. It was, frankly, outrageous.

Ignatius’s expression turned frostily grim as he commanded in a low voice, "Take me to him."

The man glanced once at Delphine — now leaving with Bessie — and gave instructions: "Bring Leah along to find Delphine."

Horse-racing? If he recalled correctly, Delphine didn’t even know how to ride a horse.

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