Chapter 15

The Vaughan Group's 30th Anniversary Gala

The mansion was buzzing with life, its grand chandelier blazing overhead, bathing the entire ballroom in golden light.

A renowned pianist played a graceful, flowing melody on a glossy black Steinway, while waiters in crisp tuxedos glided through the crowd, silver trays of champagne flutes balanced expertly in their hands.

Tonight, every man was dressed to the nines in tailored suits, while the women floated by in an array of designer evening gowns.

Isadora had chosen a simple, high-necked, one-shoulder black dress that hugged her figure. The elegant cut drew subtle attention to her porcelain skin-though she was careful to hide the faint marks Victor had left at her collarbone.

Earlier, Eleanor had sent over a slinky, jewel-toned gown for Isadora to wear: plunging neckline, open back, the sort of thing designed to make a statement. Isadora had barely glanced at it before tucking it away. There was no way she'd step out in that tonight.

When she finally entered the ballroom, she caught sight of Pearl immediately.

time she moved. The deep V neckline and dramatic open back left little to the imagination, and her sweeping train gave her the air of a princess

a whisper of gossip floated over the clinking

she's the favorite. Who doesn't know about the Vaughan family's little scandal all those years ago

on the girl who isn't even their own, but their real

the mall— Eleanor was buying her armfuls of designer bags, with bodyguards trailing

got reunited with the Vaughans, but she didn't kick Pearl out-she's still the

Vaughans raised Pearl for twenty years; of course their hearts are with

Isadora's only shot at turning things around

days ago, he threw a fake wedding for that old

it rough. Her parents only have eyes for their adopted daughter, and even her fiancé is hung

in late. Her expression darkened further

of her voice, Eleanor leaned in and asked under her

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