Evelyn Laurent stood in the corner of the ballroom, her fingertips absently tracing the rim of her champagne flute. The fractured light from the crystal overhead scattered into tiny sparks in her eyes, yet failed to pierce the darkness within.

"Little Seven, are you tired?"

Victoria Langley appeared beside her without warning, gently adjusting the shawl draped over her daughter's shoulders. Evelyn realized with a start how rigid her own posture had become.

"Mother, I'd like to return home."

Her voice was feather-light, brushing against Victoria's heart. The matriarch's eyes softened with concern as she summoned the chauffeur. "Take Miss Evelyn back to the manor to rest."

As Evelyn wove through the glittering crowd, countless heated stares clung to her back. The pitying smirks and scornful glances she'd endured in Cloudhaven had transformed overnight into sycophantic admiration.

Three days ago, she'd been the discarded daughter mocked across high society. Now, she was the Langley family's treasured jewel.

The bathroom mirror reflected Isabella Valentine's contorted expression.

"How dare she?" The diamond-encrusted clutch slammed onto the marble countertop, making her two lackeys flinch. "That backwater peasant has no right standing beside Ethan!"

The faucet screeched as she twisted it violently, the gushing water failing to drown her shrill voice. Perfectly manicured nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

"Don't upset yourself, Bella," cooed the girl in pink tulle. "I heard she dropped out of high school and ran with street gangs."

"Exactly," the other chimed in. "Mr. Sullivan's only tolerating her because of their engagement contract. After he sees your piano recital—"

Isabella silenced them with a raised hand.

The reflection showed a girl whose lips now curved into a serene smile, all traces of fury erased. She reapplied her lipstick with deliberate strokes. "Next month's charity gala will show everyone what a true socialite looks like."

Water droplets fell from the gold-plated faucet, splashing against the marble like the first whispers of a spreading conspiracy.

At the corridor's end, Ethan Sullivan leaned against a fluted column, moonlight through stained glass dappling his sharp profile like an aristocrat stepped from a Renaissance painting.

Isabella's footsteps instinctively softened. Watching him check his watch, her heartbeat stuttered. A man of his caliber deserved a refined heiress like her—not some uncouth...wildling.
The bathroom lights glared harshly.

Evelyn Laurent touched up her lipstick in the mirror while her two lackeys fussed over her hair.
######Chapter 24

"Isabella, only someone like you deserves a golden boy like Mr. Sullivan."

"That Jiang—no, Evelyn—who does she think she is..."

Before they could finish, the stall door at the far end swung open. Evelyn stepped out expressionlessly and walked to the sink.

Isabella's lipstick clattered to the floor. "You—you were eavesdropping?"

Water rushed from the faucet. Evelyn methodically washed her hands without glancing up. "You weren’t exactly whispering."

The two lackeys paled, instinctively stepping back.

Isabella flushed with anger. "Evelyn Laurent! Don’t you dare act so smug!"

"I’m curious," Evelyn shut off the tap, flicking water from her fingers. "What’s so special about Ethan Sullivan that has you all obsessed?"

"You—"

"If you like him, go after him." Evelyn tilted her head. "Gossiping behind his back? Pathetic."

Isabella’s face burned. She clenched her fists. "Stop pretending you’re above this! Everyone knows you’re his fiancée!"

"Not for long." Evelyn shrugged. "Arranged marriages aren’t my thing."

She turned to leave but paused. "Next time, pick a better spot for your little chats. The walls here are paper-thin."

The bathroom door slammed shut.

Isabella stood frozen before finally snapping out of it. "Did she just... mock me?"

Her lackeys exchanged uneasy glances.

"Please. She’s just bitter." Isabella smirked, adjusting her skirt. "She knows she’s not good enough for Ethan."

Her steps were light as she exited, already picturing Evelyn’s humiliating exit. A triumphant smile curled her lips.