Chapter 14

"Evelyn? Here?" Brandon scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Impossible. That trash doesn't belong in a place like this."

His lips curled into a sneer at the mention of Evelyn Laurent.

Sophia blinked, then smirked. "Must've been my imagination."

Contempt flickered in her eyes.

The Lowell family had scraped together five million just to sneak into this gala as janitors. Only officially invited VIPs could access the elevators.

Who did Evelyn think she was?

The four of them composed themselves and entered the ballroom, gawking at everything like wide-eyed country bumpkins.

The Grand Hyatt's opulence exceeded their wildest dreams. Priceless antiques they'd worshiped back home were mere decorations here.

Vincent discreetly eyed a Ming vase with an eight-figure price tag.

He nearly choked.

The gap between a provincial tycoon and old-money elites was staggering.

This only strengthened his resolve to cozy up to the Langley heiress. Failing that, he'd settle for rubbing shoulders with other bluebloods...

Soon, the family split up.

Vincent worked the room, schmoozing with guests. Brandon ogled debutantes, practically drooling.

Sophia clung to Margaret's arm, scanning the crowd for eligible bachelors. Yet her mind kept drifting back to that striking man by the elevator.

If only she could meet someone like him...

Her gaze kept darting toward the elevators, hoping for another glimpse.

Ding.

The doors slid open.

Sophia craned her neck—only to freeze.

"Evelyn?!" she shrieked. "What are you doing here?"

Margaret whirled around, her pupils contracting.

So she hadn't been mistaken earlier! How did this little bitch get in?

Evelyn turned at the commotion. Spotting the mother-daughter duo in janitor uniforms, her nose wrinkled.

Just my luck.

She'd just helped Ethan change upstairs. Finding the ballgown cumbersome, she'd planned to change back before the main event.

Now this unpleasant reunion.

"Evelyn!" Margaret stormed over. "Who let you in?"

Evelyn lifted a bored eyebrow. "None of your business."

Margaret's face purpled. "Do you even know where you are? This is no place for trash like you!"

Her eyes burned with envy at Evelyn's casual athletic wear.

They'd paid millions to sneak in as staff, yet this waltzed in like she owned the place?

She must've snuck in!

"Security!" Margaret screeched. "An intruder without an invitation!"

She grabbed Evelyn's wrist. "Are you trying to sabotage Miss Langley's gala?"

"Get off!"

Evelyn yanked her arm free, sending Margaret sprawling.

"Evelyn!" Sophia put on a show of concern. "Mom's just worried. This is the Langleys' event—not some backwater party you can crash."

Noticing gathering onlookers, she lowered her voice. "Leave before the Langleys notice."

Evelyn flexed her wrist, smirking. "Try making me."

"You insolent—" Margaret scrambled up. "Think this is Harbor City? You can't act wild at the Langleys'!"

Spotting the growing crowd, she turned performative.

"Everyone, look at this ingrate! She stole my daughter's privileged life for seventeen years, assaulted her adoptive parents, and now crashes the Langleys' gala!"

Margaret's voice rose with faux outrage.

Perfect chance to impress Miss Langley while ruining this bitch. She'd make sure Evelyn left in disgrace tonight.