Chapter 318

Daphne proceeded to reveal everything she had uncovered about what transpired with Dylan, Lila, and their associates.

After absorbing the information, Giselle's expression darkened considerably. She fixed Daphne with a piercing stare, demanding sharply, "Why didn't you inform me of this sooner?"

Daphne blinked innocently. "I..."

"I didn't truly believe any of it initially, so why would I mention it? Besides, I did warn you that Marcus values Evelyn, but you dismissed my concerns."

"You!" Giselle's voice trembled with a mixture of fury and panic.

The Caldwell family had already begun their assault on the Whitmore family. Were the Sterlings next? Yet upon reflection, Giselle dismissed the thought. The Whitmores were easy prey for the Caldwells, but the Sterlings ranked among the elite eight families. They wouldn't be such simple targets.

Would the Caldwells truly risk war with the Sterlings over a mere friend?

This reasoning steadied Giselle's nerves. Turning to Daphne, she said, "Listen, dwelling on this serves no purpose now. Considering the Caldwells have already struck your family once, they're unlikely to target you again. So stop worrying."

Daphne, however, found Giselle's reassurances hollow. It was easy for Giselle to speak so casually—she hadn't endured the Caldwells' wrath firsthand. She remained blissfully unaware of the true consequences since she wasn't the one suffering.

Giselle didn't even consider that she'd offended Evelyn and the Caldwells on Daphne's behalf. Now that Daphne's family faced retaliation, there wasn't even any compensation.

Though these thoughts simmered beneath the surface, Daphne masked her resentment. After all, her family still relied on the Sterlings.

Giselle offered some half-hearted comfort before dismissing Daphne.

The situation's development had caught Giselle off guard. She'd never imagined the necklace from her ardent admirer would be counterfeit.

Though she'd lost this first skirmish with Evelyn, surrender wasn't in her nature. Their feud was now set in stone.

"Let's see who laughs last," she muttered darkly.

At noon, Edmund returned home.

"Father, you're back!" Giselle greeted cheerfully.

"Do you realize the trouble you've caused?" Edmund snapped.

Giselle blinked with feigned innocence. "What have I done?"

"Our company's project was stolen by the Caldwells!" Edmund's face darkened with rage. "This partner was a small firm, but their project showed immense promise. After extensive negotiations, we were ready to sign—only for them to sign with the Caldwells today! All my efforts wasted, and the Caldwells reap the benefits!"

As he spoke, Edmund's anger intensified, veins throbbing at his temples.

"What? What did you say?" Giselle's expression shifted instantly. She hadn't expected the Caldwells would antagonize the Sterlings over someone unrelated by blood.