Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 68

The maid shook her head, "I'm not quite sure, but the lady took quite a few handbags with her."

Vanessa was even more puzzled.

But she didn't dwell on it for long. After glancing at her breakfast, she found she didn't have much of an appetite.

Heading upstairs, Vanessa changed into a new outfit before driving away from the house.

In a few days, the Eastborough estate would be auctioned off. Most of Cresthaven's elite would attend, and she too had been invited. She needed to purchase some gowns and jewelry to ensure she wouldn't be outshone by any other woman.

Vanessa drove to Cresthaven's most luxurious shopping mall.

She walked into a high-end boutique specializing in custom gowns. As a frequent visitor, the staff recognized her, and their faces lit up with welcoming smiles. "Ms. Linwood, what perfect timing. We've just received a new collection of exclusive gowns flown in from Paris. The designs are unique, and the materials are top- notch. Wearing one will certainly make you the center of attention at any event."

Vanessa's lips curled into a self-satisfied smile, much like a proud peacock. Her fingers lightly skimmed over the exquisite dresses, already imagining the envious glances from women and the admiring stares from men at the auction.

The more she thought about it, the happier she became. Finally, she chose a floor-length gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals. The skirt shimmered with dazzling light as she moved, like a starry night sky.

The sales assistant was visibly impressed, showering her with compliments while subtly trying to sell more.

have handbags that perfectly complement the gowns. Would you like to take

buoyed by the flattery, replied without

way, Ms.

assistant

arrived, her eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of several designer handbags.

her pause, followed her gaze. "Those are pre-owned bags that

just interested; she

handbags were Hermes, limited editions, with the cheapest one

those bags

her mother taking

But why?

of the chairman of The Linwood

wasn't the issue, why sell the bags-especially

Something was definitely amiss.

sense of foreboding welled up

raced

been any rumors of financial trouble at home lately. Even though the Eastborough Project was highly competitive, the Linwood family's wealth was substantial enough not to need to sell bags to raise