“Yes,” Celia said without hesitation. “Exactly what you’re thinking. He would never accept a woman he believes betrayed him. Once he thinks she spent the night with another man, he’ll definitely leave her. And once she’s out of the picture… it’ll be much easier for me to convince him to be with me.”
Violet chuckled softly. “Got it. Leave it to me.”
Celia added, her tone dripping with false warmth, “You’re being so helpful to me. Don’t worry—I won’t forget this.”
There was a brief silence before she continued, “I’ve already transferred a million dollars to your account. Once it’s done, I’ll give you more.”
Violet’s eyes gleamed.
“That’s wonderful,” she replied sweetly. “Of course I’ll help. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
She ended the call and tossed the phone onto the bed, laughter bubbling from her lips.
“What a fucking moron,” she muttered.
She glanced at her reflection, eyes sharp and calculating.
“This fool is really paying me to ruin Sophia,” she scoffed. “Does she seriously think Magnus will marry her after that?”
Her lips curled upward.
“In the end, it’ll bemestanding beside him.”
With renewed confidence, Violet picked up the dress again and slipped it over her body, admiring herself in the mirror.
***
Music echoed through the Grand Tulip Hotel.
Crystal chandeliers glowed overhead, casting warm light across the ballroom. Guests filled the space—men in tailored suits, women in glamorous gowns—while waiters weaved through the crowd, trays of champagne and delicacies balanced in their hands.
Violet stood at the center of it all.
She was surrounded by wealthy socialites, their laughter light.
One of them suddenly widened her eyes as she noticed Violet’s dress. “Wait—isn’t this the famous Valentina dress?” she exclaimed. “It just came out last week, right? You already got it?”
Her gaze lingered on the silver-white gown hugging Violet’s figure, strapless, elegant, brushing her ankles perfectly.
Violet smiled smugly. “Of course. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine.”
“Wow… must have cost a fortune,” one of the women said, eyes glued to the dress. It was covered in shimmering stones, layered in rich, elegant colors. The longer one looked at it, the clearer it became—this wasn’t something money alone could easily buy.
“Of course she got it,” another woman chimed in quickly. “Violet is the only child in her entire family. That’s why her uncles love her so much. As long as she points her finger at something, it’s hers.”
Violet’s lips curved upward in satisfaction.
“My dad loves me too much,” she said casually, her tone light but proud. “Even if I don’t ask, he gets it for me. Price doesn’t really matter to us.”
“Only child?” someone asked suddenly. “But I heard you have a cousin. Your uncle Arthur’s daughter, right?”
Violet’s smile froze.
“I heard she’s even more beautiful than you,” the woman added, clearly curious.
Violet’s expression stiffened, the pride on her face cracking instantly.
“Really?” another woman gasped. “Violet is already so pretty—her cousin is even more beautiful? Where is she? I want to see her. Didn’t she come to the party?”
