103 Targeted by the Elite
Hazel’s POV 4
1-1 ni ut advanced training,” Gloria stammered, clearly caught off guard by Mrs. Sinclairs direct question “My instructors say I’ll be ready for a solo concert soon.
Mrs. Sinclair’s expression remained politely skeptical. “How nice. I look forward to receiving an invitation when that day comes.
The dismissal in her tone was unmistakable. Gloria’s face flushed deeper, her humiliation complete as several nearby guests exchanged knowing glances.
Before Gloria could respond, Liana stepped forward with a recovery attempt Hazel is quite talented, she said with false warmth. “We’ve always been proud to consider her family.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The audacity of this woman to claim me as family after everything they’d done was beyond comprehension.
“Family?” I repeated, my voice steady despite the anger churning inside me ‘Mrs Langdon, let’s be clear. Your son married my stepsister, not me. Ivy is your family not
mne.
The smile froze on Liana’s face. Several gasps rippled through our growing audience.
1-1 simply meant she began.
“I know exactly what you meant,” I cut her off. “You meant to save face in front of the
Sinclairs by pretending our families are on good terms. We’re not.”
Liana s eyes darted nervously around the crowd. Her social climbing attempt had backfired spectacularly. Without another word, she grabbed Gloria’s arm and retreated into the sea of guests
Mrs Sinclait watched them go with thinly veiled amusement. “Fascinating family she
murmured before turning back to ine “Now, Hazel, I’d love to hear more about your
creative process sometime Perhaps over tea next week?”
Before I could respond an announcement echoed through the ballroom ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our hosts for the evening. Mr and Mrs. Sinclair
“That s out cue Sebastian’s father said with a wari smile. “Duty calls”
Sebastian squeezed my hand lightly. Tll find you after the speeches
watched as the Sinclair family made their way to the stage An older man in a tuxedo began introducing them with flowery praise about their contributions to society and busmess achievements. The crowd listened with rapt attention, many women casting envious glances my way
The Sinclair family’s wealth and influence were legendary, but sering them on stage together drove home just how powerful they truly were. Sebastian stood tall beside his parents, his presence commanding even in their formidable shadow
I couldn’t help but notice how many women were watching him, their expressions ranging from admiration to outright hunger. Sebastian Sinclair was the most eligible bachelor in the city handsome, wealthy, and mysterious. And somehow, I’d become entangled in his orbit
“That’s her. I heard someone whisper behind me “The one Sebastian’s been parading around all evening
I pretended not to hear, keeping my eyes fixed on the stage where Mrs. Sinclair was now speaking about her charitable foundation.
“What does he see in her?” another voice hissed. “She’s not even from our circle”
Theard she was dumped by Alistair Everett right before their wedding. He left her for her own sister. Can you imagine?”
“Stepsister, another voice corrected. “But still, damaged goods if you ask me
Igripped my champagne flute tighter, fighting to maintain my composure. I’d expected whispers and gossip, but hearing it so close, so unfiltered, stung more than 1
wanted to admit
was about to move away when I felt someone step directly beside me Turning I
dyself face to face with three young women: I recognized one as Gloria’s close friend from several society photos – Vanessa Hughes, heir to the Hughes banking
Tortune
Case
Vanessa said, not bothering to lower her voice “You’re Sebastian’s latest charity
The two women flanking her smirked in unison. I noticed severa nearby guests pretending not to listen while banging on every word
I don’t believe we ve been introduced, replied coolly
“Vanessa Hughes” she said, not offering her hand. These are Celeste and Diana, We’re friends of Sebastian’s family.
“How nice for you.” I said, attempting to end the conversation before it truly began
Vanessa wasn’t deterred. “We’re just curious what Sebastian sees in you. He usually has more… refined tastes.”
Diana, a tall blonde with sharp features, leaned in. “Did you have work done? Your nose looks artificial
And those cheekbones,” Celeste added with fake concern. “Fillers?”
I was momentarily stunned by their directness. These women weren’t just being catty
they were out for blood.
All natural. I’m afraid.” I replied, forcing a smile. “Though I’m flattered you think my features look too perfect to be real.”
Vanessa’s eves narrowed. “Don’t get comfortable in Sebastian’s world. He gets bored easily. Just ask his ex-fiancée”
This was news to me. Sebastian had been engaged? He’d never mentioned it, but then again, we rarely discussed our romantic pasts.
“We’re just wondering why he’s suddenly interested in someone like you.” Celeste continued. “No offense, but you’re hardly his type.”
“And what exactly is his type?” I asked, genuinely curious despite myself.
Someone with lineage.” Vanessa replied immediately. “Someone who understands his world and responsibilities. Not some fashion designer who got famous for being jilted
The verbal slap stung, but I refused to show it. “Thank you for your concern about Sebastian’s dating preferences. I’ll be sure to ask him about it later tonight?” Diana’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. “Tonight? Aren’t you being presumptuous
Am 17 countered. “Sebastian invited me as his date. Where are your escorts this evening ladies”
The barb hit its mark. All three women glanced around, suddenly aware of their solo
artendance
Vanessa recovered quickly. “Gloria mentioned you were desperate didn’t realize how desperate until now
“Chinging to Sebastian won’t erase the humiliation Alistair caused you; Celeste added with mock sympathy. “Everyone still remembers how he left you for your sister. How pathetic
I felt my composure slipping. These women knew exactly where to strike.
“Stepsister corrected automatically, hating how defensive I sounded.
“Details” Vanessa waved dismissively. The point is, Sebastian is just using you to irritate lus parents. They want him married to someone suitable, not slumming it with
“Excuse me, ladies, a deep voice interrupted. “Is there a problem here?”
I turned to find a tall man with dark hair and a security earpiece standing beside me
His eves scanned the group with professional detachment.
“No problem” Vanessa said quickly, her demeanor shifting. “Just catching up with an
old friend
The security man looked skeptical. “Ms. Shaw, Mrs. Sinclair requests your presence
near the east terrace. May I escort you?”
Relief washed over me. “Of course
As the security man guided me away, I heard Vanessa’s parting whisper “Run along to
your new patron. Without the Sinclairs’ protection, you’re nothing.
Her soras echoed in my head as I followed the security guard through the crowd Was
that all I was? A charity case? Sebastian’s temporary distraction?
And more importantly, who had Sebastian been engaged to before, and why had no one ever mentioned it to me?
