Chapter 435
“Hailey, once the formalities here are over, come with me to meet Ms. Rainsford,” Patrick said, his tone toward Hailey now exceptionally warm.
Just a moment ago, seeing Hailey standing with the young lady of the Blackwood’s second branch and the Lancaster heiress had already made him feel incredibly proud.
Then, Ms. Rainsford had approached him to talk about Hailey.
Because of that one simple gesture, the very same powerful people he had been desperately trying to network with-to no avail-were now initiating conversations with him.
Some were even hinting at introducing their sons to each other.
Patrick was now completely convinced that Hailey was the Wynn family’s lucky star.
Hailey’s heart hammered with excitement.
She struggled to remain composed, giving a prim nod. “Alright, Father p>
Patrick then pulled Marianne away to seize the opportunity, hoping to chat with other influential guests and secure some investments.
“Miss Lancaster Hailey smiled at Isabella. “I have you to thank for this opportunity to showcase my work. Don’t worry, since I’ve signed with Aurevion Jewelers, the company will always be my top priority p>
She was pledging her loyalty to Isabella, assuring her that even if she became Ms. Rainsford’s apprentice, she wouldn’t forget who discovered her talent.
After all, Isabella was the heiress to the Lancaster family, the wealthiest family in Vaelion City.
Making an enemy of her was out of the question.
But this gesture of goodwill only made Isabella frown.
It felt as if Hailey’s words were a veiled jab at her for questioning her just moments ago.
However, for Ms. Rainsford’s sake, she suppressed her annoyance and lifted her chin haughtily. “Good. See that you remember that p>
“Relax. She’s from a third-rate family. Even if she becomes Ms. Rainsford’s apprentice, she’ll still just be your dog,” Karen said, shooting Hailey a look.
She didn’t care in the slightest how much Hailey’s expression soured at being called a dog.
She completely looked down on the petty Hailey.
Looking at her cheap, tacky dress, Karen felt that simply standing next to someone like that lowered her own status.
But disgust was one thing; usefulness was another.
She still needed Hailey.
Karen looked away from her and turned back to Isabella. “The most important thing for you right now… is to get Nicholas to come to his senses p>
Isabella glanced instinctively toward the corner of the room, her slender fingers tightening into a fist. “But Nicholas p>
“Who cares about that hick? As long as Nicholas doesn’t publicly announce who she is, you still have a chance p>
Karen’s eyes glinted. “Isabella, Elara Hale just finished her performance. She thinks she’s so impressive, doesn’t she? Well, you’re going to use her. Make her performance nothing but a backdrop for your own! You’re going to completely overshadow her p>
“Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to make Nicholas See the difference between you and that girl from the sticks. I’ll make sure Nicholas and the entire Lancaster family will refuse to ever acknowledge her p>
“Then, Nicholas will naturally realize who truly deserves to be with him. And the Lancasters will Lancasters will see who can bring honor to their family… and who will only bring them shame p>
A slow, smug smile spread across Karen’s face.
Isabella’s eyelashes fluttered.
Karen was right.
If her performance was perfect enough to completely outshine Elara Hale’s, she could secure her position as the city’s top socialite.
Then, naturally, people would link her with Nicholas, saying she was the only one suitable for him.
A smile gracing her lips, Isabella walked gracefully onto the main stage.
“Happy birthday, Brianna p>
Following the protocol, she presented her gift first.
After the prelude of Hailey’s gift, the box Isabella presented was noticeably more exquisite and luxurious.
When an attendant opened it, the gasps from the crowd were just as loud as they had been for Elara Hale’s brooch.
Inside was a complete, glittering set of diamond jewelry.
The most dazzling piece was the diamond tiara resting in the center.
Isabella smiled. “This is a custom-made set from the chief designer at my company, Aurevion Jewelers, created especially for your eighteenth birthday p>
Brianna glanced at the set for a few seconds and pouted.
It wasn’t even half as nice as the jewelry Serena had given her.
And this was from a chief designer?
Was this the best they could do?
But Isabella was representing the Lancaster family.
Brianna couldn’t cause them to lose face, so she just gave a cool, tight-lipped smile. “Thank you p>
Her attitude was even colder than it had been when Elara Hale presented her gift.
Isabella’s smile stiffened, but she pushed on. “know how much you love jewelry; Brianna, so I started
preparing this for your birthday
long time ago. The main diamond on the tiara was taken from the crown of the empresses of old Caldoria: And the 108 diamonds surrounding it are all from South Africa p>
She enunciated every word, emphasizing the exorbitant value of the materials.
Her voice was filled with confidence and pride.
Her complete set was far more valuable than Elara Hale’s single brooch.