Chapter 467

Katherine stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape as the words registered. She blinked rapidly at Sophia Whitmore before stammering, "Excuse me? This... this necklace costs thirty million dollars?"

Sophia's expression remained unyielding. "Indeed. This is a VERE Jewelry exclusive, custom-designed piece. The diamond was specially sourced from South Lefreqa - a completely unique specimen."

She adjusted her designer glasses with deliberate slowness. "Commissioned personally by the chairman of Summit Corporation as a fiftieth anniversary gift for his wife."

"The valuation is accurate. Should you dispute this, we're fully prepared to pursue legal resolution."

Katherine's confidence visibly deflated. Though she'd enjoyed success in Hollywood, the reality was stark - most earnings went to her agency. Her personal net worth barely touched thirty million.

The weight of her impulsive promise pressed down on her. Backing out now would be public humiliation. Her manicured nails dug into her palms as she forced a smile. "It's just a necklace. I'll pay."

"Excellent." Sophia didn't hesitate. With a snap of her fingers, her assistant materialized with banking details.

"Whenever you're ready, Ms. Whitaker."

The transfer completed with painful efficiency. Within minutes, Sophia's phone chimed with confirmation. She extended the velvet case toward Katherine with exaggerated care.

"Your purchase, madam."

Katherine's fingers trembled slightly as she accepted it. The sting of financial loss burned, but pride demanded bravado. "Thirty million is pocket change. Though I imagine it took you decades of struggle to reach your position, Ms. Whitmore? Must have been... difficult."

A hush fell over the room. Even Julian Hartwell, observing from the periphery, tensed visibly.

Sophia's spine straightened imperceptibly. "Clarify your meaning."

Katherine's smile turned venomous. "Rumor has it you're an orphan, no? That Kingsley Industries charity case who barely scraped through design school." She twirled a lock of hair. "Or was even that education a fabrication?"

The blow landed exactly as intended. Sophia's breath hitched - her past was the unhealed wound she kept meticulously bandaged. Now ripped open before this glittering crowd.

"Cat got your tongue?" Katherine pressed. "Or just ashamed of your... origins?"

Sophia's gaze turned arctic. "State your point clearly."

"Why bother with pretense?" Katherine's laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "A nobody like you clawing your way up? A woman, no less." She leaned in, whispering loud enough for all to hear. "Tell us, how many beds did you crawl through to get here?"

Gasps erupted. Dozens of phones discreetly angled toward them.

Sophia's lips curved without warmth. "My secret to success? Not tolerating pathetic bullies like you."

The slap echoed like a gunshot. Katherine staggered back, her cheek blooming crimson.