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.

handbags that perfectly complement

replied without

this way, Ms.

assistant

disbelief at the sight of several designer

seeing her pause, followed her gaze. "Those are pre-owned bags that a lady just brought in

interested; she recognized

the cheapest one costing nearly a hundred thousand dollars

knew this because those bags were clearly her

she finally understood why the maid mentioned her

But why?

Linwood

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

Something was definitely amiss.

foreboding welled up in

raced

highly competitive, the Linwood family's wealth was substantial enough not