Chapter 155

Vanessa lunged forward to grab Evelyn, but Adrian's iron grip clamped down on her wrist. "Lay a finger on her and you'll regret it," he growled through clenched teeth.

She twisted violently but couldn't escape his hold. "Evelyn! Make him release me this instant!" Vanessa shrieked.

The socialites watching the confrontation exchanged disgusted glances. Their disdain for Vanessa intensified by the second.

"Ms. Sterling, your behavior toward our idol is absolutely unacceptable. I want nothing more to do with you."

"How dare you slander someone like Ms. Carter? Look in the mirror before throwing accusations!"

"I'd heard rumors about your vicious nature, but seeing it firsthand is something else entirely."

The women backed away from Vanessa as if she carried some contagious disease.

Vanessa's face turned crimson with rage. "Where was this energy when you were accepting my gifts? Now you turn on me for her?" she spat.

"Please, those cheap trinkets? My maid's been using them as paperweights."

"Honestly, we tolerated you out of pity. Did you actually think we valued your friendship?"

"Name one thing you've given us that wasn't worthless. I'll pay you back double just to never see you again."

Evelyn observed the scene with quiet amusement. Watching Vanessa's so-called friends abandon her was more entertaining than she'd anticipated.

"Darling, shall we go? This place has become rather... unpleasant," Adrian suggested, releasing Vanessa's arm with visible disgust. He wiped his hands on his handkerchief as if touching something filthy.

"Agreed. The atmosphere here is ruining my appetite," Evelyn replied, rising gracefully from her seat.

But the socialites blocked her path with sudden enthusiasm.

"Ms. Carter! Could I trouble you for an autograph?"

"You're my absolute idol! Would you mind a quick photo?"

Vanessa stood frozen, watching helplessly as Evelyn became the center of attention. The bitter taste of humiliation burned in her throat.

After posing for photos and signing autographs, Evelyn prepared to leave, but the women still buzzed with excitement.

"Did you see Ms. Carter's complexion? Flawless porcelain! I'd kill to know her skincare routine."

"Not a single visible pore! How is that even possible?"

"If only we could be friends with someone like Ms. Carter. Though I doubt we're worthy."

Their gushing continued unabated, completely ignoring Vanessa standing right beside them. She might as well have been invisible.

With a cold smirk, Vanessa pulled out her phone and reviewed the photos she'd secretly taken. A wicked plan formed in her mind. Once the women dispersed, she made a call.

"Fashion Daily? I have explosive gossip about a certain socialite. Interested?"

The reporter's voice turned eager. "Which celebrity? Name your price."

Vanessa's lips curled into a venomous smile. "I don't want money. I want her reputation shredded beyond repair."