“You guys build cars–so why are you fighting me for this? Let me go first! I was here first!”
A group of grown men nearly came to blows at the entrance, blocking the doorway as none of them were willing to step aside.
Once inside the ballroom, Selene was approached by a server carrying a silver tray. She took a glass of champagne, the bubbles catching the golden light overhead.
“Dafina’s mother!”
One of Daph’s classmates‘ mothers spotted Selene and hurried over to greet her.
Selene remembered this woman all too well. Back when the principal had been threatening to expel Daphina, this lady had been quick with snide remarks; later, she even deleted her “apology note” from her mommy blog. In contrast, her husband had taken the official company account to issue a formal apology to Selene.
Now, running into Selene at the gala, the couple looked both surprised and eager to get on her good side.
“Dafina’s mom, you look absolutely stunning tonight! Is that a Valencia couture dress you’re wearing? I didn’t see this design at the early spring show.”
“Isadora told me this piece isn’t available to the public,” Selene replied offhandedly.
Mrs. Gold gasped. “Not for public release? So you mét Valencia’s head designer? Oh, I’m so jealous! How does Mr. Vaughn treat you so well? Even after the divorce, the Vaughn family still gives you the VIP treatment!”
Selene was about to clarify that her gown had nothing to do with Harrison when she suddenly felt a piercing gaze fixed on her.
She turned and saw Gemma across the crowd, striding toward her with a look that could cut glass.
“How did you get in here? Who brought you? Do you even have an invitation?” Gemma fired off her questions in rapid succession.
Selene stood her ground and took a slow sip of her rosé champagne, letting the velvety sweetness linger.
1/2
09:40
Gemma’s brow twitched with Irritation; to her, Selene’s confidence looked like nothing short of gloating.
Selene set her glass down, tapping her fingertips against the rim with a bright, clear
note.
“Someone needs to mind their own business,” she remarked, her smile cool.
If only there was a bonfire at the Intercontinental’s entrance, Selene thought wryly–she could have walked through and warded off the bad luck. As it was, every person she’d encountered so far was someone she’d rather have avoided.
“Selene, didn’t you say you were going to report me on that government app? Try to ruin my reputation? The women’s association told me they never received any complaint at all!” Gemma crowed, clearly pleased with herself.
She’d half–suspected Selene might have gathered some damning evidence during her seven years with the Vaughn family. But after waiting and waiting, all the important people were still eager to curry favor with her. Gemma was now certain Selene was just bluffing.
After all, Selene had been on the outside for seven years–a country girl who’d never been privy to family secrets. Gemma wouldn’t even invite her to a game of cards, let alone trust her with anything important.
Selene just said, “That government app receives so many reports every day–it takes time to process them. Ms. Yates, I suggest you be patient and wait for the good news.”
Gemma let out a dismissive laugh, clearly unconvinced.
At that moment, Felicity stormed into the room.
“Daniel, that’s her! That’s Selene!”
