Chapter 107

"Most young designers today wouldn't recognize his name. It's perfectly understandable."

Evelyn remembered her mother's words from childhood. Her mother had become a designer because she admired the legendary D's work. She'd wanted to prove that gothic jewelry could possess the same timeless elegance as vintage pieces.

Vivian bit her lip in frustration.

'Damn Evelyn, bringing up some dead designer? She's just jealous my collection is going viral.'

"Yes, Mr. D passed away quite young. I'm relatively new to the industry, so the connection didn't immediately occur to me." Vivian forced an apologetic expression.

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. "How curious then. If you're unfamiliar with Mr. D's work, where exactly did you find inspiration for your gothic collection?"

Vivian's smile froze in place.

All eyes in their circle turned toward Vivian, waiting for her response. The two socialites exchanged meaningful glances.

Vivian's nails dug into her palms as she fantasized about silencing Evelyn's mocking lips permanently.

This was the burden Evelyn intended her to bear - the consequence of stealing another's legacy. She would make Vivian regret every stolen design, one excruciating moment at a time.

The carefully orchestrated humiliation had only just begun.

"What's all this commotion about?"

A sharp voice cut through the tension as the crowd parted respectfully.

Penelope Santiago approached in a cloud of expensive perfume, her stiletto heels clicking like a countdown. "Ladies, this is a society event, not some jewelry trade show." She cast a dismissive glance at Vivian. "Honestly, who cares about some upstart designer?"

Penelope's gaze swept over Vivian with undisguised contempt.

Such was the privilege of being a Santiago.

As the heiress to La Pe Group, second only to Taylor Jewelry and rivaling Hailey & Co., Penelope moved through elite circles with effortless superiority. The Vanderbilts' Viana Jewelry barely registered on her radar - let alone some newly "discovered" talent like Vivian.

"Penelope darling, there you are!"

The two socialites immediately abandoned Vivian to flock around Penelope. Talent meant nothing compared to the power and connections of La Pe's princess.

Left standing alone, Vivian clenched her fists until her manicure threatened to crack. That spoiled heiress would learn what it felt like to be crushed beneath someone's designer heels.

Penelope's attention suddenly shifted to Evelyn and Gregory. With deliberate arrogance, she sauntered toward Evelyn. "Well, well. Have society parties become so desperate they'll let anyone in these days?"

Evelyn had been enjoying the unfolding drama when Penelope redirected the spotlight onto her.

Irritation flickered across her features.

The Santiago heiress clearly hadn't inherited her father's intelligence.

Evelyn met Penelope's gaze with an amused smile. "Ms. Santiago, your comment insults every guest here. We were all properly invited - unless you're suggesting this is your family's private function?"