Chapter 288

Evelyn kept flipping through the fashion magazine with deliberate disinterest. The glossy pages turned mechanically under her fingers, her expression carefully blank.

The magazine was abruptly snatched from her hands.

"Don't you feel awkward staying here?" Sophie yanked her up from the plush sofa with surprising strength. "What terrible luck! Running into such unpleasant company while shopping."

Sophie's voice carried clearly across the boutique, ensuring Zoe couldn't possibly miss the barb.

Evelyn sighed. "It's a public store. Anyone can come in."

"Exactly why I said we're unlucky!" Sophie declared dramatically. "I refuse to shop here another minute. Let's go." She gripped Evelyn's wrist tightly, attempting to drag her toward the exit.

Evelyn planted her heels. "Since when did you become such a coward?"

The question froze Sophie mid-motion. Her eyes widened with realization. Right. Why was she running? She wasn't afraid of Zoe Montgomery.

With renewed determination, Sophie grabbed an armful of random garments and marched to the register, pulling Evelyn along.

"Is swiping someone else's credit card really such an accomplishment?" Sophie's mocking laughter rang through the store. "Some people act like being financially dependent is something to brag about. Real power comes from spending your own money!"

Though Zoe's name wasn't mentioned, the target was unmistakable. Zoe spun around, her smile brittle.

"Oh my! If it isn't Miss Montgomery!" Sophie feigned surprise with theatrical flair. "Shopping alone today? How unusual. I heard you and Dominic were practically inseparable these days. Was that all just for show? If not, why isn't he here holding your hand while you spend his money? Credit cards are so... impersonal."

Zoe's face darkened to match the shade of her black Amex. She knew Sophie Mercer was the sole heiress to the Mercer retail empire. And Evelyn Thorne controlled Thornfield Industries. Both women had fortunes that dwarfed her own - even with Dominic's generous spending allowance.

The sales associate began folding Sophie's haphazard selections. "Miss Mercer, these are all triple XL. They won't fit—"

"Wrap them anyway," Sophie interrupted with a careless wave. "They'll make excellent dust rags."

Zoe's complexion turned ashen. Richard Montgomery, recognizing the danger, quickly steered his daughter away.

Once outside, Zoe shook off her father's grip. "Why did you drag me out? I wasn't afraid of them!"

"Because nothing good comes from public scenes," Richard hissed. "Do you think Dominic would approve? Men don't appreciate catty behavior."

Inside the boutique, Evelyn was quietly returning the oversized garments to their proper places. "That was unnecessarily harsh."

Sophie snorted. "With vipers like her, you have to strike first. Did you hear how loud she was bragging about that card? Practically screaming it for your benefit. Maybe you can tolerate that nonsense, but I won't."

Over lunch at a nearby bistro, Sophie dropped another bombshell. "Dominic's been showering Zoe with attention lately. Her father's been back in the country looking for investment opportunities. Dominic's been making introductions using his connections."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her water glass. "I don't care about their relationship."

"Really? Then why won't you look at me?" Sophie challenged. "Even if you don't love him anymore, it still stings, doesn't it?"

"Not wanting to hear about him doesn't mean I still have feelings," Evelyn countered coolly. "Tell me, would you enjoy it if I brought up your ex right now?"