Chapter 346

"She concealed it flawlessly! Not once did she reveal even a hint of the truth in our presence. Had I known she was the Kingsley family's heiress, I would've never dared speak ill of her."

"We even mistook her for a mistress. How absurd - the Kingsley heiress being someone's kept woman? What a ridiculous notion."

"That's the Kingsleys for you. When they sneeze, all of Frenda catches cold. We're simply not in the same league."

Sylvia Montgomery's fingers tightened around her purse straps as she listened to her so-called friends. Her father had frozen all her accounts after her confrontation with Evelyn and the Kingsleys. Now even scraping together a few hundred dors felt impossible.

"Enough," she snapped, her voice sharp. "Stop talking about her."

The group exchanged uneasy glances before falling silent.

"Sylvia, weren't you going to show us that limited edition Birkin?"

"Yeah, and Chanel's new perfume collection just arrived. I'm dying to try it."

Biting her lip, Sylvia couldn't admit her financial ruin. "Let's... take a look then," she forced out.

Their shopping expedition ended abruptly at the elevator. "Apologies, ladies," a security guard blocked their path. "The mall is closed for a private event today. Second floor access is restricted."

Instant outrage erupted among the group.

"Since when? We came specifically to shop!"

"This is outrageous!"

Sylvia secretly exhaled in relief. "No matter," she said smoothly. "Since we can't shop, I'll treat everyone to high tea instead."

Grumbling, they agreed. "Fine. That new café on Fifth has an exclusive tea blend. Supposed to be divine."

As they turned to leave, the elevator doors slid open.

Iris Montgomery gasped. "Isn't that Evelyn?"

All heads swiveled. There stood Evelyn Carter, descending like royalty with the mall manager practically bowing at her side.

"No wonder they shut the place down. Evelyn Kingsley gets the VIP treatment."

"Ugh, so jealous. None of us rate that kind of service."

Like moths to flame, they abandoned Sylvia, flocking toward Evelyn with saccharine smiles.

"Evelyn! What a delightful coincidence!"

"Fancy seeing you here! Must be fate."

"Evelyn, we were so wrong before. Please forgive us? We're classmates after all. Maybe you could put in a good word for us with your family?"

Sylvia's nails dug crescent moons into her palms as she watched the shameless display. Her chest burned with humiliation at their blatant opportunism.

These vultures!

Evelyn paused, taking in the sudden sycophancy. Money and power really did make hypocrites of everyone.

"Enjoy your day," she said coolly, already walking away.

They waved eagerly, lingering even after she'd disappeared from view.

"So gracious, the Kingsley heiress."

"Right? After how we treated her... I feel awful now."

Sylvia's restraint shattered. "If Evelyn's so perfect, why don't you lick her shoes while you're at it?" she spat, storming off before they could see the tears of rage pricking her eyes.