Chapter 329

Sylvia Montgomery had arrived at the venue ahead of time. After circling the space, she found a quiet corner to compose herself.

Her breath caught when she spotted Evelyn Carter at the entrance.

"Evelyn?" Sylvia whispered in disbelief. Her companions followed her gaze.

Nora Whitaker and Kimberly Fairchild exchanged shocked glances. They remembered seeing Evelyn getting into that sleek sports car yesterday.

Nora sneered, "Did she crash this party for free champagne?"

Sylvia's lips tightened. Evelyn's presence felt like a personal insult. "They'll let anyone in these days," she muttered darkly.

Kimberly saw her chance. "Want me to put that gold-digger in her place?"

Sylvia's silence was permission enough.

The two women stalked toward Evelyn with predatory grace. "Well, look who's here," Nora drawled. "Did you lose your sugar daddy's invitation, or are you just here to mooch?"

Evelyn turned slowly, her green eyes sharpening. She took in their smirks before spotting Sylvia watching with cold amusement across the room.

"You're hardly in any position to question my presence here," Evelyn said calmly.

The barb hit its mark. Their smiles faltered. They'd come as Sylvia's plus-ones—how had Evelyn known?

Nora recovered first. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Evelyn's lips curved. "I could ask you the same thing. Save your pathetic attempts at insults for someone who cares."

Nora's face flushed crimson. She hadn't expected such a cutting response.

Kimberly stepped forward, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper. "We all know what you are, Evelyn. Being some rich man's plaything isn't exactly something to brag about. Should I announce it to the whole room?"

Her words carried just enough to make nearby heads turn.

Seeing Evelyn's stillness, Kimberly smirked at Sylvia before continuing, "Though I suppose in this economy, even being a—"

The slap echoed through the hall.

Kimberly staggered back, clutching her cheek. "You bitch!" she shrieked. "My own mother never hit me! Who do you think you—"

Evelyn sidestepped the lunging woman and swept her leg out. Kimberly crashed to the marble floor, her dress riding up dangerously.

Gasps rippled through the growing crowd as Kimberly scrambled to cover herself. "Stop looking!" she wailed.

Evelyn loomed over her, ice in her gaze. "Next time you open your mouth, I'll make sure you can't close it again."

She turned to leave, only to find Sylvia blocking her path.

"You'll apologize," Sylvia commanded, her voice like frozen steel.