Chapter 104

"Give him every single design sketch on that desk."

"Should we really provide her with more?"

"Absolutely." Evelyn lifted her gaze, her emerald eyes glinting with calculation. "The moment she tastes success, ambition will consume her. To fuel that fire, we must feed her greed."

Following Evelyn's instructions, Gregory discreetly delivered all the designs to Frederick, who then brought them to Viana Jewelry for Vivian.

Vivian's hands trembled as she clutched the sketches, her heart pounding with exhilaration. These designs would become Viana's lifeline - the key to restoring its profits and prestige.

'And soon, everyone will believe I created them.' Vivian nearly laughed aloud at Frederick's willingness to be her ghost designer. Immediately, she uploaded every design to her Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Within hours, the posts amassed hundreds of thousands of engagements.

When Evelyn saw Vivian's social media explosion, she handed her phone to Gregory. "Let's ensure she trends on Google. We'll make those posts go viral."

#VianaJewelryDesigner

#VivianVanderbilt

Overnight, Vivian became the talk of Bassburgh.

The comment sections overflowed with praise, each glowing compliment making Vivian's head spin. This was beyond her wildest dreams.

Madam Victoria beamed with pride - the Vanderbilts finally had a celebrity in their midst, one bringing tangible benefits to their family business.

Yet Richard remained uneasy. He knew the truth behind those dazzling designs.

"Viv, you're incredible!" Lydia gushed, her eyes shining with envy.

Madam Victoria patted Lydia's hand. "Darling, you should accompany your cousin more often. Let her introduce you to Bassburgh's elite circles."

Lydia ducked her head shyly. "Of course, Grandmother."

'Grandmother's right. Bassburgh teems with tycoons and aristocrats.' Lydia's pulse quickened. 'If I could attract one of those powerful men, even Henry wouldn't dare bully me anymore. Grandmother would finally value me!'

Vivian barely concealed her disdain. 'This provincial girl actually thinks she can climb the social ladder? I only tolerate her because she's useful against Evelyn.'

A notification chimed on Vivian's phone. Her breath caught as she read the email.

"Mother!" Vivian gasped. "I've been invited to tomorrow's Bassburgh Debutante Ball!"

The annual event gathered daughters from every prominent family in the city, along with eligible bachelors from the highest echelons of society.

Madam Victoria's eyes widened. "You'll take Lydia with you, won't you?"

'If both girls make advantageous matches, the Vanderbilts' future would be secured.'

Vivian's smile tightened. "Grandmother, each invitation is strictly personal. I only received one."

Madam Victoria's expression darkened.

Laura quickly intervened. "Mother, these galas have rigid entry protocols. Even Evelyn couldn't attend without proper credentials."

'The Vanderbilts may be wealthy, but we're not old money.' Laura swallowed bitterly. 'Vivian's always been seen as the illegitimate one. This is her first real society invitation.'