Chapter 376

The flashing cameras barely spared a glance for Isabelle Montgomery and Cassandra Blackwood as they strutted down the red carpet.

I could've ignored their presence entirely, but their smug expressions as they tried to outshine Isabella Wang made my blood boil.

Delusional socialites, believing they could dictate fashion trends.

I didn't bother taking a single photo. Why waste precious memory on such irrelevance?

Cassandra, the so-called heiress of Blackwood Industries. Isabelle, sister to Julian Montgomery, the so-called Prince of Crestview.

Neither had earned their fame—just their trust funds.

No doubt they'd paid for their spot in the lineup.

Flushed with self-importance, the two swept into the venue, expecting adoration.

Instead, they found themselves invisible.

Reporters flocked to A-listers like Isabella or legendary designers like Rosalind Walker.

Not a single journalist approached them.

"Are they blind?" Cassandra hissed, stomping her Louboutin in frustration. "How dare they ignore us? I'll have their press passes revoked!"

Isabelle sneered. "Typical vultures. They only chase real stars—not wannabes with daddy's credit cards."

The barb hit its mark.

Cassandra's smile turned venomous. "Funny. Mother always warned me against mingling with the media. She says it's... undignified for people of our standing."

A not-so-subtle dig at Isabelle's desperate social climbing.

Isabelle's cheeks flushed. "I prefer privacy. Unlike some, I don't need paparazzi to validate my worth."

Their fake camaraderie shattered as they turned away from each other.

Then—commotion.

A wave of excited murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"It's Evelyn Carter!"

"She wasn't on the red carpet! How does she always slip past the cameras?"

"The Monarch Group heiress—managing five-star hotels and now organizing Isabella Wang's wedding!"

"Gorgeous, brilliant, and actually accomplished. Unlike certain trust-fund princesses..."

The unspoken comparison burned.

Reporters surged forward, two accidentally jostling Cassandra and Isabelle in their haste.

The socialites stumbled, nearly face-planting on the marble floor.

"Watch where you're going!" Cassandra shrieked, clutching her designer gown.

Isabelle trembled with rage as the media swarm ignored them completely.

"Ms. Carter!" a reporter called out. "Monarch Group beat Blackwood Industries for Isabella Wang's wedding contract. Your thoughts?"

Evelyn's voice carried effortless grace. "Working with Isabella is an honor. But let's be clear—this wasn't about 'beating' anyone. Blackwood Hotels set industry standards in Crestview long before Monarch existed. One contract doesn't define our professional respect."

Murmurs of admiration followed.

"So poised!"

"Classy, unlike those other heiresses who'd gloat over a rival's loss."

Isabelle's nails dug into her palms.

Then she noticed it—the crimson pendant resting against Evelyn's collarbone.

A flawless red beryl, rarer than diamonds.

Cassandra audibly gulped, covetous gaze locked on the gem.

But Isabelle's sharp eyes caught something else.

A slow, calculating smile curved her lips as a scheme took shape.