Chapter 297: Chapter 297: Each Deeper Than the Other
Chapter 297: Each More Cunning Than the Other
Sharon Sinclair then introduced her to Bianca Lowe. "This is Evelynn, my cousin’s friend." Sharon wasn’t sure what the relationship between Tristan Sterling and Rachel Royce was at the moment, so she simply introduced her by name.
Bianca Lowe smiled and greeted Rachel Royce. "Miss Evelynn, a pleasure to meet you." Rachel replied, "You too." They both tacitly pretended they had never met.
The young woman with Bianca Lowe was Anna Lawrence, an heiress to a conglomerate. Soon after, two more of Sharon Sinclair’s friends from her social circle arrived.
Rachel hadn’t seen them at Nina Fitzwilliam’s birthday party, which meant they were strictly friends of Sharon’s and didn’t move in the Fitzwilliam Family’s circles.
The ladies sipped their tea and chatted.
Those who weren’t in the know were quite curious about Rachel Royce’s identity.
After all, what this circle valued most was background. A woman’s standing—whether inherited from her family or acquired through her husband’s—determined her influence and the respect she commanded.
As the hostess, Sharon Sinclair couldn’t stay and chat the whole time. She excused herself to go to the wine cellar and check on the red wine that had been flown in that day.
"I don’t believe we’ve met, Miss Evelynn. What does your family do?" Anna Lawrence asked.
Rachel answered calmly, "My parents are just ordinary people. They aren’t in business; they’re retired."
This took the others by surprise. Her tone didn’t suggest she was hiding anything. Besides, everyone here came from the most prominent families in Kingsland; it was impossible that her background was so lofty she’d need to keep it a secret.
’For someone with such a common background to know Sharon Sinclair, she must have gotten in through a man. With her looks and bearing, she certainly has what it takes to latch onto a rich family.’
’But anyone who gets ahead purely through looks and schemes, without a proper background, is an object of absolute contempt in this circle.’
’That made them wonder, who invited her today?’
’Jason Sinclair.’
’They couldn’t think of anyone else.’
’In that case, he was probably just toying with her. This made them look down on her even more.’
’Still, it was surprising that Jason Sinclair would bring a woman to a private gathering like this. She must have some skill.’
"Well then, it’s quite impressive that you’re even sitting here, Miss Evelynn," Anna Lawrence said, her smile gentle, but her eyes filled with unconcealed contempt.
How could Rachel not understand the subtext? ’She’s just calling me a woman who uses men to get ahead.’
She replied lightly, "I suppose so."
’A nobody entering their circle for the first time should know to be humble and keep a low profile. Instead, she’s acting all proud and arrogant. Who does she think she is?’ Anna fumed internally.
Anna Lawrence gave a cold smile and turned to chat with Bianca Lowe.
The other women naturally paid Rachel no mind, turning instead to chat with Chloe Cheney, who was sitting next to them.
As Theodore Sterling’s wife and the Sterling family’s eldest daughter-in-law, Chloe Cheney naturally commanded a great deal of attention.
But Chloe Cheney was more than just a housewife; among the younger generation of society wives, she was known for being exceptionally intelligent and capable, fully competent to support her husband in his endeavors.
She had also been handpicked by Evelyn Fitzwilliam, who was quite fond of her.
She came from a good family, was highly capable, and had even given birth to twin sons.
She was the model daughter-in-law for countless matriarchs of wealthy families.
Rachel Royce sat to one side, quietly sipping her tea, showing no sign of awkwardness despite being isolated.
Chloe Cheney glanced at Rachel.
’When Tristan brought Rachel to the Sterling family dinner, he made it clear that he already accepted her as his wife.’
’Bringing her to this party today was obviously his way of integrating her into this world. As a daughter-in-law of the Sterling family, she would inevitably have to attend these wives’ gatherings in the future.’
’She’d seized the opportunity of a pregnancy to marry Tristan.’
’Then, she heartlessly abandoned her child and went abroad.’
’Five years to settle and transform.’
’And now, her magnificent return. Tristan went from despising her to humbling himself to win her favor. Every move she made was a high-stakes gamble, yet each one was executed with ruthless precision. One false step, one wrong bet, and all her efforts would have crumbled.’
’From a bankrupt family to a daughter-in-law of the Sterlings—it was a monumental leap in social class.’
’Clearly, her cunning and capabilities were far beyond those of an ordinary person.’
’So, it was no surprise that she had managed to marry Tristan in the end.’
’Judging by their current state, though, they hadn’t fully reconciled.’
’Those two were each more cunning than the other. It was just a matter of who would be the one to fall into the other’s hands.’
Noticing Chloe Cheney’s gaze, Rachel simply offered a faint smile.
Chloe asked, "Not used to this sort of thing?"
Her question startled the others nearby; Chloe’s tone suggested they were acquainted.
"I’m all right," Rachel said.
Chloe smiled. "You’ll get used to it the more you come."
Rachel nodded with a soft "mhm."
The two of them said no more after that.
Alexander Sullivan had also come to the party, and Jason Sinclair went over to greet him.
"You’re here," Tristan Sterling said.
Alexander Sullivan nodded and took a seat beside him. Jason Sinclair took the initiative to make introductions, and Alexander greeted everyone in a polite, gentlemanly manner.
But there was no shortage of people who treated him coldly.
Alexander Sullivan wasn’t part of the Capitoline circle and didn’t have deep ties with its members. He was, one might say, a decisive lone wolf whose only deep connection was with Tristan Sterling.
Consequently, he was hardly familiar with this circle. His rapid expansion in Kingsland this year had led to him being ostracized, and he had made quite a few enemies.
The issue of his background—being merely a stepson of the Ainsworth Family—made them look down on him even more. Even with all his capital and power, in the eyes of those who came from families with deep-rooted legacies, he was still beneath their notice.
Take, for instance, the man sitting opposite him: Chalrton Lawrence, the heir to the Lawrence Family.
His father had previously given him a task, promising that if he could land a certain project, he would be granted partial management authority over the company.
He had confidently vowed to his father that he would succeed, but Alexander Sullivan ended up snatching the project from under him. Chalrton earned a harsh scolding and became a laughingstock among his relatives.
He had held a grudge over it ever since.
"Well, well, President Sullivan is here. What a rare sight."
Alexander Sullivan gave a noncommittal hum.
"Why didn’t you bring your sister, Miss Ainsworth, with you today, President Sullivan?"
Alexander replied, "She returned to Portington some time ago."
"Is that so? Tristan’s not keeping her by his side, and now you, her brother, aren’t looking out for her either. Miss Ainsworth really is quite pitiful. To be honest, I’ve taken quite a liking to her. How about you play matchmaker for us, President Sullivan?"
Claire Ainsworth’s face was indeed flawlessly beautiful, a rare example of top-tier natural looks. It was difficult for any man to see that face and not be tempted.
Of course, Chalrton Lawrence’s words were mostly just to needle Alexander, since everyone knew Claire Ainsworth had previously been with Tristan Sterling.
Alexander’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "I’m not in the habit of playing matchmaker."
