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Chapter 51 – An Unexpected Champion at the Sterling Solree
The Sterling Heights Estate was a vision of elegance that evening. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the ballroom filled with the city’s most influential figures. I felt like an imposter in my silk gown despite Damien’s reassuring presence beside me.
“I’ll return shortly,” Damien murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “Elias and I need to greet some business associates.”
I nodded, watching as he and Elias moved through the crowd with practiced ease. Left to my own devices, I sipped champagne and observed the party. Everyone was dressed impeccably, diamonds glittering at throats and wrists. The Sterling wealth was evident in every detail, from the live orchestra to the rare flowers adorning each table.
My eyes were drawn to Mrs. Sterling across the room, resplendent in the Chinese–style qipao I’d designed for her. The red silk complemented her complexion perfectly, and the golden phoenix brooch caught the light when she moved. Pride swelled in my chest seeing my creation worn with such elegance.
Before I could approach her, a familiar voice made my stomach clench.
“Well, well. If it isn’t Hazel Ashworth.”
I turned slowly to find Giselle Grayson, Julian’s younger sister, standing before me with Mrs. Landon, my almost mother–in–law. Both women wore expressions of barely concealed disdain.
“Giselle. Mrs. Landon. What a surprise,” I said, struggling to keep my voice neutral.
“Is it?” Giselle arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “One might think you orchestrated this entire situation. How else would someone like you end up at the Sterling gala?”
I forced a smile. “I was invited.”
Mrs. Landon looked me up and down. “You’ve certainly moved up quickly after Julian. I must say, your social climbing skills are impressive.”
“I’m not sure what you’re implying” I replied, though I knew exactly what she meant.
“Don’t play innocent, Giselle hissed, stepping closer. “Everyone knows you’re sleeping
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with Damien Sterling. The Ink was barely dry on your breakup with Julian before you threw yourself at the richest bachelor in the city”
My checks burned with indignation. “That’s completely untrue”
“Is it?” Mrs. Landon joined in. “Julian told us everything–how you were already seeing Mr. Sterling behind his back. Using my son to advance your career while keeping Sterling as your… backup option.”
1 gripped my champagne flute so tightly I feared it might shatter. “Julian’s lying. He was the one who betrayed me, not the other way around.”
“By falling in love with your dear sister who was dying?” Giselle scoffed. “You couldn’t even make that sacrifice for her.”
“Step–sister,” I corrected automatically. “And Julian didn’t ‘fall in love with Ivy. He just couldn’t say no to her manipulations.”
Mrs. Landon’s eyes narrowed. “Julian is heartbroken. He made one mistake and you’ve punished him by parading around with Damien Sterling.”
ave it
“One mistake?” I couldn’t contain my disbelief. “He canceled our wedding and gave it to my stepsister! After six years together!”
“And now you’re getting your revenge by sleeping your way into high society,” Giselle said, her voice carrying just enough for nearby guests to turn their heads. “Using your body to secure connections with the Sterlings. How pathetic.”
I felt eyes on us, curious glances from/surrounding guests. My hands trembled with anger and embarrassment.
“You know nothing about my relationship with Damien, I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.
“Oh, but we do,” Mrs. Landon smiled coldly. “Julian still cares for you, Hazel. He’s willing to forgive your… indiscretions with Mr. Sterling if you come back to him.”
I nearly choked on my champagne. “Forgive me? That’s-”
“An absurd suggestion,” came a crisp, authoritative voice from behind me.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea as Mrs. Sterling approached, magnificent in my design. Her elegant posture and regal bearing commanded instant respect. I’d never
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been so relieved to see anyone.
“Mrs. Sterling Mrs. Landon plastered on a smile. “How lovely to see you. We were just- catching up with Hazel.”
“Yes, I heard.” Mrs. Sterling’s voice was cool. “Quite clearly.”
Giselle had the decency to look uncomfortable. “We didn’t realize you were nearby.”
“Evidently.” Mrs. Sterling turned to me, her expression warming. “Hazel, darling, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I wanted to thank you personally for this exquisite dress. Everyone’s been complimenting it.”
She took my hands in hers, effectively positioning herself between me and the
Grayson women.
“The craftsmanship is extraordinary,” she continued, loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’ve never worn anything that fits so perfectly or captures the essence of traditional Chinese design while remaining so contemporary.”
My throat tightened with emotion. “Thank you, Mrs. Sterling. It was my pleasure to create it for your birthday.”
“You created this?” Mrs. Landon asked, unable to hide her surprise.
Mrs. Sterling turned, as if just remembering they were there. “Yes, didn’t you know? Hazel designed this entire ensemble. She’s not just talented–she’s brilliant. The phoenix brooch was her idea as well.”
“I thought she was just a tailor,” Giselle muttered, not quite under her breath.
Mrs. Sterling’s eyes flashed. “A tailor? My dear, you clearly don’t understand the difference between a tailor and a designer. Hazel conceptualizes, creates, and brings art to life through fabric. Her designs have been featured in international fashion magazines.”
She gestured to several other women in the room. “Three other guests are wearing her creations tonight. My daughter–in–law has commissioned an entire collection from her.
I blinked in surprise–I didn’t know about any daughter–in–law, but I wasn’t about to correct Mrs. Sterling.
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“Oh,” Giselle mumbled, her confidence visibly deflating.
*In fact, Mrs. Sterling continued, “Hazel’s boutique will be opening in the Sterling Plaza next month. We’re quite excited about it:
This was also news to me, but I maintained my composure. Mrs. Sterling was clearly making a point.
“How… nice,” Mrs. Landon said stiffly. “Julian never mentioned her professional accomplishments.”
“Perhaps because Julian was too self–absorbed to appreciate them,” Mrs. Sterling replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Hazel has been a dear friend to our family for some time now. We value both her talent and her character”
I felt a rush of gratitude so intense it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Mrs. Sterling was defending me–publicly and unequivocally.
“Now,” Mrs. Sterling turned to Giselle, her expression suddenly curious. “I understand you studied piano at conservatory, Miss Grayson?”
Giselle straightened, clearly pleased by the recognition. “Yes, for many years.”
“How wonderful. Have you ever held a solo concert? Mrs. Sterling asked, her tone innocent yet somehow pointed.
Giselle’s face flushed. “I–well, not yet. I’m focusing on my technique before. performing publicly.”
“I see,” Mrs. Sterling nodded thoughtfully. “How many years has it been since your graduated? Five? Six?”
“Seven,” Giselle admitted reluctantly.
“Seven years of focusing on technique,” Mrs. Sterling mused. “How dedicated. Meanwhile, Hazel has built her own design house from nothing in less time, despite significant personal challenges.”
The comparison hung in the air, devastating in its simplicity. Several guests nearby. were openly watching now, some hiding smiles behind champagne glasses.
Mrs. Sterling linked her arm through mine. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to introduce Hazel to the French ambassador. He was just admiring my dress.”
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Without waiting for a response, she guided me away from the stunned Grayson women. Once we were out of carshot, I released a shaky breath.
“Mrs. Sterling, I don’t know how to thank you, I whispered.
“There’s no need, dear,” she patted my hand. “Those women were being absolutely dreadful. Besides, every word I said was true–your talent is extraordinary”
“Even the part about the Sterling Plaza boutique?” I couldn’t help asking.
She laughed softly. “Especially that part. Damien mentioned you were looking for at location. Consider it done–we’ll discuss details later.”
My mind reeled. The Sterling Plaza was the most prestigious shopping location in the city. A boutique there would launch my brand into the stratosphere.
“As for those women,” Mrs. Sterling continued, her voice hardening slightly, “they won’t bother you again. No one speaks ill of someone I consider family.”
Family. The word echoed in my mind. Before I could respond, we reached a small group that included Damien, who immediately noticed my flushed face.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, his hand coming to rest protectively at the small of my back.
“More than alright,” Mrs. Sterling answered for me. “I was just helping Hazel deal with some unwelcome guests.”
Damien’s eyes scanned the room, quickly finding Giselle and Mrs. Landon retreating toward the exit. His jaw tightened. “The Graysons.”
“Former in–laws,” I clarified for the benefit of the others present. “They were… expressing their opinions about me.”
“Mother put them firmly in their place,” Chloe piped up, appearing beside us with a gleeful expression. “It was magnificent! I saw the whole thing from across the room.”
Mrs. Sterling smiled serenely. “I simply asked Giselle Grayson about her piano career. Or rather, the lack thereof.
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