Chapter 29

A sleek five-story office building dominated the high street, its entire facade gleaming with stainless steel.

Today marked the grand reopening of Olivia Sinclair's boutique.

Three years had passed since she last designed anything. Now she was reclaiming her place in the fashion world.

This new location outshone her previous boutique in every way.

The interior dazzled with avant-garde decor—spotlights highlighting meticulously curated garments and jewelry. Minimalist yet sophisticated, it reflected Olivia's impeccable taste.

Back in the day, Evelyn Carter and Olivia's designs had been the talk of Pamore's elite. Their creations were must-haves for every socialite.

A line of wealthy women already snaked around the block before opening. Clutching reservation numbers, they waited eagerly for their turn.

Evelyn had taken time away from Kingsley Industries to assist with styling clients.

The morning flew by in a whirlwind of fabric swatches and accessories. By lunchtime, both women collapsed onto a plush velvet couch, utterly drained.

Olivia rested her head against Evelyn's shoulder. "Does this feel familiar?"

"Like we've traveled back in time," Evelyn murmured with a tired smile, brushing a stray lock from Olivia's face. "I'm so glad you're doing this again."

"Me too."

Olivia excused herself to check on upstairs clients, insisting Evelyn take a proper break.

Alone on the couch, Evelyn's sharp eyes caught movement near the entrance. Vanessa Sterling and Isabella Delaney had arrived.

Vanessa wore last season's designer dress, pausing every few steps to snap selfies. After curating the perfect gallery, she posted with the caption: "Spoiling myself at Pamore's hottest new boutique!"

Dragging Isabella along, Vanessa held up an emerald-green gown. "Don't you think this would look divine on me?" Her unspoken request hung heavy in the air.

Isabella, still recovering from her 31-million-dollar bracelet purchase, pretended not to understand. She drifted toward the accessories display instead.

Vanessa's lips pursed in displeasure. Spotting Evelyn, she grabbed Isabella's arm. "Well, well. I didn't realize they allowed divorcees in establishments like this." She surveyed the boutique with exaggerated disdain. "Perhaps it's not as exclusive as advertised."

Exhaustion made Evelyn blunt. "The door works both ways."

Vanessa's face flushed crimson. "How dare you! I'm a paying customer!" She snapped her fingers at a nearby associate. "Fetch the owner! This woman is ruining my shopping experience!"

Evelyn crossed her legs, smoothing her skirt. "You're looking at her."

Vanessa's mouth fell open. "You? That's impossible!"

Isabella stepped forward with a saccharine smile. "Since you're the owner, Ms. Carter, perhaps you could style me? I need something spectacular for my upcoming wedding."

The unspoken challenge hung between them—this was payback for the bracelet incident.

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her frosty gaze. She remained seated.

"Is there a problem?" Isabella pressed. "Shouldn't boutique owners cater to their clients?"

Evelyn rose gracefully. "I absolutely serve my clients." Her heels clicked against the marble as she approached. "But your names aren't on today's guest list."

Two spots of color appeared on Isabella's cheeks. Vanessa looked ready to combust.

The truth was undeniable—they'd crashed the event using someone else's invitation, desperate to stay relevant in Pamore's ever-shifting social hierarchy.