Chapter 59

From that point on, Lainey's confidence only grew more inflated.

Within days, word had spread among nearly all the socialites in Elepdon that she had managed to snag Enigma's latest design.

At a bar owned by the Brooks Group, Lillian caught wind of Lainey's obnoxious bragging before even spotting her in the crowd.

Unbelievable.

What rotten luck!

With Eleanor buried in her work and unable to hang out with her, Lillian had simply hoped for a quiet night out at her family's place. The last thing she expected was to cross paths with this pretentious woman.

Any urge to unwind vanished instantly, and she made up her mind to slip out early.

But Lainey, ever observant, had already noticed Lillian's presence.

Champagne in hand, she strolled over with a practiced elegance.

"Ms. Brooks," Lainey called smoothly, giving Lillian a quick scan before laying on the flattery. "Do you enjoy Enigma's designs as well? If you're interested, I'd be happy to connect you with Besty."

She even tipped her chin upward at the end, clearly savoring her supposed upper hand.

Lillian nearly laughed out loud. As if she needed a favor from someone like Lainey to get her hands on Eleanor's work.

Lillian looked Lainey up and down, her gaze openly dismissive. "Miss Gilbert, if my memory serves me correctly, our bar has always reserved entry only for Elepdon's old aristocracy."

There was no mistaking her message-Lainey was out of place here. While Velvet Club stood as Elepdon's largest hotspot, the Brooks bar set the standard for exclusivity,reserved only for the VIP among VIPs.

Someone like Lainey, or even Jonny, had no business making it past the front door.

As she was called out so directly, Lainey's fingers tightened around her glass, and a flash of annoyance crossed her face.

Clearly, Lillian wasn't swayed by sweet talk or intimidation!

She counted on Enigma's status to pave the way, aiming to secure a connection to the Brooks family by winning Lillian over. Such a connection would have worked wonders for both the Todd Group and her own ambitions.

Yet Lillian was proving impossible to win over!

Meanwhile,Darleen watched the exchange with growing irritation. "She's my guest. What, are you planning to kick out guests now?"

She positioned herself between Lainey and Lillian."Don't get cocky just because your family's close with the Stewarts, Lillian. You don't get to walk all over the rest of us. Let me be clear, Lainey's with me, she's under my protection, and I won't let you push her around!"

She was desperate to impress Lainey, secretly hoping it would bring her closer to Besty as well.

Darleen was fueled by that hope, and her voice took on a sharper edge."On top of that, Lainey isn't merely an acquaintance of Besty's-they're actually related, even if it's distant. So, what reason could you possibly have for saying she doesn't belong here?"

Lillian nearly choked on her drink.

Lainey had a real talent for spinning tall.tales, and Darleen was gullible enough to buy every word.

Darleen's eagerness to cozy up to anyone useful had always grated on Lillian's nerves.

Today felt like the perfect moment to teach Darleen a lesson about rules. With a playful grin, Lillian kicked up her foot onto a nearby chair and rolled up her sleeves. "This is my family's territory. We decide who stays or goes. You're really willing to cross us just for Lainey's sake?" She addressed Darleen.

The Brooks name carried real weight in Elepdon, ranked firmly among the top ten families. Even without the Stewarts,their influence was undeniable.

In contrast, the Faulkner family barely scraped into the top fifty.

For a second,uncertainty flickered across Darleen's face.

Still, the thought of getting in Besty's good graces tempted her with visions of becoming the heir of the Faulkner family!

Gathering her courage, Darleen replied, "Ms. Brooks, there's no need for conflict. We're just here for a good time. Surely you wouldn't want people saying you kick out paying customers for no reason?"

That last line carried a subtle warning.

But Lillian wasn't one to back down. Raised in privilege, she was used to getting her way, and idle threats meant nothing to her.

With her hands on her hips and a mischievous spark in her eyes, she called out to the staff,"Well,what are you standing around for? Show these troublemakers the ddoor!"

The staff wasted no time and quickly moved in to show Lainey and Darleen the exit.

"Lillian, you'll pay for this! I won't forget.it!" Darleen yelled.