Chapter 467

"Vivian? What a surprise to see you here."

Vivian and the boutique owner both turned toward the entrance where a woman dripping in designer labels stood. Her cashmere coat alone cost more than most people's monthly rent, and the diamond-studded watch on her wrist caught the light with every movement. The scent of her exclusive French perfume preceded her like an invisible announcement of wealth.

In contrast, Vivian's ensemble was effortlessly elegant. Her camel-colored trench coat was perfectly tailored but bore no visible branding. The only hint of luxury was her understated leather tote - practical yet refined, chosen precisely for its spaciousness during shopping excursions.

Vivian's pause lasted only a heartbeat before her practiced social mask slid into place. "Giselle. It has been years."

Giselle Thornton, née something far less impressive, had been Vivian's high school classmate. They'd never moved in the same circles, and apart from Audrey, Vivian had maintained little contact with their graduating class.

Vivian had always been an enigma - her striking beauty paired with an aloof demeanor creating an impenetrable aura. She vaguely recalled Giselle coming from modest beginnings, her parents working double shifts at the textile mill. While Vivian wasn't one to judge, even she had noticed Giselle's... limitations. Concepts that came easily to others seemed to elude her, and rather than applying herself, Giselle had dedicated her adolescence to scheming her way into wealthy circles.

Apparently, her efforts had paid off spectacularly.

Giselle flipped her freshly highlighted hair over one shoulder and commandeered the chair opposite Vivian. "Service!" she snapped her fingers at the barista.

The young woman behind the counter, unfazed by the rudeness, simply smiled. "We just received a shipment of Ivory Summit beans - quite rare this season."

Giselle's nose wrinkled. "Never heard of it. I only drink Sapphire Ridge."

As the barista prepared their drinks, she caught Vivian's eye. The subtle exchange spoke volumes - both recognizing Giselle's transparent attempt at sophistication. Ivory Summit beans retailed at nearly five times the price of Sapphire Ridge, yet remained unknown to casual coffee drinkers who associated quality with brand recognition alone.

Vivian accepted her cup, admiring the delicate latte art - a crescent moon with tiny stars scattered beneath it. The first sip brought a smile to her lips. "The citrus notes are exceptional."

Giselle snorted. "That childish scribble? The café near my penthouse does proper designs - swans, roses, that sort of thing." She waved a dismissive hand. "This place is overhyped."

The barista, wise beyond her years, simply continued smiling as she wiped down the espresso machine.

With no audience to perform for, Giselle turned her attention to Vivian. "Where's that handsome husband of yours? Too busy making millions to join you?"

Vivian took another measured sip before answering. "Adrian's at the office." Her tone suggested the conversation would end there.

But Giselle, never one to read social cues, barreled forward. "You know, I ran into Serena Whitmore last week at the Opal Galleria. She was asking about you." A calculated pause. "And Adrian, of course."

Vivian's fingers tightened imperceptibly around her cup. The name hung between them like an uninvited guest.

Giselle's smile turned feline. "Funny how life works out, isn't it? Who would have thought back in high school that you'd end up married to her..." She let the sentence dangle, watching for Vivian's reaction.

The boutique's bell chimed again, saving Vivian from responding as two well-dressed women entered, their laughter filling the small space. Giselle immediately straightened, her social antennae quivering at the potential for new connections.

Vivian used the distraction to check her watch. "Excuse me," she murmured, gathering her things. "I have an appointment."

Giselle barely glanced up from adjusting her diamond tennis bracelet. "We should do lunch," she said absently, already assessing the newcomers' handbags for authenticity.

Vivian's smile didn't reach her eyes. "We really shouldn't."

Outside, the crisp autumn air felt like a reprieve. Vivian inhaled deeply, the lingering tension easing from her shoulders. She pulled out her phone, thumb hovering over Adrian's contact before thinking better of it. Some ghosts were better left undisturbed.