SWNOVELS Chapter 323
Lena glanced at Josefina with a look of disdain. Lena was draped in the most expensive cocktail dress money could buy, and her makeup done by a professional artist, flawless and fitting.
However, even in a simple tee and denim, Josefina's cool and understated elegance was undeniable. Josefina spoke deliberately, enunciating each word, "The police have started the autopsy. The findings are that Regina died because a parasite within her burst through her organs."
Lena's facade of confidence and scorn slowly crumbled, disbelief widening her eyes. Josefina's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Lena, didn't anyone teach you about managing your expressions? Your current look is the very picture of shock and panic when someone hits the nail on the head. Your expression, my dear, makes it so hard not to suspect you."
Realization dawned on Lena. Although Josefina had uncovered the truth behind Regina's death through her investigation, she wasn't sure who the killer was.
Lena had been trained to maintain composure, but it was only in Josefina's presence that she found herself unraveling. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lena quickly regained control of her emotions, her expression returning to its customary cool.
"Josefina, I have no idea what you're talking about. If you're trying to slander me, I will most certainly tell Mother. Regina took care of me for eighteen years. How could I possibly kill her? If you ask me, it's more likely that you or Annika did it. Ever since you returned, you've been targeting Regina. And since Annika arrived, she's been stealing Regina's thunder. You both have ample motive."
Josefina let out a chuckle. "Lena, you really do have a talent for self-defense."
Lena scoffed. "Enough, I'm done wasting words on you. Mom and Dad will be here soon. Remember, Josefina, make sure you come out on top." Lena couldn't pretend anymore; she was at her limit.
Josefina watched Lena leave, then settled back into her chair, her gaze returning to the big screen. She was curious to see how Ruby would outshine Alex.
On the screen, every designer but Ruby worked with adept hands, crafting garments with ease. Ruby seemed sluggish, as if unfamiliar with her own designs.
Marina watched with a growing sense of displeasure. "Xavier, didn't you say Ruby was exceptionally talented? Look at what she's creating. She's so slow; can she even finish before the contest ends? And those colors she's picked, are they really suitable?"
Xavier watched Ruby, equally stunned. "Mom, a designer's vision is something we can't fathom. Just wait until the end of the contest. I'm sure Ruby will take first place," Xavier said with confidence. Ruby had boasted about her abilities to Xavier, claiming Erica's designs for the company as her own. It was for this reason that Xavier had such faith in her.
Lauren, seated to the side, was seething with anger at the exchange. Billy's expression was also grim, but given the Rowland family's higher status, he kept up a polite smile. "Ms. Marina, you might not be aware, but it's Ruby's unique perspective that has gotten her this far. The judges are sure to love Ruby's design."
Marina frowned, clearly annoyed. "Mr. Antonio, what are you insinuating? That I lack the taste to appreciate Ruby's creations?"
Billy quickly clarified, "That's not what I meant at all. I'm just saying that runway fashion often differs from everyday wear."
Lauren added, "Ms. Marina, not everyone has an eye for these things. And just because you don't agree with something doesn't mean others won't appreciate it."