Chapter 497

Beatrice Sterling had never approved of Amelia.

From childhood, Amelia lacked backbone. Her obsession with men—especially Nathaniel—made her weak. Nothing disgusted Beatrice more than women who couldn't stand on their own. If Amelia weren't her niece, she wouldn't waste a glance on her.

Gabrielle Winslow frowned. She shot Evelyn Whitmore—the woman she despised—a sharp look. "Is Evelyn really more beautiful than Amelia? I don't see it."

Beatrice turned to study Evelyn again, admiration flashing in her eyes.

"She's different. Soft features, but her expression? Unbreakable. Her gaze? Steel. And that aura—like men and power mean nothing to her. That’s the essence of Vogue Elite."

Gabrielle bit her lip, irritation flaring. To her, Evelyn was nothing but a schemer, weaving spells even over strong women like Beatrice.

Amelia's face twisted with humiliation. Her aunt had just shredded her dignity in front of everyone.

Beatrice was a fashion tyrant, cold to the entire family. Yet here she was, fawning over Evelyn—even offering her a modeling gig.

Gabrielle tried defending Amelia, but Beatrice didn’t budge. No lifeline. No escape from the shame.

Amelia burned with embarrassment. She scanned the crowd for her brother Samuel, hoping he’d shield her. Then—her breath caught.

Beyond the sea of faces stood a familiar silhouette. The man she’d been aching to see.

Her pulse spiked. "Nathaniel! When did you get here?"

Nathaniel Grayson loomed at the crowd’s edge, his height and presence cutting through the chatter like a blade.

Nathaniel? Here?!

Evelyn’s heart lurched. She whipped her head toward the voice.

There he was. A statue of ice, radiating cold. Why? The Graysons never attend Rivera events.

Her fingers curled into fists. After all this time, she’d run into him anyway.

Amelia pushed through the crowd, hurrying toward him. "You left for a business trip yesterday. What brought you back so soon?"