Sally nodded. "It''s not just you-none of us can stand her. The way that fox managed to snag Mr. Victor Fitzgerald, it drives everyone crazy!"


    She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Remember that socialite who tried to leak dirt on her to a magazine? Before the story could even go to print, the magazine went out of business! These days, no one in the press dares say a word about her."


    Olivia grew more and more incensed as she listened.


    In Capitolion, and someone had the nerve to outshine her?


    "Damn it, I''ll teach her a lesson myself!"


    Leda shrank back, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... with Mr. Victor Fitzgerald here, is that really a good idea?"


    Olivia shot her a contemptuous look. "Coward."


    She straightened, her tone icy with confidence. "This is the Walsh family''s turf. If I can''t put her in her ce here, who can?"


    *


    On her way to the restroom, Isadora spotted Wendying toward her, dressed in a server''s uniform and bncing a tray of drinks.


    Wendy? Isadora blinked in surprise. Since Wendy had messaged her apologies after thest fiasco, she''d vanishedpletely.


    Wendy paused when she saw Isadora, her eyes widening. "Isadora."


    Isadora nced over her outfit. "What are you doing here?"


    "I''m working part-time. They pay a thousand a night."


    Isadora hesitated, then asked gently, "How have you been holding up?"


    Wendy''s guilt over believing Rowena ine and getting Isadora hurt was still eating away at her; she''d been too ashamed to show her face. Hearing Isadora''s concern now, her eyes filled with tears.


    "Isadora, I swear, I never meant for any of that to happen. I''m so sorry."


    "You''ve apologized a hundred times over text already," Isadora replied, her voice soft.


    Wendy sniffled. "I just... I can''t face you. Maybe it''s better if you pretend you don''t know me."


    She tried to hurry past, but Isadora caught her by the arm, noticing how red her eyes were.


    "It was an ident, Wendy. I know you never wanted any of this."


    Wendy looked up, her voice shaking. "You really don''t me me? Because of me, you almost-"


    Isadora smiled, teasing gently, "Oh, I me you all right. I me you for being too chicken to apologize to my face. Hiding away like a little turtle."


    Wendy broke downpletely, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Isadora..."


    "Alright, enough," Isadora said, giving her arm a squeeze. "You''re still on the clock, aren''t you? If someone


    Su bawling your eyes out,


    you''ll just end up as gossip fodder."


    Wendy wiped her face, trying to pull herself together. "You''re right, I''ve got to get back. Isadora, I''ll find you again soon, okay?"


    Isadora nodded.


    Wendy took a few steps away, then seemed to remember something and doubled back.


    "Oh, and Isadora-after Rowena drugged you, I tried to get some payback, but I couldn''t find her or her family. Word is, they skipped the country."


    Isadora had looked into it herself. Rowena had apparently taken money from Deanna and disappeared overseas.


    Wendy continued, "One of my


    ssmates is actually the neighbor''s daughter. She said the past few days, she''s heard noises next door. If Rowenaes back, she definitely want revenge. You need to be careful."


    A voice called for Wendy from down the hall.


    "I have to go," she said quickly, hurrying off.


    Isadora''s expression darkened with worry. By all rights, Rowena should have been gone for good-unless she''d run out of options abroad ande crawling back.


    Isadora ced a protective hand over her stomach. Now, with the baby, she couldn''t afford to take any more risks.


    After freshening up, Isadora stepped out of the restroom, only to hear amotioning from the back lounge.


    The Fitzgerald estate''s party was spread across several rooms-the main hall, and two adjoining lounges. The back lounge, near thedies'' restroom, was mostly upied by women.


    Isadora had no intention of getting involved and started toward the front lounge to look for Victor. But then she caught a familiar voice, thick with tears, pleading.


    Wendy''s face was flushed scarlet. "Miss Olivia, I''m sorry, I''m so sorry. I didn''t mean to!"


    "Didn''t mean to?" Olivia''s voice was ice-cold as she nced down at the dark stain blooming on her blue dress. Her face twisted in fury. "You got wine all over my dress and think saying ''sorry'' is enough? Where''s your sense of propriety, huh? Didn''t anyone teach you the rules for the help?"