Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT VANESSA LOST HER CROWN
Vanessa Whitmore had not forgiven Emily.
In her mind, the maid had stolen her humiliation and turned it into sympathy.
Worse, she'd captured Vincent Moretti's attention.
Vanessa considered that unforgivable.
She began spreading rumors.
Emily was using her mother's death to manipulate Vincent.
Emily had stolen documents.
Emily was trying to marry into wealth.
At first, Emily ignored them.
Then the rumors reached Moretti Holdings.
A colleague asked whether she was sleeping with the boss.
Emily went pale.
She reported the comment to human resources.
The company opened a formal inquiry.
Vincent recused himself from decisions involving Emily's employment.
But Vanessa wasn't finished.
She arranged a charity gala.
Invited the same social circle.
And sent Emily an invitation.
Emily stared at it.
“Why would I go?”
Vincent looked at the card.
“Because she wants an audience.”
Emily smiled faintly.
“Then perhaps she should have one.”
At the gala, Vanessa wore a red gown and diamonds.
Emily wore a simple dark green dress.
She had borrowed it from a friend.
It fit perfectly.
Vanessa approached.
“Well, well.”
Emily smiled.
“Good evening.”
Vanessa looked her up and down.
“I see you've upgraded.”
Emily glanced at her dress.
“It's borrowed.”
Vanessa laughed.
“How honest.”
Then she leaned closer.
“Tell me, Emily. How long do you think Vincent will keep you around before he gets bored?”
Emily looked at her.
“That's an interesting question.”
Vanessa blinked.
Emily continued.
“Do you measure every relationship by how long someone remains useful to you?”
Vanessa's smile vanished.
Several guests nearby turned.
Emily kept her voice calm.
“I came tonight because your foundation invited me. If you'd like to discuss the charity's work, I'd be happy to.”
Vanessa stared.
Then Vincent approached.
He stood beside Emily.
“Everything alright?”
Emily smiled.
“Perfectly.”
Vanessa looked furious.
Vincent turned toward her.
“Miss Whitmore, I believe you owe Emily an apology.”
Vanessa laughed.
“For what?”
“For what happened at your father's house.”
The room grew quiet.
Vanessa's face flushed.
“That was months ago.”
Vincent nodded.
“Then you've had plenty of time to consider it.”
Emily looked at him.
Then gently touched his arm.
“Vincent.”
He turned.
She smiled.
“I don't need her apology.”
Vanessa looked triumphant.
Until Emily added:
May you like
“I needed to stop believing her opinion mattered.”
For the first time in her life, Vanessa Whitmore had no answer.
