?Chapter 1683:


    She remembered the days in her mentor’s studio, working alone but earning genuine praise for her designs. If her work had been that good, why had she gotten no orders at all?


    Inside the banquet hall, the air hung heavy. The usual cheer of a celebration was nowhere to be found.


    The only sounds came from Keira and her friends, eating, drinking, andughing boisterously—the liveliest bunch in the room.


    Humiliation crept up Sandra’s neck.


    What kind of gossip about her was spreading now?


    She scolded herself for being so clueless before. She should have known things would turn out like this.


    As she nced around, she realized Shepard and Giselle had left. They hadn’t even bothered to say goodbye.


    Most of the guests were gone, too, and she hadn’t managed to raise a single toast.


    Clutching her wine ss, Sandra moved through the hall, stopping only when someone acknowledged her with a polite smile.


    At least the remaining guests had enough sense not to humiliate her outright.


    After a few strained exchanges, the heaviness in Sandra’s chest began to ease a little. Her eyes searched the room until she found Jordy standing nearby, deep in conversation with a friend.


    As she made her way closer, ss in hand, fragments of conversation reached her ears.


    “I’ve been to countless parties at the Pearl Grand Hotel. But this one? It’s terrible. I can’t imagine what the Harper family was thinking. And this wine—cheap and disgusting. I wouldn’t even drink something like this at home.”


    “You’ve got no idea,” said another, lowering his voice. “Shepard never wanted this entire event. It’s for his illegitimate daughter, for heaven’s sake. She’s an embarrassment to the family name. Heard she insisted on organizing this circus all by herself. Guess he didn’t expect it to turn out like this.”


    Your favorite stories are on g?lnσνe??s?c?m


    “Shepard texted me directly toe. Didn’t even bother picking a decent gift—just grabbed the first thing I saw in a shop. When the powerful man calls, I show up, no questions asked.”


    “Same here. I couldn’t care less about that girl, but when Shepard’s involved, I need to show some respect.”


    When someone caught sight of Sandra approaching, they signaled the others, and their conversation shifted at once.


    Sandra hesitated for a moment, then turned away, her heart heavy as lead.


    Around Ellie stood a circle of wealthy women, glittering in designer dresses, their jewelry shining with staggering value. Sandra used to know little about such things, but after Jordy’s million-dor gift, she had started noticing things like that.


    “Ms. Moore, I need you to design me a dress,” one of the women said to Ellie. “My friend’s wedding is next month, and I’ll be one of the bridesmaids. Make me a dress that’s breathtaking.”


    Sandra’s attention sharpened at once. Maybe this was her chance. If she yed it right, she could get that order.


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