Chapter 50
Victoria Lowell's nails dug into her palms as she strode into the jewelry boutique on stiletto heels. The humiliation Evelyn Roland had inflicted upon her at the charity gala resurfaced with a vengeance.
"Show me your most expensive pieces." Her chin lifted, voice sharp enough to cut glass.
The sales associate Jessica cast a nervous glance toward Evelyn, who stood observing calmly. The Lowell heiress always made extravagant demands but inevitably settled for the cheapest items.
Evelyn methodically slipped on white gloves, fingertips tapping twice against the glass counter.
"Which piece would you like to try, Miss Lowell?"
A malicious smile curled Victoria's crimson lips as her manicured finger swept across the display.
"All of them."
The boutique fell so silent one could hear a pin drop. Over twenty pieces—trying them all would take the entire afternoon.
Evelyn didn't even blink, retrieving the first necklace with practiced ease. She knew Victoria's type—the more attention paid, the worse the tantrums became.
"Is she insane?" whispered a new hire.
"Shh—rumor says Evelyn publicly humiliated her at last month's gala..."
The gossip died abruptly as a tall figure paused outside the glass doors.
Sebastian Valdemar's eyes narrowed. Through the window, he could see Evelyn's slightly reddened fingertips—she'd already fastened over a dozen necklaces.
"Mr. Valdemar?" His assistant halted in confusion.
The door chimed as Victoria sneered at a sapphire piece, "Who would display such hideous design?"
"Miss Lowell." Sebastian's voice held glacial precision. "Valdemar Group doesn't welcome clients of your caliber."
Victoria whirled around, face freezing mid-snarl. The Valdemar heir was the last person she expected here.
"I—I'm a paying customer!" Her bravado wavered.
Sebastian strode to Evelyn's side, effortlessly taking the necklace from her hands.
"Not anymore."
He pressed the service bell with measured force. "Security. Escort this woman out."
Victoria's face paled as she grabbed her purse and fled, shooting Evelyn one last venomous glare.
No one noticed the smartphone recording from the corner. By evening, #ValdemarHeirDefendsDesigner trended nationwide.
"...Valdemar Group stocks surged 5% today following the incident," the financial anchor reported, "reaching this year's peak..."