Chapter 197

Evelyn's gaze swept over the haughty sales associates and the smug Victoria Lancaster. With deliberate slowness, she withdrew a sleek black card from her clutch.

She flicked it directly at the salesgirl who'd threatened to call security. "Pick that up and tell me if I'm worthy of this dress now."

The assistant gasped at Evelyn's commanding presence. Her hands trembled as she retrieved the fallen card. The moment she read the embossed name, her face drained of color.

"Miss Prescott! Forgive me! I didn't realize—" The girl bowed so low her nose nearly touched her knees. "Please accept my deepest apologies!"

Curious whispers erupted as other staff members clustered around. Their expressions transformed instantly when they saw the exclusive Black Diamond membership card bearing Vivian Prescott's name.

Victoria's perfectly sculpted eyebrows shot up. "What nonsense is this? Why are you groveling to some jewelry peddler?" She snatched the card from the trembling assistant's hand.

Her mocking smirk froze mid-curve. "This...this can't be real." Victoria's manicured nails dug into the card's edges. "You're a Black Diamond member? Impossible!"

Evelyn tilted her head, enjoying how Victoria's flawless complexion mottled with rage. The Lancaster heiress had been trying for years to earn this boutique's highest membership tier without success.

"Does this jewelry peddler meet your standards now?" Evelyn plucked the card back with elegant fingers. She turned toward the dressing rooms, the silk train of her chosen gown whispering against the marble floor.

"Stop!" Victoria's stiletto heels clicked furiously across the floor. "That dress was reserved weeks ago by someone far more important than you!"

Evelyn paused without turning. "How fascinating. Because I'm the one who reserved it precisely eighteen days ago." She glanced over her shoulder. "Check your records, ladies."

A senior sales associate rushed forward. "It's true, Miss Lancaster. Miss Prescott placed the deposit on this gown the day it arrived from Paris."

Victoria's mouth opened and closed like a beached fish. Her designer clutch creaked under her death grip.

"Enjoy window shopping," Evelyn murmured as the staff formed an honor guard to escort her out. "Do give my regards to Alexander when you see him. Though given his recent...distaste for your company, that might not be soon."

Victoria's porcelain skin turned an unbecoming shade of puce. "How dare you—"

"Oh, I dare." Evelyn's smile was all sharp edges. "We're just getting started, Victoria. Every slight, every betrayal—I'll collect them all with interest."

The boutique doors swung shut behind her, cutting off Victoria's incoherent sputters. Evelyn inhaled the crisp afternoon air, her fingers trailing along the garment bag containing her victory.

This was merely the opening move in their deadly dance. And Evelyn Sinclair never missed a step.