Chapter 288
“Is that so?”
Victoria, who’d been buried in work, finally glanced over at Violet.
She had no idea Marcus had spent nine million. She’d offered to wire him the money, but he refused, so she let it go.
Even if the necklace was worth more than ten million, she’d buy it back in a heartbeat.
Every one of Victoria’s creations was a tribute to her mother. The only people who ever bought her work were her mother’s old friends.
Her designs never hit the open market. Not just anyone was worthy of wearing something by Allian.
Violet smiled, but she aimed her words at McNeil. “I had my eye on that necklace a while ago,” she said. “I asked Marcus to help me find it, and I heard he’d bought it. Thought he got it for me then today I see it around Ms. Turner’s neck…”
Victoria didn’t respond, so Violet took a slow sip of her wine.
“Nine million, though. You really don’t hold back…”
Marcus was so generous with Victoria-and she wasn’t even his girlfriend. Who knew where their relationship was headed.
“I had no idea it was so expensive,” Victoria replied, her tone cool. “Allian’s work isn’t that remarkable-certainly not worth that much. Still, if someone’s willing to pay nine million, that’s probably because they appreciate the artistry. This design was never meant for people our age, anyway. It’s for women from the very best families. That’s why Allian’s pieces are so hard to come by.”
Violet’s expression shifted. Was Victoria implying she wasn’t fit to wear the necklace?
Tension crackled between them, invisible but unmistakable. Curtis, sitting nearby, drank in near-silence, looking more miserable with every sip.
Marcus had spent nine million just for a chance to impress his muse.
Curtis, by comparison, had only given her a model car and a check for half a million-money Victoria was owed anyway.
He kept quiet and just drank.
McNeil was no better off. Nine million-for all the years he’d been married to Victoria, he hadn’t even seen nine hundred thousand.
“Is that right, Vicky? Which suitor is so extravagant? Puts your stingy husband to shame. Aren’t you two getting a divorce? Better get those papers signed quick…”
With gossip in the air, everyone at the table put down their glasses and turned to Victoria, eager for details.
McNeil sat with a drink in hand, but now the wine stuck in his throat.
Victoria just smiled lightly. “Yes. It’ll be final soon.”
“So you’re divorcing because your husband’s tight with money? What does he do, anyway? I saw you getting picked up by a Rolls-Royce last time-his family can’t be poor.”
“Wasn’t that the driver? He looked pretty handsome. If that’s just the chauffeur, your husband must be loaded. Is he from our crowd, or some upper-crust trust fund guy?”
“Victoria’s beautiful and talented. Whoever ends up with her must be a real catch, no question. Are you working because your husband won’t give you an allowance?”
“I’ve heard lots of wealthy families are stingy with their daughters-in-law-make them write lists for every purchase. Jewelry’s locked away, and if you want to wear something to a party, you have to file a request. The mother-in-law has to approve it first.”
Talk of high-society secrets sent the conversation buzzing. Since this was all gossip and not about work, the mood turned lively again.
Victoria continued to sip her wine, Curtis stealing glances at her now and then.
Violet looked uneasy. She hadn’t expected the conversation to veer toward Victoria’s marriage.
Victoria had gotten by in the Langford family well enough, but ever since Violet showed up, things hadn’t been so easy.
With McNeil rarely home, it was impossible for Victoria not to resent Violet.
“Hey, aren’t we here to eat, drink, and chat-not pry into people’s private lives?” Violet said, smoothly steering the conversation away. “George, how’s the new game development going in your department? And Ms. Ailie, HR let Georgia go today—she almost cost us a huge contract by delaying the paperwork. How are things with EmilyTech Solutions? Do you need me to step in?”
Ailie, cheeks flushed from the wine but her eyes still icy, replied, “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Marchand. I can handle it.”
Violet bit back her annoyance. She’d come tonight partly to network with the tech team-after all, she was director of both the Tech and Investment departments. Their performance would shape her reputation at the company.
She’d been hoping to get in good with the president of EmilyTech Solutions, too. With Victoria being a designer for Allian, if they became friends, getting a custom piece would be as simple as asking.
Her eyes lingered on the necklace at Victoria’s throat, tinged with envy. These days, an Allian design was a badge of honor in any high-society circle.
For the right sort of woman-one with standing and wealth-owning a piece like that was worth more than a fortune in the bank.
“EmilyTech Solutions?” McNeil asked, unfamiliar with the name.
Violet explained patiently, while Victoria, suddenly tense, picked at her food to hide her nerves. She didn’t even need to look up to feel McNeil’s sharp gaze on her, burning straight through her.