Chapter 87

Vanessa Holloway glanced up and froze momentarily.

There stood Evelyn Sinclair on the upper level, casually swirling a crystal wine glass between her fingers with an air of effortless elegance. Yet Evelyn's gaze remained fixed on the runway models, deliberately ignoring their presence below.

Sophia Blackwood and Vanessa approached the staircase only to be blocked by a boutique attendant. "Apologies, but the second floor is currently closed to the public."

Sophia's face twisted in outrage. "Excuse me? Since when do you deny access to VIP clients? I'm a Blackwood! Do you know who you're dealing with? I'll have your job for this insolence!"

The attendant maintained her professional smile. "My sincerest apologies, Ms. Blackwood. We're hosting very important guests upstairs who requested privacy. The first floor remains fully available. Perhaps you could return tomorrow?"

"Absolutely not! I have a gala tonight and need my outfit today!" Sophia's entitled nature flared. "I'm Sophia Blackwood of the Blackwood dynasty! No one in San Francisco dares refuse me anything!"

The attendant's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable.

Vanessa gently tugged Sophia's arm. "Perhaps we should respect their policy. There must be someone truly significant upstairs."

This only fueled Sophia's indignation. "How dare they humiliate me like this?" She shoved past the attendant. "If your precious guest objects, they can leave! I'm going up!"

The frantic attendant trailed behind helplessly as Sophia stormed upstairs. Vanessa followed with a sly smirk playing on her lips.

Evelyn observed the commotion below with detached amusement. Clowns, she thought. The boutique manager shot Evelyn an apologetic glance before rushing to intercept the intruders.

Too late.

Sophia reached the landing and froze upon recognizing Evelyn. Her face contorted with shock and fury.

Isabella Montgomery let out a derisive chuckle. "Well, well. Should've known it would be the infamous Sophia Blackwood making such an uncouth entrance. Really, must you always behave like a barbarian?"

Sophia's nails dug into her palms. "You! Did you buy out the entire floor? What gives you the right to exclude others?"

"Because we can," Isabella retorted with a raised brow. Evelyn continued swirling her wine, lamenting how these interlopers ruined the refined atmosphere.

Vanessa stepped forward with saccharine sweetness. "Evelyn, what a pleasant surprise! It's been too long."

"Spare us the act," Isabella snapped. Vanessa's two-faced nature always made Isabella's skin crawl - that manipulative facade masking her venomous core.

Evelyn didn't even glance Vanessa's way, letting the silence grow heavy with tension. The manager quickly grasped the hostile dynamic.

"Ladies, since these guests arrived first, perhaps you could—"

"Why should we?" Sophia interrupted, itching for confrontation. "Everything was perfect until Evelyn ruined it! First grandfather's emerald pipe, now this! Even Nathan took her side!"

Vanessa smoothly interjected, "Since we're all acquainted, why not join your private showing? These exclusive runway previews are so rare - surely you wouldn't mind sharing, Evelyn?" Her voice dripped with false warmth.

The manager hesitated, searching for a diplomatic solution when Evelyn's sudden laughter cut through the tension.

Did they really think she'd tolerate their presence to maintain appearances? Not anymore.

Evelyn finally met Vanessa's gaze, her icy stare sending a clear message. "Actually, I do mind. Your very presence pollutes the air."