8  Who Gave You the Nerve

“I’ve never seen him either. Probably not someone from the circle,” Oriana murmured. Then she added, “Aurora, your boyfriend isn’t bad though. He’s one of the most popular guys at NYU. People were jealous when you got him.”

Not bad?

Far from it.

And thinking of Maxwell reminded Aurora of Evelyn. She had stolen that boyfriend from Evelyn in the first place. A lifeless, sickly girl did not deserve anything good.

Aurora let out a slow breath, lifted her bag, and strode forward. “Let’s go to the jewelry store. I want to pick out a necklace and have Maxwell pay for it.”

“Maxwell really treats you well. I remember he gave you a pink sapphire for Christmas. Now he is buying you a necklace too. I’m so jealous.”

“That’s what he’s supposed to do. What else would I need him for?” Aurora tipped her chin up, full of arrogance.

The two women laughed as they entered the jewelry store.

They had barely taken a few steps when Oriana spotted Evelyn sitting on a sofa nearby. She tugged Aurora. “Look, she’s here too.”

Aurora turned her head.

The moment she saw Evelyn, her eyes darkened.

She had planned to deal with Evelyn at home tonight, but running into her here felt like fate siding with her. Even the heavens knew Aurora had been wronged and deserved payback.

Meanwhile, the sales associate continued patiently introducing each ring.

“Mrs. Drake, this one is our newest piece, designed by Peggy K herself. It has not been released for public sale yet.”

Evelyn’s gaze settled on the teardrop-shaped diamond ring.

She had shown little interest in the previous designs, but this one finally drew her attention.

Which only confirmed she had exquisite taste.

Peggy K was a legend in the international jewelry world. Their headquarters had negotiated for ages before she agreed to design a single ring.

Ten carats, plus Peggy’s name, made the piece a true luxury item.

Only a few existed worldwide.

“Madam, would you like to try it on? If you like it, we can have the design team resize it for you and deliver it to your home.”

Before Evelyn could answer, someone stepped up behind her and picked up the box.

Aurora examined the ring.

Oriana leaned in, eyes gleaming. “Aurora, I saw this in a jewelry magazine. It’s from a top international designer. It is not even available yet. How is she qualified to try it?”

This ring was collection worthy.

Peggy was the idol of their entire design institute. Aurora had bragged more than once in their circle that she would buy Peggy’s new masterpiece and show it off at future gatherings.

And she had not even seen the final piece yet. Now Evelyn had seen it first?

“Miss, please return the ring. It is not for sale,” the associate said politely.

Aurora sneered at her. “Not for sale yet you let her try it? You think I can’t afford it?”

The Sullivan family was second only to the Drakes in New York.

How could Aurora Sullivan not afford a ring?

Oriana stepped up, glaring at the associate. “You don’t even recognize Aurora? Does your brand want to shut down in New York?”

The manager rushed over immediately.

Seeing an important client, he bowed his head apologetically. “My apologies. She is new and unfamiliar with our rules. Please don’t be upset. Allow me to take you to the VIP room. I will bring the newest necklaces.”

“No need.” Aurora looked at the ring in her hand. “I want this one.”

“But that ring was chosen by this lady…”

The manager shot the associate a sharp look, signaling her to stay quiet.

In front of these wealthy socialites, the less said, the better.

Yes, the lady sitting there was well dressed, but she looked frail and easy to pressure.

People always preyed on the weak.

Aurora was pleased with his attitude. She closed the ring box and handed it to the manager. She arched a brow at Evelyn and told him, “Wrap it up. My boyfriend will pay.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The manager carried the box to the counter.

The associate grew anxious as she glanced between the elegant Evelyn and the domineering Aurora. The ring belonged to Mrs. Drake. How could Ms. Sullivan just snatch it?

She was being aggressively entitled.

Clearly taking advantage because Mrs. Drake looked quiet and easy to bully.

“Mrs. Drake, I’m so sorry, I…”

“It’s fine,” Evelyn said calmly.

The associate felt even worse. “I will show you other custom pieces. We still have several rare designs.”

Evelyn nodded. “Alright.”

The associate had barely walked away when Aurora sauntered over, pacing in front of Evelyn and looking her up and down.

“You haven’t gone home for days. What man were you fooling around with this time?”

“How could someone like you deserve a ring designed by Peggy K? You’re trash. Just like your parents. All cursed with short lives. Running into you today really ruined my luck.”

“Evelyn, I won’t make a scene here, but when you come home tonight, I’ll make sure you regret everything. That paper you wrote for me was sloppy. Who gave you the nerve?”

Aurora glared at her, expecting fear, apology, anything.

But Evelyn sat quietly on the sofa, calm as ever, not reacting at all.

Aurora’s anger spiked. She raised her hand to grab Evelyn.

Before she could touch her, the manager hurried back. “Ms. Sullivan, I contacted Mr. Craig, but he says you need to pay for it yourself.”

“He wants me to pay?”

Aurora snatched her hand back and dialed Maxwell.

The moment he picked up, she snapped, “What is wrong with you?”

There was a long silence before he answered, “Aurora, that pink sapphire from Christmas maxed out several of my credit cards. I just… temporarily…”

She hung up before he finished.

Useless. One gemstone and he was broke.

Aurora pulled out her own card and tossed it to the manager. “Charge me.”

Once the manager left, Aurora turned to glare at Evelyn again.

Evelyn was typing a message on her phone, having just finished tapping the last word.

Bold.

Too bold.

Evelyn used to tremble and apologize at the slightest expression. Now she dared ignore her. Even dared use her phone in front of her.

Aurora’s fury boiled over, mixed with her irritation toward Maxwell. All of it landed on Evelyn.

She stomped toward her. “Evelyn, I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?”