Chapter 248

The grand anniversary dinner of Lady Belle proceeded as scheduled in Willowbrook.

With the brand's growing prestige, the elite of high society had gathered - social butterflies and wealthy heiresses mingling beneath crystal chandeliers.

Vivian Prescott stood ready in her suite, yet an unexpected heaviness settled in her chest.

Eleanor Kingsley would be present tonight.

The woman who birthed her, then abandoned her.

Taking a steadying breath, Vivian entered the glittering ballroom on Diamond Boulevard.

The scene unfolded before her - clusters of society women admiring each other's exclusive jewelry pieces, their laughter tinkling like champagne flutes.

All conversation ceased momentarily when Vivian made her entrance.

Her golden satin gown hugged every curve, the plunging back revealing flawless porcelain skin. Raven locks cascaded down her shoulders, framing features so striking they seemed carved from marble. A delicate trail of jasmine perfume followed her every move.

"Is that Vivian Prescott?"

"The new boutique owner on Diamond Boulevard? The one collaborating with Lady Belle?"

"Stunning and successful. Quite the combination."

"Successful? Rumor has it she's some tycoon's kept woman."

"Ah, that explains how a nobody landed such a prime location. Probably why she's making her debut tonight."

The venomous whispers slithered through the crowd. Vivian merely arched a brow and glided forward.

Then she saw them.

The Lady Belle executives were entertaining clients - among them, Victoria Lancaster and Eleanor Kingsley.

As if sensing her presence, the design director turned. "Ladies, may I present-"

"Ugh, it's her." Eleanor's lip curled as she cut in. "Victoria darling, let's find another table. The sight of certain women ruins my appetite."

The words struck like shards of glass, yet Vivian's smile never wavered.

This cruel woman bore no resemblance to the nurturing mother she'd imagined all these years.

"Mother, don't be unkind," Victoria simpered, eyes glinting maliciously. "Miss Prescott must have worked very hard to join Lady Belle. Though I did hear their vetting process is... thorough."

The executives exchanged puzzled glances. "Is there some issue with Miss Prescott we should know about?"

"Absolutely!" Eleanor snapped. "It's disgraceful that Lady Belle would associate with trash like her. Those delicate jewels deserve better hands than hers!"

Victoria barely concealed her glee as murmurs spread through the crowd. Perfect - just the audience she needed for what came next.

The executives' expressions darkened, but Vivian merely tilted her head. "Mrs. Kingsley, if I'm unworthy, would your precious daughter be more suitable-"

"Thief!" A shrill voice cut through the tension.

Vivian turned toward the familiar voice just as bony fingers clamped around her wrist.

"My amethyst bracelet! You stole it again!" The woman - Beatrice Thornton - shook Vivian's arm violently. "First at the Kingsleys' gala, now here! Last time Margaret Blackwood defended you, but tonight you're going straight to the police!"