the two-faced Adopted Girl Who Melted CEO's Ice-Cold Heart
Chapter 26: Fraternizing with Strange Men at a Tender Age

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Fraternizing with Strange Men at a Tender Age

After parting ways with Jocelyn Yeager, Delphine avoided the crowd and found a quiet corner in the small garden to sit and rest.

The Yeager Family villa in the eastern part of the city was lavishly decorated. From the entrance onward, path lights lined the way, and though it was already near dusk, the resplendent lighting rivaled that of daylight.

Unlike the Leclair Family’s century-old mansion with its minimalist, vintage aesthetic, the Yeager Family villa sprawled broadly and boasted a style that leaned more toward Western European opulence. Its overall layout was grand and extravagant, showing the deep heritage of a distinguished family.

Beatrice Carter arrived a step later, found Delphine, and upon seeing her in a cocktail dress and light makeup, appeared somewhat satisfied. She reached out to take Delphine’s hand with a smile and said, "Today is Madam Yeager’s birthday. I’ll introduce you to her, and that’ll count as bringing you into the Nanyang social circle. Delphine, this time, let’s stick together, alright?"

Because they were in public, Beatrice could only refer to herself as her aunt. Delphine remained silent for a few seconds before giving a nod.

She had long seen through it all—her mother, who had endured countless hardships her entire life, would never let go of the wealth and grandeur she now enjoyed.

Yet, despite her mother’s cautious calculation, Ignatius Leclair had already uncovered all their secrets and chosen to bide his time. She couldn’t bear to reveal these truths to her mother.

Seeing Delphine obedient and compliant, Beatrice was delighted. She clung to Delphine’s arm and, stepping elegantly in her stilettos, seductively led her toward the main hall.

The interior décor of the villa was even more opulent. Elegantly dressed socialites and gentlemen moved through the space, chatting animatedly amidst the clinking of glasses.

"Madam Yeager, congratulations, congratulations! You’re looking more radiant than ever," someone said warmly.

"Oh, Madam Leclair, you flatter me. When it comes to beauty, who can compare to you?" responded Madam Yeager.

After a round of pleasantries, Beatrice presented her birthday gift—a set of jade jewelry with a stunning aquamarine hue. Madam Yeager hurriedly called someone to store it away before turning her attention to Delphine and smiling. "And who might this be?"

"My niece, Delphine. She’s been studying abroad for the past few years and just returned. Jin Nan said, since we’re practically family, she might as well stay at the Leclair mansion." Beatrice grasped Delphine’s hand and, with an exaggerated wave of her sizeable diamond ring, delivered a message steeped in ambiguity.

Within Nanyang, the Leclair mansion held an almost regal status. Its overwhelming power and authority were unquestionable, yet its lineage remained thin, with only one descendant among the younger generation, Bessie Leclair. By subtly hinting to the crowd, Beatrice conveyed the impression that her niece was treated like a daughter by the Family Head of the Leclair Family.

As for whether Delphine was indeed the niece cast out years ago due to a scandal, as long as the Leclair mansion recognized Delphine Carter’s identity, the matter would be buried behind closed doors forever.

Delphine stepped forward with a polite smile and said, "Madam Yeager, hello. Wishing you a happy birthday and everlasting beauty."

Madam Yeager, ever shrewd, maintained a wide smile as she stepped forward to clasp Delphine’s hands. Though her delicate and refined appearance and decent demeanor were satisfactory, her attire lacked even a single piece of notable jewelry or accessory. Madam Yeager instantly understood everything, her thoughts as clear as a mirror, and replied with a smile, "Miss Carter is really quite lovely. I remember you and Jocelyn were classmates back then, weren’t you?"

Beatrice’s expression faltered, and she glanced at Delphine, shaking her head.

Delphine’s smile remained unchanged. She and Jocelyn had indeed been classmates; Madam Yeager’s remark was merely a way to probe her background.

"Mother, what’s so funny?" Jocelyn Yeager interjected with a smile, walking over just in time to resolve the awkward moment. He winked slyly at Delphine and asked, "And who might this be?"

"She’s Madam Leclair’s niece, and the two of you were classmates," Madam Yeager responded, her implications overt.

These elite families and their socialites were far from the harmony they outwardly displayed; intricate webs of interests connected them all.

For years, the Leclair mansion had overshadowed all other wealthy established families. With Ignatius Leclair being as cunning as a fox and masterfully skilled, no one dared offend the Leclair Family’s power figure. However, when it came to individuals like Beatrice and Delphine, who lacked official recognition, such cold remarks and covert ridicule flowed freely.

Madam Yeager, at her core, looked down on women like Beatrice Carter—ones who merely climbed their way into status through seduction and underhanded measures to bear a son. Without any legitimate title, calling her "Madam Leclair" might be a compliment she hardly deserved. And as for the younger one, at her young age, she was rumored to have already gotten involved with a shady man. What a family they were.

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