Chapter 2 - The Heirloom's Return
Howard Vanderbilt stepped forward from the dais, his silver hair neatly combed, his tuxedo immaculate. As the patriarch of the family and the head of Vanguard Holdings, he always projected an aura of untouchable authority. But as he looked closer at my diamond necklace—the genuine, unmistakable heirloom of the late Victoria Vanderbilt—the color rapidly drained from his sun-tanned face.
"Audrey," Howard said tightly, his voice low and dangerous as he intercepted Eleanor before she could lunge at me. "Explain yourself. That gala is strictly by invitation only. And where, exactly, did you get that necklace?"
Before I could answer, Chloe shoved her way past her father, shoving her phone camera right into my face with a shrill laugh.
"Look at her trying to play dress-up!" Chloe mocked, though her hands were visibly shaking as she held the device. "She rented some cheap cubic zirconia knock-off and a designer gown she can't afford! What are you doing, Audrey? Trying to trap another grieving widower? Put down the phone, everyone, let's stream the pathetic beggar getting thrown out by security!"
Several high-society guests murmured behind their hands, casting judgmental glances my way. But I didn't break eye contact with Howard.
"You might want to tell your daughter to lower that phone, Howard," I said smoothly, stepping past them toward the center stage. "Unless she wants her followers to watch her family's entire empire dissolve live on Instagram."
Eleanor scoffed, crossing her arms tightly over her designer sequin gown. "Dissolve? Oh, listen to the little nurse play corporate titan! Terrence left you broke, penniless, and out on the lawn where you belong! Vanguard Holdings just secured a fifty-million-dollar government logistics contract this morning. We are untouchable!"
I stopped just three feet from Howard, my expression completely serene.
"Did you?" I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow. "Funny. When I signed the asset liquidation orders for Vanguard Holdings' primary subsidiary yesterday afternoon, the ledger looked a little different."
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Howard’s eyes narrowed into slits. A cold sweat broke out along his hairline. "What did you say?"
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