Chapter 104

"Are you out of your mind? Don't you understand why this scandal went viral? Instead of feeling remorse, you're actually proud of yourself?"

Penelope's furious voice crackled through the phone.

Cassandra Blackwood massaged her temples in irritation. Of course she wasn't as foolish as her mother implied. Her distraction stemmed from seeing Evelyn Carter's rescue trending simultaneously.

"What am I supposed to do now? This negative publicity is disastrous." Cassandra paced her boutique's private lounge. "Especially with that country bumpkin stealing my spotlight!"

"I've already informed your father. His instructions are clear - maintain radio silence. No public statements."

Penelope lowered her voice. "Nathan will handle this. Blackwood Industries' reputation is at stake. Stay calm and don't do anything rash. Understood?"

Somewhat reassured, Cassandra ended the call and resumed shopping with the two socialites who'd accompanied her to the hotel incident.

Outside Éclat Boutique, a Phantom Rolls-Royce glided to a silent stop.

Evelyn Carter emerged, her sapphire couture suit shimmering under the afternoon sun. Theodore Winslow followed precisely two steps behind.

Every employee's attention snapped to Evelyn as she entered. Her effortless elegance and commanding presence made even the air seem to still.

"Good afternoon, madam. How may we assist you today?" A sales associate rushed forward, completely overlooking the striking secretary.

"Fetch your owner, Cassandra Blackwood." Evelyn's voice carried glacial precision. "I require her personal attention."

The associate hesitated. "I'm afraid Ms. Blackwood is—"

"I know she's upstairs." Evelyn examined her manicure. "And she'll regret keeping me waiting."

"May I have your name?"

A dangerous smile curved Evelyn's lips. "Tell her Ms. Carter requests her presence."

Upstairs, Cassandra nearly shattered a crystal vase when informed. "That scheming witch dares come here?"

Her friend Amelia Thornton grabbed her arm. "That viral video was definitely her doing! She's probably here to gloat."

"Perfect timing!" chimed Beatrice Whitmore. "Let's put that gold-digger in her place once and for all!"

Flanked by her allies, Cassandra stormed downstairs with theatrical fury.

"Evelyn! You shameless—"

She froze mid-sentence.

Evelyn lounged in a velvet chair, sipping Darjeeling from bone china. Her crossed legs accentuated the razor-sharp crease of her trousers. The legendary "Aurora's Tear" brooch glittered at her collar.

"Ms. Blackwood," Evelyn set down her cup with deliberate calm, "is this how you greet patrons? Such language hardly befits a luxury establishment."

"Patron?" Cassandra's manicured finger jabbed toward Evelyn. "You're just a social climber seducing my brother for our fortune!"

The staff exchanged shocked glances. No one believed this poised goddess could be a gold digger - not with that seven-figure brooch and regal bearing.

"Let's be clear." Evelyn stood, towering over Cassandra in her Louboutins. "I wouldn't buy your third-rate merchandise if you paid me."

Cassandra's retort died when she recognized the brooch's significance.

"My purpose is simple." Evelyn produced a legal document. "You will hold a press conference apologizing to my hotel employee - the one you assaulted and hospitalized."

She leaned closer, her whisper carrying lethal sweetness. "Or I'll release security footage showing exactly how...ungracefully you behaved that night."