Chapter 286

Victoria Sterling poured every ounce of her being into preparing for her birthday gala.

She radiated energy, a far cry from the frail patient she'd pretended to be. Days were spent meticulously selecting venues, curating outfits, and perfecting her makeup. An outsider might mistake these preparations for wedding arrangements.

Noticing her improved condition, Nathan Blackwood ceased his hospital visits. Though resentment simmered beneath her composed exterior, Victoria focused solely on the upcoming celebration.

On the eve of the grand event, Victoria stood in her chambers wrestling with the couture gown borrowed from Rosalind Walker.

Her willow-like frame couldn't fill the dress's generous bustline. Two maids worked frantically, their efforts proving futile against the ill-fitting garment.

"Useless!" Victoria shoved them aside, her cheeks flaming with frustration. "How did the Sterlings end up with such incompetent staff?"

One trembling maid suggested, "Miss Victoria, perhaps we could call a seamstress for alterations? Or use discreet pins?"

Victoria's irritation mounted, though she'd never admit her true concern was financial. The seven-figure gown came with strict contractual terms - any damage or unauthorized alteration, even a single pin prick, would cost her five times its value. Beyond the financial blow, she refused to give that woman Rosalind Walker the satisfaction.

"Fetch me double-sided tape! Immediately!" Victoria commanded.

Within moments, the maids returned with the tape, expertly securing the excess fabric. When Victoria tried the dress again, it held perfectly.

"Brilliant solution, Miss Victoria!" the maids chorused.

Victoria exhaled in relief, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

A sharp knock interrupted the moment. Margaret Sterling entered, tension lining her features.

"Mother!" Victoria adjusted her dress anxiously before dismissing the maids with a sharp gesture.

Margaret secured the door behind them. "It's done," she said, her grip icy as she clasped her daughter's hand.

Victoria squeezed back, her expression darkening with gratitude. "You've sacrificed so much for me, Mother. I'll never forget this. I'll ensure you're properly cared for when I'm Mrs. Blackwood."

Margaret paled, locking eyes with her daughter. "Nonsense. You're my flesh and blood. With your reconciliation to Nathan and Leonard's support, we're on the brink of victory. Nothing will stop you from joining the Blackwood dynasty."

The following evening, as twilight painted the sky, the Sterling family spared no expense hosting Victoria's birthday gala in the grandest ballroom of the Blackwood Hotel. This venue choice underscored the families' alliance, signaling unity beyond mere social connections.

Penelope Whitmore, representing Leonard, had secured attendance from Crestview's elite and national dignitaries. The event's opulence rivaled a royal wedding.

Melodious music filled the lavish space as elegantly dressed guests mingled. Crestview's power players attended not just for the birthday, but to honor Leonard Blackwood.

Though Penelope had recently faced prosecutor scrutiny, the investigation revealed her cousin's financial misdeeds. Now revitalized, she moved through the crowd arm-in-arm with her husband, resplendent in designer attire, engaging effortlessly with guests.

"Congratulations are in order," a guest toasted the couple.

Penelope beamed. "The honor belongs to my dear niece today."

"Miss Sterling is Nathan's fiancée, soon to be Blackwood Industries' first lady," another guest observed. "This celebration belongs to you both."

Laughter rippled through the group as more well-wishers added their congratulations.