Chapter 491

A cold dread coiled around Victoria's heart the moment she heard the news. Something significant was unfolding behind her back.

She turned sharply to Gregory. "Why would Alexander and his brothers suddenly propose building an exhibition hall for the Design School? That must cost a fortune!"

"The initial investment is rumored to be one million dors."

"One million?" Her fingers dug into the brim of her hat. "What's their real motive?"

"Unclear at present. But I suspect it's connected to the Fleur International Design Competition. The Montgomery Group has always valued design talent. With their new Bern City subsidiary, this could be strategic positioning. They're scouting for fresh talent."

Victoria chewed her lip. Gregory's reasoning held water.

Alexander's Bern City expansion was recent. And hadn't he funded similar projects at Nord City universities?

Annoyance flared as she adjusted her hat, wincing when the movement pulled at her healing scalp. "That wretched Evelyn Carter will pay for this. Double our efforts to locate Danielle!"

Finding Danielle Spencer was crucial. The girl could become a useful pawn against Alexander, buying precious time.

"Already handled, Ms. Sinclair. We've contacted the boutique staff to inform her of a 'prize win.' Someone as materialistic as Danielle won't resist. The moment she appears at the mall, we'll intercept her."

A smirk twisted Victoria's lips. "Excellent. She'll take the bait. Now connect me with that store manager. I need that limited-edition gown and the exotic leather clutch. Delivery timeline? They're for the graduation gala."

Gregory hesitated. "The dress was purchased yesterday by another client. The bag remains available."

"By whom?"

"A VIP member, reportedly."

How irritating.

Victoria mentally kicked herself for not borrowing Olivia's VIP card earlier. Not that the haughty woman would've obliged.

Her nails bit into her palms. "Who does that social climber think she is? I'm a Sinclair by blood! She's just some outsider Alexander married!"

Defeated, she snapped, "Get the bag then."

"Ms. Sinclair, your credit limit was reduced to ten thousand dors after your... disagreement with Mr. Montgomery upon returning from Paris. The clutch costs sixty thousand."

"I have cash reserves."

"Those funds are tied to Penelope's credit line. And frankly, she spends rather... enthusiastically."

Victoria's frown deepened. Since when had she become cash-strapped?

Gregory ventured carefully, "Perhaps reconsider Mr. Montgomery's settlement offer? The properties, shares, and liquid assets—"

"Signing means severing all Sinclair ties permanently. Only an idiot would accept." She exhaled sharply through her nose. Reality was a bitter pill. "Freeze Penelope's cards. That parasite contributes nothing. She doesn't deserve my resources."

"Understood."

"And investigate that dress buyer. Find me a high-quality replica of the clutch—something indistinguishable from the original. At a college event, who could possibly authenticate luxury items? Even fakes would pass."

He nodded. "Quite right. As a Sinclair, no one would dare question your accessories' authenticity."

Her lips curled. "Evelyn will attend that gala. Perfect opportunity to expose her inadequacies. With Alexander present, I'll make sure he sees exactly how unworthy she is."

The fantasy sent adrenaline coursing through her veins.

She could hardly wait for Saturday's reckoning.