Chapter 195

• The moment Hazel casually dropped my name, Evelyn felt her stomach twist. The shift was subtle, but unmistakable. She didn’t know about the complex history between Hazel and my mother, Melanie Sinclair, and had assumed that my recent wave of corporate success had merely earned me favor within elite circles.
• But was Hazel now aligning herself with me?
• Evelyn watched Hazel’s serene expression, searching for signs condescension? approval? malice? But the woman’s practiced smile gave nothing away. If anything, it made Evelyn more nervous. In her world, the most dangerous conversations happened with champagne in one hand and silk draped over your shoulder.