Chapter 427

At the mention of Vanessa, Nathan's expression darkened, his jaw tightening visibly.

Eleanor scoffed, turning her sharp gaze toward him. "Nathan, you exiled Vanessa to that godforsaken place. She's suffered enough. When will you recall her? Must I never see my daughter again?"

Nathan turned slowly, his voice deceptively calm. "Mother, if you wish to join Vanessa, arrangements can be made immediately."

Eleanor's lips snapped shut.

Astana—where Vanessa was banished—was a barren wasteland with abysmal living conditions. At her age, Eleanor wouldn't last a week in such squalor.

"Nathan, that's not what I meant. I merely miss her... Fine. She erred, and punishment is due. At least I still have Juliette by my side."

"Then Ms. Blackwood, I trust you'll attend to her properly."

Juliette dipped her head demurely. "Mr. Sterling, you have my word. Mrs. Blackwell will want for nothing."

Without another word, Nathan strode toward the exit. "Simon, to the Grand Santio."

"Yes, sir."

The moment he left, Eleanor grasped Juliette's arm. "Where are we going today, dear?"

Juliette's lips curved mysteriously. "You'll see."

——

Thirty minutes later, their car pulled up at the Grand Santio's glittering entrance.

Eleanor hesitated upon recognizing the elite crowd—Pamore's crème de la crème who'd once flocked to her soirées. After Vanessa's scandal, they'd dropped her like yesterday's news.

Her fingers dug into Juliette's sleeve. "Why bring me here?"

Juliette patted her hand reassuringly. "Tonight's attendees hold Pamore's reins. Cultivating these connections could benefit Sterling Enterprises."

The strategic phrasing stroked Eleanor's ego. She was, after all, the Blackwell matriarch. Surely the scandal had blown over by now?

"But without invitations—"

"Your name is invitation enough." Juliette's flattery worked like champagne, making Eleanor lift her chin.

"Very well. Let's mingle."

Juliette's smile vanished the instant Eleanor turned away.

With the Delaneys' downfall, Pamore's elite had distanced themselves. Worse, her true identity as Diana must remain buried.

Now she was just another startup founder—wealthy but powerless without connections.

Eleanor was her only ladder back into high society.

As predicted, no one dared stop the Blackwell matriarch at the door.

Inside, several socialites already gravitated toward Eleanor, drawn by the Sterling name's lingering prestige.