Chapter 89

Vanessa Holloway made a quick call before striding over to place a reassuring hand on Sophia's shoulder. "Don't stress, darling. Nathan's sending someone right over."

The Business Convention Center buzzed with activity as Nathan Blackwood emerged from his meeting. His custom Tom Ford suit accentuated his powerful frame as he ended the call with icy detachment. His assistant Harrison stood waiting nearby.

"President Blackwood," Harrison acknowledged with a slight bow.

"Go to Sophia immediately. Settle her account, then have everything delivered to Evelyn's address." Nathan's voice held no room for argument.

Though Vanessa claimed Evelyn had willingly surrendered the items to Sophia, Nathan knew his ex-wife too well. That woman never gave up anything without a fight.

Harrison blinked in surprise. "To Ms. Sinclair, sir?"

"Did I stutter?" Nathan's glacial tone made Harrison straighten instantly.

"Right away, sir."

When Harrison arrived at the boutique, Sophia had endured nearly an hour of the staff's thinly veiled judgment. Their polite smiles couldn't mask the mocking glances they exchanged when they thought she wasn't looking. If not for that damning security footage, she would've stormed out hours ago.

"Ms. Blackwood, Ms. Holloway." Harrison nodded politely before handling the transaction.

Sophia sauntered over with false bravado, tossing her hair. "As the Blackwood heiress, of course I can afford these things. I simply forgot my wallet. See how quickly my brother sent his assistant?"

The manager offered a tight smile. "Shall we load these into your car, Ms. Blackwood?"

"Obviously—"

"Actually," Harrison interrupted, raising a hand. "Deliver everything to Ms. Sinclair's penthouse. If you don't have her address, Sterling Corporation will accept the delivery."

Sophia's face contorted with rage. "What? Those are mine! Why would you send them to that gold-digging—"

Vanessa's smile froze. "These belong to Sophia. Evelyn already left them for her."

Harrison maintained his professional mask. "President's orders." He turned to the manager. "Proceed immediately."

Money talked louder than tantrums. The staff sprang into action.

Vanessa's manicured nails dug into her palms as Sophia erupted. "That scheming bitch set me up! Even Nathan's taking her side now!" Her calls to her brother went straight to voicemail.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Isabella licked their gelato cones while strolling back to Sterling Corp. Isabella had already called Natalie to recount the showdown.

Natalie's scoff carried through the speaker. "I've prepared your gowns for tonight's gala. Just show up on time. And what were you thinking, wearing another designer's clothes to my boutique? A slap in my face much?"

The girls exchanged guilty looks. Natalie Beaumont had built Lumière from scratch without family money - a rare feat in Montecito's elite circles. Her legendary rise from street style critic to fashion mogul commanded respect.

Evelyn attempted damage control. "We were just... making you look better by comparison?"

"Save it. Be late and you're both dead." The line went dead.

As they entered Sterling Corporation's marble lobby, the receptionist called out, "Vice President Sinclair? There's a delivery for you..."