Seraphina's blood was boiling, frothing as she clenched her fist beside her.
That bitch. How dare try to steal her shine? The aunties were crowing over her husband, looking all swoony and that is annoying.
But where did she find such a man? Wasn't she supposed to be in anguish? What about the poison?
Mr Huang looked torn. On one hand he would very much love to be acquainted with the infamous Alphonse Li but he couldn't afford to make his princess annoyed.
Seraphina and her mother exchanged a look, she nodded. She was going to get all attention back.
Her eyes found the glinting necklace on Karma's neck and jealousy ripped through her. Burning hot and green.
It was unlike anything she has ever saw. It was dainty, pretty and looked absolutely gorgeous she must have it.
"Your necklace is gorgeous, where'd you get it?" She asked easily.
Karma shrugged carelessly, "Hubby gave them to me."
Seraphina fingered the ruby necklace she had on, a pretty thing. Just not as pretty as Karma's was.
"I'd like to get the same one. So like we could match. Just like the old days." She sighed wistfully, twirling her fork.
"Ethan could get you one, I'm sure." Karma replied sweetly. Her eyes gleamed with hatred, muted and clouded with calculated affection.
"If Mr Li would tell me where he got it, then sure. Seraphina deserves the best." Ethan chuckle was good-natured.
Though the strain was visible from the tight smile that hovered on his lips as Alphonse's eyes promised slow death.
"Let's see," Alphonse stared at Ethan, a feral smile on his face. "You're up for disappointment as there's only one of this chain in the whole world."
The occupants of the table were awed. Their mouths dropping open with shock. A limited edition specially made for her?
"Or you could give it to me as a wedding gift. Oh I'd be so grateful." Seraphina said softly, she eyed the chain greedily.
"Yes Karma. It'll look better on your sister." Mrs Huang added.
Her hair was pulled back into a chignon, her heart shaped face and straight nose were pleasant enough to look at.
So were the swirling emotions in the depth of her eyes. Anger, frustration and immense hatred.
"But this is a gift from my husband, I wouldn't do such." Karma replied simply, scooping asparagus soup into her mouth.
"Don't be selfish Karma. Your sister needs the necklace more than you do." Mr Huang added. He looked at his daughter and was overwhelmed with shame and anger.
Why must she always be headstrong and selfish? Did she not see the tears clinging to the corner of her sister's eyes?
"I can't father. The necklace is a gift from my husband." Karma said softly, eyeing her father from the rim of her wine glass.
Excited murmurs rose in the air and several voices were talking at once.
"It's just a necklace, why is she so stubborn?" One auntie said.
"Don't be silly. The necklace is from her husband." Veronica countered.
The husband in question sat strangely still, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. The pieces were moving into place just like he had planned.
"Karma, are you still angry because I left you? You know my heart lies with your sister from the first moment." Ethan defended, his face looking angry.
The whole room was plunge into abrupt silence.
"Sister, don't be angry. We just love each other. It's not about you." Seraphina sniffed wetly.
"It was never about you." She added under her breath.
"Oh no," Karma rushed to her side, producing an handkerchief. "It's nothing like that. If you guys did not fall in love behind my back," She stared intently at Seraphina, "while Ethan and I were engaged, when I caught you two making out…"
"Enough!" Mrs Huang shouted, her face turning a bright shade of red.
Mr Huang was beside himself with fury. Why was Karna going on and on in front of the family members?
"But I need to make sure she doesn't feel guilty!" Karma retorted, her voice shaky.
She wished she could command crocodile tears at the drop of a hat like her sister.
"If I hadn't caught them that day, how would I be aware of Ethan's mistake? How would I know that he's planning to to sell my shares without my permission?" Karma replied, looking frenzied.
She made her contact with everyone, her face shinning with ill concealed glee.
Ethan stood up abruptly, his face turning an ugly shade of puce. His mouth worked but no words came forth.
He sat back down with an hateful grunt.
"You guys are perfect for each. A match made in heaven," hell, thought Karma.
"There's nothing special about this necklace sister mine. After all, you have the family heirloom on your neck. The Huang ruby." Karma whispered, trying to look jealous but failing.
She had two reasons for coming here today. To declare war, and to humiliate her sister.
But the sight of that Ruby made a thought enter her mind. Maybe she could have the three.
"I have a solution for you," Alphonse's deep voice announced.
His voice was smooth, it was like honey drizzled on fresh pancakes.
Velvety and deceptively light.
"The Ruby in exchange for the Jade." he said simply.
Seraphina sneered. Her face contorted with confusion as her greed spilled out of her grasp.
Which one was more precious?
"Never! The Ruby is a family heirloom and it clearly belongs to my daughter." Mrs Huang said shrilly.
Her hateful glare met Alphonse cool green one.
"Dearest, I'll get you something better." Mr Huang promised, spearing Alphonse a baleful look.
By now, everyone had abandoned the pretense of eating as they were totally absorbed in the drama.
Nobody noticed the slight warping in the air, as the Ruby and the Jade shone a bit brighter. Each reacting to the other's presence.
Only Alphonse did. He saw the faint red malicious light wafting off the necklace.
Perfect. This was going better than he had planned.