Chapter 469

Victor had always appeared larger than life, a man who commanded respect with just a glance. The idea that he would entertain someone as vapid as his current companion seemed utterly ridiculous.

Vivian needed to stop these wild thoughts. She cut straight to the point. "Since when did the Blackwood family have someone like that in their circle?"

Giselle noticed the subtle shift in Vivian's tone and straightened with visible satisfaction. For once, Vivian seemed intrigued by something related to her husband. Giselle deliberately paused before dropping her bombshell. "He's Adrian's uncle—Victor Thornton."

A smug smile played on Giselle's lips. Even Vivian, usually so aloof, couldn't resist the pull of high-society gossip. Power like Victor's cast an undeniable shadow. And this attention? All thanks to her man's rising status in Crestwood.

Vivian was speechless.

Just then, Audrey strolled into the boutique, having overheard the conversation. "What? Giselle, since when did you start settling for middle-aged men?" She positioned herself protectively in front of Vivian, her expression dripping with disdain as she scrutinized Giselle.

Giselle startled momentarily but quickly regained her composure. She pressed a dramatic hand to her chest as if to calm her racing heart.

"Audrey!" Giselle exclaimed. "You've changed so much since school—where's that shy girl I knew? You nearly gave me a heart attack! And middle-aged? Please. Victor is distinguished, not old."

She tossed her hair. "I've moved past those immature college boys and their meaningless flings. I prefer men who know what they want."

Vivian's mind wandered to the rumors about Victor's wandering eye—the arranged marriage, the whispered affairs. She never imagined one of her former classmates would become entangled in such drama.

She studied Giselle critically. Despite the designer labels screaming wealth, her plain features couldn't be disguised.

After a beat, Giselle countered, "Audrey, tell me—are you even married yet?"

Audrey pulled out a chair beside Vivian and sat down. "Why the sudden interest? My personal life is none of your business."

Taking the cue, Vivian gave Giselle a sidelong glance and added coolly, "If I recall correctly, Victor already has a wife. And unless something's changed, it's not you."

Audrey smirked. "Maybe you're just bitter because no one wants to marry you."

Giselle's expression darkened. "What do either of you know? Victor and his wife? That's not a marriage—it's a corporate merger. She's just another trust fund princess." She paused for effect. "Speaking of money, Audrey, your family's quite wealthy too, aren't they? Better hope your future husband doesn't turn out like Victor—disinterested and unfaithful. Or maybe you should aim for someone like Vivian's husband. At least a regular office worker is easier to control."

"Regular?" Audrey turned to Vivian in surprise.

Vivian barely registered the comment. Adrian's stern, unreadable face flashed in her mind. She suppressed a laugh, wondering how he'd react to being called "easy to control."

Giselle reached for her coffee but withdrew her hand when she realized it had gone cold. With an exaggerated sigh, she stood, her tone turning dismissive. "This conversation is pointless."

She adjusted her designer bag. "Our lives—and our perspectives—have changed since graduation. Anyway, there's a class reunion coming up. You're both invited. Will you be there?"