Chapter 6: Whispers in the Shadows
While peace had returned to the Vance estate, shadows still lingered in the elite social circles of the city.
Eleanor Vance was not a woman who accepted defeat lightly. Living in her luxurious penthouse downtown, she felt disgraced. The high-society country club, which she had dominated for two decades, was abuzz with rumors about her sudden departure from the main estate.
Sitting across from her long-time friend and gossip coordinator, Victoria Sterling, Eleanor nursed a martini.
""They're saying Julian chose a former waitress over his own blood,"" Victoria said, pretending to sound sympathetic while carefully fueling the fire. ""It’s tragic, Eleanor. The Vance family name is being dragged through the dirt. I heard she's even painting now... selling small sketches online like a common vendor.""
Eleanor’s hand tightened on her glass. ""She hasn't won, Victoria. Julian is just going through a phase. A temporary act of rebellion. When he realizes that a woman like her cannot represent Vance Enterprises on a global stage, he will come back.""
""And if he doesn't?"" Victoria asked slyly. ""The annual Sterling Charity Gala is next month. If Julian brings her as his official hostess, it will solidify her position in the city permanently.""
Eleanor set her glass down with a heavy click. ""She won't make it to that gala.""
""What do you mean?""
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""Amy has a past, Victoria,"" Eleanor said, a cold smile touching her lips. ""A small-town past with debts, a struggling family, and secrets. Everyone has something they want to hide. I’m going to hire a private investigator to dig up every single detail of her life before she met my son.""
Eleanor looked out over the city skyline, her eyes cold and calculating. ""If Julian won't see the truth, I will force him to see it.""
