Chapter 499
Evelyn burst into laughter. Victoria's sharp words rolled off her like water on a duck's back.
She strode toward the VIP lounge to double-check the floral arrangements.
Victoria's lips pursed in irritation at being dismissed. She turned to Penelope with narrowed eyes. "Don't you agree with me, Penelope?"
An uncomfortable expression flickered across Penelope's face. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Ms. Sinclair, there's something you should know about Evelyn..."
"Well? Spit it out."
Penelope hesitated, then blurted, "Could you unfreeze my platinum card first? I'm in desperate need of funds."
Victoria's smile turned icy. "You're becoming quite the financial burden, cousin. Perhaps you should consider getting a job instead of leeching off family like some spoiled socialite."
Beneath her polished exterior, Victoria seethed. If not for Penelope's connection to the Whitmores, she wouldn't tolerate this gold-digging behavior.
Everything was part of her grand scheme to secure the Montgomery fortune.
But Penelope proved utterly useless - her only talent being reckless spending sprees.
With the Sinclair family tightening their purse strings, Victoria couldn't afford to indulge her anymore.
Penelope's cheeks flushed with anger. "How stingy! You're supposed to be my future sister-in-law!"
"Precisely why I'm teaching you financial responsibility," Victoria countered smoothly. "One doesn't mooch off distant relatives, does one?"
Penelope's eyes flashed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Consider this tough love, darling." Victoria's tone turned saccharine. "Now, about that secret concerning Evelyn?"
Penelope's expression shuttered. "Oh, I forgot."
No way would she reveal anything after that insulting lecture about money.
Victoria's phone buzzed with a text from her assistant. Her mood instantly brightened. "They've located Danielle. She fled the boutique but should be at the university."
She rose abruptly, smoothing her designer dress. "The gala begins shortly. My brothers will be arriving soon. Do try not to embarrass yourself tonight, Penelope."
Victoria swept out before Penelope could demand more funds, mentally dismissing whatever trivial gossip the girl might possess.
Meanwhile, Penelope stewed in resentment. "I was going to tell her Evelyn bought the same couture gown," she muttered. "But who cares about matching dresses? The real question is who'll look like a knockoff version."
A wicked smile curved her lips. "Now that Evelyn's reunited with her billionaire parents, she might even outshine the Sinclairs..."
The thought pleased her immensely. She went hunting for Evelyn.
"Psst! I've got juicy intel about Victoria," Penelope announced, blocking the doorway.
Evelyn didn't even glance up from adjusting a centerpiece. "Not interested. Move."
Penelope's face twisted in outrage. "You'll regret treating me this way, Evelyn Carter!" She planted herself firmly in the exit. "I've finally seen Victoria for the snake she is. You'd make a far better sister-in-law. Especially now that you're practically royalty yourself."