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Chapter 52 – An Unexpected Ally: The Sterling Princess Steps In
I was still processing Mrs. Sterling’s unexpected defense when a server approached with a tray of champagne. Taking a glass to steady my nerves, I scanned the opulent ballroom. The Sterling gala continued around me, but now I noticed subtle changes in how people looked at me. Gone were the suspicious glances, replaced with curious, appraising stares.
Mrs. Sterling had publicly claimed me as someone under her protection. In this world of wealth and p that meant something.
“You’ve made quite an impression,” Damien murmured, appearing at my side. “Mother doesn’t defend just anyone.”
I sipped my champagne, trying to appear more composed than I felt. “Your mother is… formidable.”
He chuckled. “That’s putting it mildly. The Graysons won’t show their faces at another Sterling event for years.”
“I didn’t mean to cause drama.”
“You didn’t,” he said firmly. “They did. And now they’ve been reminded of their place in the social hierarchy.”
Before I could respond, a hush fell over the room. People straightened their postures and turned toward the grand staircase. An elderly couple descended slowly – the man tall and distinguished with silver hair, the woman elegant in a classic silver gown.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Senior,” Damien explained quietly. “My grandparents.”
I watched, fascinated, as people bowed their heads slightly when the couple passed. The respect was palpable – not mere social courtesy but genuine deference to power.
“They’re practically royalty here,” I whispered.
“In some ways, they wield more influence than royalty,” Damien replied. “Grandfather built an empire. Father expanded it. I’m just trying not to mess it up.”
The self–deprecation in his tone made me smile despite my nerves. Damien Sterling,
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who controlled businesses worth billions, speaking as though he was an uncertain
heir.
“Somehow I doubt you’re just trying not to mess up‘ anything.” I said.
His eyes, when they met mine, were intense. “There are things worth protecting, Hazel.
The way he looked at me made my heart race. Before I could decipher his meaning. someone tapped my shoulder.
“Excuse me, are you Hazel Ashworth?”
I turned to find three young women about my age, dressed in designer gowns that probably cost more than my car. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to barely concealed hostility.
“Yes, I am, I replied cautiously.
“I’m Mia Woodson,” said the one in front, a tall blonde with perfectly styled hair. “This is Serena Chen and Yanyue Liu.”
I nodded politely. Damien remained beside me, his presence both comforting and intimidating.
“We were just wondering…” Mia continued, her saccharine tone setting off warning bells in my head, “how exactly you know the Sterling family? It’s just that we’ve attended these events for years and never seen you before.”
I felt my spine stiffen. Another interrogation so soon after dealing with the Graysons.
“I don’t believe that’s any of your business,” I replied evenly.
Serena, a petite woman with sharp eyes, spoke up. “We’re just curious. Damien never brings dates to family events.”
I felt Damien tense beside me. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us-”
“No, it’s fine,” I said, touching his arm lightly. These women clearly wanted to stake their territory. I wasn’t about to back down. “I designed Mrs. Sterling’s qipao. She was impressed with my work.”
“So you’re… the help?” Yanyue asked, her lips curling slightly.
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I heard several gasps from people nearby, Damien’s expression darkened dangerously.
“I’m a fashion designer” 1 corrected her, keeping my voice level. “Not that it matters how I know the Sterlings.”
“It matters to us,” Mia insisted. “Some of us have spent years cultivating relationships with this family. Then you show up out of nowhere, on Damien’s arm no less, with Mrs. Sterling treating you like a long–lost daughter.”
I realized with sudden clarity what this was about. These women had been competing for Damien’s attention or at least for Sterling family connections and my presence
threatened their efforts.
–
“I understand you’re confused,” I said, trying for diplomacy. “But I assure you
“You’re not even that pretty,” Yanyue interrupted, her voice carrying in the now–quiet space around us. “What makes you so special?”
The challenge hung in the air. I felt dozens of eyes on us, waiting for my response. Damien started to speak, but I squeezed his arm. This was my battle.
“I never claimed to be special,” I said calmly. “But I know who I am. Speaking of which…” I studied Yanyue more carefully, recognition dawning. “That’s an interesting dress
you’re wearing.”
She preened, running her hands over the red silk. “Custom Valentino. One of a kind.”
I couldn’t help the small smile that formed on my lips. “Not exactly.”
“Excuse me?” Her eyes narrowed.
“That design isn’t Valentino,” I explained, pulling out my phone. “It’s mine. From graduate collection three years ago. It won the International Young Designer award.”
I showed her the screen – a photo of my design on the runway, identical to her dress. except for subtle differences that confirmed it was a counterfeit.
“That’s impossible,” she sputtered, but her face had gone pale.
“The original has hand–embroidered peonies with exactly twelve petals each,” I continued, zooming in on her dress. “Yours have ten. Also, I used a specific silk weave that creates a watermark effect when it catches the light… which yours doesn’t have.”
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Murmurs rippled through our growing audience. Someone whispered “fake” loudly enough for everyone to hear.
“You’re lying” Yanyue insisted, but her voice wavered.
“Why would I lie? I’m flattered someone thought my design was worth copying,” I said with forced sweetness. “Though they did charge you Valentino prices for it, which seems unfair.
Mia and Serena had stepped back slightly from their friend, distancing themselves from the embarrassment. Yanyue’s face flushed deep red.
“You think you’re so clever, she hissed. “Just because you’ve somehow charmed
Damien-
“That’s quite enough, came a crisp female voice from behind me.
A young woman with striking features emerged from the crowd. She wore a simple black dress that somehow outshone every elaborate gown in the room. Her bearing was unmistakably Sterling the same confidence, the same quiet authority.
“Chloe,” Damien said, his tone revealing both surprise and amusement.
“Hello, brother dear she replied without taking her eyes off Yanyue. I couldn’t help overhearing this fascinating conversations”
Yanyue looked like she might tant. “Miss Chase, 1-
“It’s rather embarrassing, isn’t it? Chloe continued. “Accusing someone of not belonging when you’re the one wearing a counterfeit gown.”
“I didn’t know it was fake,” Yanyue protested weakly.
“Even worse,” Chloe said with a dismissive wave, “you couldn’t recognize the genuine designer standing right in front of you. Hazel Ashworth’s work is quite distinctive.”
I blinked in surprise. She knew my designs?
Chloe turned to me with a warm smile that transformed her sharp features into something breathtakingly beautiful. “That red dress with the asymmetrical neckline from your spring collection? I ordered three in different colors.”
“You… you did? I stammered.
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“Of course! I’ve been following your work for ages. The way you blend structural elements with flowing fabrics is brilliant.”
The crowd around us had grown. I heard whispers people wondering who I was, others defending Yanyue, still others discussing my designs.
“In fact,” Chloe continued loudly, “I was hoping to commission a piece for my Tokyo concert next month. Something that allows movement when I play violin.”
My mind reeled at the implications. If Chloe was who I thought she was…
“Wait,” someone nearby whispered loudly, “Is that Chloe Chase? THE Chloe Chase?”
“The violinist? Sterling’s sister?” another voice confirmed.
I nearly dropped my champagne glass. Chloe Chase – the internationally acclaimed violinist – was Damien’s sister? The Sterling family’s little princess?
Chloe ignored the whispers and stepped closer, taking both my hands in hers. The gesture was so familiar, so warm, that I was momentarily speechless.
“It’s wonderful to finally meet you properly, Hazel,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Damien’s told me so much about you. I feel like we’re already friends.”
Before I could respond, she leaned in and embraced me like we were long–lost sisters. The gasp that went through the crowd was audible. From over her shoulder, I could see Yanyue and her friends retreating, their social defeat complete.
hands.
“Call me Chloe,” she whispered in my car before pulling back, still holding my
first name.” “Anyone who can make my brother smile like that deserves to use my
I glanced at Damien, who was watching us with an expression I couldn’t quite read part amusement, part pride, and something deeper I was afraid to name.
–
In the space of minutes, I’d gone from being questioned and insulted to being publicly claimed by both Mrs. Sterling and now Chloe Chase. The Sterling princess herself had just announced me as someone worthy of her friendship.
“Thank you,” I managed to say, still processing what had just happened.
Chloe winked at me. “Don’t/thank me yet. Wait until you find out what Damien has planned for you. My brother doesn’t do anything halfway, especially when it comes to people he cares about.
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