Chapter 47

The evening air was crisp as Evelyn Carter and Olivia Sinclair stepped into the glittering boutique. The scent of expensive perfume lingered in the air, mingling with the soft hum of classical music.

A sales associate's eyes widened in recognition. "Ms. Carter!" She scurried off to fetch the manager.

The manager appeared moments later, hands clasped professionally. "One moment, Ms. Carter. The piece you selected is still in our vault—it requires special retrieval."

He gestured toward the displays. "Perhaps you'd like to browse our new arrivals while you wait?"

Evelyn shook her head. "We're fine here."

Olivia tugged at her sleeve, whispering excitedly. "The good stuff's upstairs, Evie!"

As they turned toward the staircase, the manager blocked their path with an apologetic grimace. "I'm afraid the second floor is currently reserved for a private viewing."

Evelyn gave him a polite smile. "We'll just wait for my purchase then."

The manager exhaled in relief. Wealthy clients with manners were becoming rare these days.

Upstairs, Eleanor Blackwell's perfectly sculpted brows furrowed at the familiar laughter drifting upward. Peering over the railing, her lips twisted at the sight of Evelyn.

The socialites surrounding her exchanged knowing glances.

"Mrs. Blackwell," one drawled, "isn't that your former daughter-in-law? The one making headlines?"

Another tittered behind her hand. "Has Vanessa finished her... extended vacation abroad?"

Eleanor's manicured nails dug into her clutch. "Those are baseless rumors. My daughter is studying in Paris."

The mocking laughter below grated on her nerves. With a sharp inhale, she stormed downstairs.

"Well, if it isn't the walking bad luck charm," Eleanor sneered.

Olivia jumped to her feet, fists clenched. "You—"

Evelyn caught her arm. "Don't waste your breath."

Turning to the manager, Evelyn said coolly, "Actually, I'll collect my order another day."

She had long since stopped caring about the Blackwell family drama.

The manager checked his watch anxiously. "Ms. Carter, your item is arriving momentarily. Just five more minutes?"

Evelyn relented. She needed that necklace for the upcoming gala.

Eleanor, frustrated by Evelyn's indifference, crossed her arms. "Can you even afford anything here? Perhaps I should buy you something—charity cases need proper clothing too."

Olivia looked ready to throw a punch. "Who do you think you are, you pretentious—"

Evelyn's lips curved. "How generous, Mrs. Blackwell. Anything I choose?"

"Within reason," Eleanor sniffed, gesturing to the staff. The humiliation she'd endured online and from her peers demanded retaliation.

Evelyn surveyed the store lazily. "I'm not interested in these."

Eleanor smirked. "Prices too steep for you?"

Just then, an armored van pulled up outside. Two guards entered carrying a silver case.

The manager donned white gloves, carefully unlocking the case. Nestled in blue velvet sat a diamond necklace that caught the light like captured stars.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Since you offered, I'll take this one." She turned to the manager. "The price?"

"$180 million, Ms. Carter."

Eleanor's designer bag hit the floor with a thud.

$180 million? That was more than her entire liquid assets!

The color drained from her face as realization struck—she'd just been outplayed at her own game.