Chapter 86

The sleek black limousine glided through the iron gates of Sterling Manor.

Evelyn Sinclair stepped out first, followed by her brothers Alexander and Lucas. The evening air carried the scent of freshly cut roses from the estate gardens.

Archibald, the butler who had served the Sterling family for three decades, greeted them with a warm smile. "Dinner will be served in thirty minutes," he announced, already directing staff with silent efficiency.

Though William Sterling was abroad, every inch of the manor remained immaculate. Archibald's meticulous attention to detail was legendary among Montecito's elite.

The siblings gathered in the grand parlor, where Alexander uncorked a rare vintage from the family cellar. Crystal glasses clinked as they toasted their reunion.

Lucas, usually so composed on screen, abandoned all pretense of Hollywood decorum. He swayed to the jazz music playing, his movements loose with alcohol. "If my fans could see me now," he laughed, spinning dramatically.

Evelyn knelt on the Persian rug, carefully arranging the treasures Alexander had brought from his travels. These weren't mass-produced luxuries, but one-of-a-kind artifacts from private European collections.

Her phone buzzed just as the wine began to warm her cheeks. Seeing Natalie Beaumont's name, she answered immediately. With a subtle nod to Archibald, the butler began gathering her gifts for safekeeping.

"Natalie! You're back?"

The designer's voice crackled with excitement. "Clear your calendar tomorrow night, darling. The Lumière showcase needs you - bring Isabella too, won't you?"

Evelyn needed no convincing. Natalie's avant-garde shows were the highlight of Montecito's social season. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

There was an uncharacteristic pause. "Actually... could you bring Lucas? His presence would lend incredible prestige."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. The fashion icon and the movie star moved in different circles. She stepped into her private suite as Natalie explained, "Having an A-lister attend validates everything I'm building. You know how these society vultures are."

Evelyn laughed, sinking into her velvet chaise. "Modesty doesn't suit you, darling. People would kill for Lumière invitations. But since you asked so nicely, I'll drag my brother along."

Two years ago, Natalie had revolutionized fashion by introducing her exclusive preview shows. What began as intimate gatherings had become the most coveted tickets in the industry. This season's showcase marked her triumphant return to Montecito.

"Bless you!" Natalie's relief was palpable before the line went dead.

Evelyn fired off a text to Lucas before powering down her phone. Whatever his response could wait until morning.

Dawn found Evelyn coordinating with Isabella Montgomery over breakfast. With Alexander home to manage Sterling Enterprises, Evelyn had cleared her schedule for a proper shopping excursion.

The boutique manager nearly tripped over herself welcoming them. "Ms. Sterling! Ms. Montgomery! We've closed the entire store for your private viewing."

Evelyn waved off the formality. "Just the upstairs will suffice. We don't want to make a spectacle."

Isabella added, "And do hurry. We're on rather tight schedules."

The second floor had been transformed into a luxury oasis. Michelin-starred petit fours adorned silver trays beside a curated selection of European vintages.

"Perhaps a glass while you browse?" the manager offered, presenting two crystal flutes. "Our private reserve - unavailable to the general public."

The friends exchanged amused glances. "Why not?" Evelyn accepted, savoring the wine's delicate bouquet.

They lounged on plush divans as models - each carefully selected to match their proportions - paraded the season's most exclusive pieces. A simple nod would secure any garment for tomorrow's event.

Their peaceful selection was shattered by shrill voices below.

"Where is everyone? Is this how you treat paying customers?"

Evelyn's smile froze as Vanessa Holloway and Sophia Blackwood stormed into view. Isabella muttered under her breath, "I knew we should have had them clear the whole damn building."