Chapter 105

The tension in the Vanderbilt mansion was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Perhaps it's because Vivian has become popular now and was invited as an exception!" Laura Scott said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "At any rate, her invitation to such an event has restored my standing in this family."

Richard Vanderbilt stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor. Without a word, he turned and stalked upstairs, leaving behind a room that suddenly felt lighter in his absence.

Laura sighed dramatically before flashing a practiced smile. "I should go check on your father."

She followed him to their bedroom, where Richard stood by the window, his expression stormy. Laura approached him cautiously, resting a manicured hand on his arm. "Darling, what's troubling you?"

He shook her off with a sharp jerk. "How could you, as her mother, let Vivian behave like this?"

Laura blinked, feigning innocence. "What exactly has Vivian done wrong?"

"Those jewelry designs aren't hers," Richard snapped. "You can fool everyone else—even Mother—but not me."

He knew his daughter too well.

If Evelyn had been credited with the designs, he might have believed it. Her talent and skill were undeniable.

But Vivian? No. He couldn’t force himself to accept that lie.

Laura stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him. "Darling, you're misunderstanding her. Vivian has been studying jewelry design—she just never mentioned it to you."

Richard remained silent, his jaw clenched.

Laura pressed on, her voice laced with manufactured hurt. "Vivian is doing this for Viana Jewelry. Yes, she may not be as naturally gifted as Zoe, but she’s working hard. If you refuse to believe in her, fine. But can’t you at least acknowledge her effort?"

"It's not about effort," Richard muttered. "How could she produce such flawless designs in such a short time?"

Something about those pieces unsettled him.

They feel familiar. Too familiar.

Laura softened her voice, trailing her fingers down his chest. "Darling, let’s not dwell on Vivian’s affairs. We have our own matters to discuss."

She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "Your mother is fixated on Viana now. If we were to have a son… she’d undoubtedly favor us more."

Laura kissed him, slow and deliberate.

Though in her forties, she had aged like fine wine—confident, alluring, and devastatingly skilled in the art of seduction. Within minutes, Richard’s resistance crumbled.

The next evening, the Regal Ballroom glittered under the glow of crystal chandeliers.

A red carpet stretched before the entrance, flanked by security in crisp black suits. Luxury cars rolled up one after another—Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces—each disgorging elegantly dressed socialites dripping in diamonds and designer gowns.

Inside, the grand hall was a spectacle of opulence. Towering trays of hors d'oeuvres, decadent desserts, and rare wines lined the center tables. Celebrities and elites mingled, their laughter ringing through the air as they exchanged gossip about the city’s most powerful figures.

The crème de la crème, however, entered through private passages. Their invitations were black—symbolizing wealth and influence—while the white cards were reserved for lesser elites.

Evelyn Vanderbilt moved through the crowd with effortless grace, a champagne flute in hand. Her snow-white evening gown hugged her curves, the off-shoulder neckline accentuating her delicate collarbones. Her jet-black hair was swept into an elegant chignon, and the asymmetrical crystal earrings dangling from her ears caught the light with every step.

The gown’s hem swayed like petals as she walked, making her resemble a lily in full bloom.

"Zoe." Gregory Fannon appeared beside her, his voice low. "This crowd is unpredictable. Stay close."

Evelyn smiled. "Understood."

Attending these parties has never been my idea of fun… but since Vivian is here, why not enjoy the show?

Right on cue, Vivian made her entrance.

Her strapless black gown clung to her frame, the high slit revealing toned legs. Her hair cascaded in loose curls, her makeup heavy and theatrical.

The game had begun.