Chapter 61

The boutique’s air was thick with tension as Natalie Whitaker and Vanessa Sterling stood facing each other, the coveted fishtail gown hanging between them like a prize neither was willing to surrender.

“I don’t recall you reserving this, Natalie. You probably just got here first, and frankly, it might not even suit you,” Vanessa said smoothly, her lips curving into a smirk. Her fingers traced the delicate fabric, her gaze dripping with condescension.

Natalie’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t a coincidence, is it? You came here deliberately to take this from me.” Her voice was low, simmering with barely restrained anger. “You’re utterly shameless.”

Behind her oversized sunglasses, Vanessa’s eyes flashed with irritation. “I’m not taking anything. Some things are simply meant for certain people. Even if you force your way into claiming them, they’ll never truly be yours.” Her tone was saccharine, laced with venom.

The sales associate clutching the dress looked like she wanted to vanish. The unspoken subtext was painfully clear—this wasn’t just about a dress. It was about a man.

Oh, this poor woman must be screaming internally for someone to rescue her, Evelyn Sinclair mused, crouched behind a display counter like a spy in her own drama.

Nathan Blackwood, standing nearby, caught her thoughts and sighed. He watched as Evelyn, practically vibrating with excitement, peeked around the corner, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of unfolding gossip. Nearby, the sales associate hesitated, unsure whether to intervene or flee.

Nathan discreetly waved her off, signaling her to wait. Let Evelyn have her fun first.

The sales associate exhaled in relief and subtly stepped aside—only to nearly jump out of her skin when she spotted two women and a child hiding behind another counter, shamelessly eavesdropping. Sophia Blackwood and Margaret Blackwood—Nathan’s sister and mother—were fully invested, gesturing for her to move so they could see better.

Nathan turned, spotted them, and pinched the bridge of his nose. Unbelievable.

Originally, Sophia and Margaret had intended to observe Nathan and Evelyn’s interactions, but the moment they overheard the brewing catfight, all bets were off. Especially since Vanessa Sterling was someone Sophia recognized.

The argument raged on.

Evelyn’s thoughts spilled into the Blackwood family’s minds like a scandalous exposé. *Ah, so this is the classic tale of the childhood sweetheart versus the seductive newcomer. Harrison Montgomery and Natalie were married for years, but then Vanessa waltzed in as the fresh-faced junior at his company. What started as a professional partnership turned into something far messier. The families noticed, panicked, and shipped Vanessa off abroad to “cultivate her talents.” But her career flopped, her marriage to some sleazy director ended in disaster, and now she’s back—convinced Natalie ruined her life. And of course, she wants revenge. How predictable.

Sophia’s expression darkened. She knew Natalie personally and felt a surge of protectiveness.

Evelyn, meanwhile, had just mentally accessed Natalie’s information. Her eyes widened. Oh. Oh no. Her inner monologue stuttered to a halt. How could Harrison do this to her? After all these years?

A bitter thought crossed her mind. Men. As reliable as a pig climbing a tree. She side-eyed Nathan.

Nathan frowned. Please don’t lump all of us together.

Back at the counter, Natalie lifted her chin, her pride unbroken despite the humiliation. She handed the sales associate a black card. “Ring it up.”

The associate swiped it—once, twice. Her smile faltered. “Ma’am… your card has been declined. It appears to be canceled.”

Natalie’s face drained of color.

Vanessa’s lips curled in triumph. “Out of money, Natalie? Some things just aren’t meant to be yours.”

Natalie’s hands trembled as she pulled out every card and bill she had, but it wasn’t enough. The dress’s price tag was exorbitant.

The onlookers—Sophia, Margaret, Evelyn, even the sales staff—were stunned.

Oh, this is vile, Evelyn seethed internally. Vanessa knew. She knew Harrison canceled Natalie’s card right in front of her. This was a setup.

The Blackwoods exchanged horrified glances.

I need to find out why Harrison—Mr. High-and-Mighty—would do something this cruel, Evelyn vowed.

And just like that, the boutique had become the stage for a scandal far juicier than anyone had anticipated.