101 Confrontation at the Gala
Hazel’s POV
The Sinclau estate was a testament to old money and refined taste Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors while waiters glided between clusters of the city’s elite balancing silver trays of champagne. I d’ attended my lan share of high-profile events across Paris, Milan, and New York, but the sheer concentration of power in this room was palpable
Sebastian’s hand had left the small of my back moments ago when he exctised himself to greet some business associates. I didn’t mind. After our conversation with Elliot ! needed space to breathe
I scanned the room, recognizing faces from business magazines and society pages. My gaze stopped on Mrs. Sinclair. Sebastian’s mother, across the room. She caught my eye and offered a subtle nod
My chest swelled with pride. She was wearing one of my designs-a deep burgundy evening gown with intricate beadwork across the bodice. The fact that she chose my creation for such a significant event spoke volumes.
I nodded back respectfully, not wanting to seem overeager. This was the woman who had raised Sebastian, after all. The woman whose approval could cement my place in this world of privilege and influence.
Finding a relatively quiet corner, I accepted a glass of champagne from a passing server. The cool liquid slid down my throat, steadying my nerves.
“Well look who’s here,” a cold, familiar voice cut through my moment of peace. “The Sambitious little seamstress”
Frummed to face Gloria Everett, Alistair’s sister. Her smile was sharp as a knife, her eyes
dating as they swept over my designer dress
“Hello, Gloria,” I replied evenly. “Lovely to see you too
She laughed the sound brittle and forced. “Let’s skip the pleasantries. What exactly are you doing here? Last 1 checked, you weren’t exactly Sinclair material
I took another slow sip of champagne, refusing to let her see me rattled. “could ask
wu the same question, Aren’t the Everetts and Sinclairs supposed to be malic
Her snule faltered slightly “Business is business Social obligations are different?
Is that what this is? A social obligation?” I raised an eyebrow. Tunny. Ewas personally Hvited:
Ciloria’s eyes narrowed. “By Sebastian Sinclair himself. I presume? My, you’ve climbed the ladder quickly Tell me, does he know about your history with my brother? Or are you keeping that bittle detail to yourself?”
Sebastian knows everything about me.” I stated firmly. “Unlike your brother, he values honesty
A flash of anger crossed her perfectly made-up face. “That’s rich coming from you. Still bitter that Alistair chose Ivy over you? He was just being merciful to a dying woman
The old wound throbbed, but I refused to flinch. “Is that what you tell yourselves? Whatever helps you sleep at night, Gloria.
She stepped closer, voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “You never belonged in our world, Hazel. Not then, not now. The Sinclairs may be temporarily amused by you, but eventually, they’ll see through whatever act you’re putting on.
“There’s no act.” I replied coolly. “Unlike the Everetts, some people appreciate talent and character over family connections.”
Gloria’s eyes widened with indignation. Before she could respond, her gaze shifted over my shoulder Her expression transformed into one of malicious triumph.
“Mom!” she called out loudly. “Look, Hazel Shaw is here too!”
My stomach dropped. I turned to see Liana Langdon, Alistair’s mother, approaching us Her expression was a mixture of surprise and disdain as her eyes locked on me
“Hazel” she said, her tone chilly: “What an unexpected… pleasure
I straightened my spine, refusing to be intimidated. “Mrs. Langdon. I didn’t realize the Everetts would be in attendance tonight
Her perfectly manicured hand came to rest on her pearl necklace. “We’ve known the Sinclairs for decades, dear. Old family connections” She emphasized the word family with barely disguised contempt Though I must admit, I’m surprised to see you here
Social climbing was never your forte before
Several nearby conversations quieted as people sensed the brewing confrontation. Heal crept up my neck
I’m here as a guest, just like you” I replied, keeping my voice steady
Glona smirked. A guest of Sebastian Sinclair, she claims. Quite the upgrade from Alistair wouldn’t you say, Mother?”
Liana looked me over with critical eyes. “Is that so? Well, Sebastian always did have.. eclectic tastes. Though usually more temporary in nature
The implication was clear. I was just another passing fancy-a novelty that would soon
be discarded.
“Your concern for Sebastian’s preferences is touching.” I replied. “Though rather misplaced. Perhaps you should focus more on your son’s choices. How is Alistair coping now that Ivy’s true colors have been revealed?”
Ilana ‘s face hardened. “That’s not appropriate conversation for this setting
“Neither is questioning my presence here, yet you didn’t hesitate.” I countered.
Gloria stepped forward, her voice rising slightly. “You really think you belong among people like us? The daughter of a disgraced businessman and a dead socialite?
Several heads turned our way. My cheeks burned with anger at the cruel reference to iny mother
“Gloria, Liana warned, glancing nervously at our growing audience. “Not here
But Gloria was too invested in her attack. “Everyone knows you latched onto Sebastian
because you need protection. Your pathetic little design business would be nothing without Sinclan backing. You’re just-
Just what, Gloria?”
Sebastian’s deep voice cut through the tension like steel. He appeared beside me his
expression dangerously calm as he stared down Gloria and Liana. His hand came to
Test protectively at the small of my back
Gloria paled visibly. “Sebastian, we were just catching up with an old family friend
Is that what so call it His tone was ice cold. From where I was standing, it looked
remarkably like barassment
Liana recovered quickly, pasting on a society smile, “Sebastian, darling. We were smply surprised to see Hazel here Given her history with our family
“You mean how your son abandoned her days before then wedding to marry her dying
Sebastian interrupted smoothly
terrupted smoothly. That history
stepsister
4 hush tell over nearby guests Liana’s smile froze
That’s hardly the complete story she managed
Sebastial’s thoni traced small circles on my back, a gesture both soothing and
Perhaps not But neither is your narative about Hazel’s presence here
DossessIME
Tonight
He turned to address the small crowd that had gathered For those curious. Ms. Shaw is here as both as honored guest and as the desumer who created the stunning gown
nyother is wearing tonight. A gown that has already received countless
compliments
My heart raced at his public endorsement Gloria looked like she’d swallowed
something sour
Sebastien continued Tis voice carrying just enough to ensure his words would travel through the gossip mall by morning. “The Sinc bag family recognizes exceptional Talent when we set at. We’re privileged to have Ms Shaw’s designs associated with our namie
Beturned back to Liana and Gloria his smile pleasant birt his eyes hard Now if you’ll
ushers at several peuple waiting to meet Haze! People with actual influence
Without wasng for a response he guided me away from the stunned Everett women As are proved through the rowd i len theu glares burning into my back
ways early heed to do al Whispered, though reliel and gratitude Hooded through
Tatuskiter did Sebastian replied, or looking at me presence, Hazer spet tally not Thor hypocrites
No one disrespects you in my
roke set shaver down my spine. As we approachest new
a
group of people Sebastian’s hand remained firmly at my backs a clear signal to
everyone in the room
Imight not know exactly what I was to Sebastian Sinclair but tonight, one thing was crystal clear, I was thdet his protection. And in this world of sharks and vipers that meant everything
Just as Sebastian was about to introduce me to an elegant older couple, a commotion near the entrance drew everyone’s attention
My blood turned to ice as Frecognized the familiar figure pushing past the security guards.
Alistair Everett had arrived. And from the determined look on his face as his eyes locked on me, this night was about to get much worse.
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