Chapter 380

Cassandra discreetly retreated, putting distance between herself and Isabelle. She wanted no association with the disgraced woman now.

The journalists caught on quickly. Their gazes turned skeptical as they studied Isabelle.

"How ridiculous," one reporter muttered. "Ms. Montgomery accusing others when she's not even a VELVET member."

"She should focus on her own shortcomings rather than others'," another added.

"Owning a few jewelry pieces doesn't make one an expert. Bragging before Luxe Bijoux's CEO? He probably doesn't recognize her."

"Tsk. She lacks Ms. Kingsley's elegance entirely."

Isabelle's face drained of color at their words. Being ranked beneath Evelyn Carter? Unbearable.

Humiliation burned through her like wildfire.

Without sparing Isabelle a glance, Evelyn walked away, engaging in pleasant conversation with Edmund Windsor and Isabella Laurent.

The press flocked after them, abandoning Isabelle in her moment of shame.

"Oh no, Isabelle!" Cassandra rushed back, gripping her arm urgently. "Nathan's here!"

"Nathan? Where?" Isabelle's palms turned clammy.

"Right behind you. He's watching this way. I don't know how much he saw."

Isabelle turned stiffly.

There in the shadows stood Nathan Blackwood, his icy gaze piercing through her like daggers.

Her breath hitched. Her pulse stuttered. Time seemed to freeze.

"N-Nathan..."

His expression darkened. With a dismissive shake of his head, he turned away, Oliver Sinclair following silently.

The finality in that gesture shattered something inside Isabelle. She stumbled back, a cold dread seeping into her bones.

In the restroom, Isabelle's sobs echoed off the marble walls. "Damn her! Why won't that bitch just die? I wish a truck would run her over!"

Mascara streaked down her cheeks as she wept uncontrollably.

This wasn't just about social ruin. Nathan had witnessed her humiliation firsthand - no excuses would suffice now.

"I know, right?" Cassandra pretended to commiserate while secretly relishing the spectacle. "Why doesn't lightning strike her down?"

"Why didn't you help me?" Isabelle rounded on her. "You just stood there like an idiot!"

"I...I panicked!" Cassandra feigned distress. "You're always the clever one. What could I possibly add? If I were smarter, we'd have dealt with Evelyn long ago."

Sniffling, Isabelle demanded, "Any word from Vivian Prescott yet? Still nothing?"

"Patience," Cassandra soothed. "Good things come to those who wait. That woman despises Evelyn. She'll help us."

Her phone buzzed.

A wicked smile spread across Cassandra's face as she showed Isabelle the screen. "Speak of the devil! Vivian's calling."

Isabelle's tear-stained face twisted with malice. "This time, I'll make sure Evelyn Carter falls from grace permanently."