Chapter 90: Blood, Sweat, and Tears
The Swandream launch party was already in full swing by the time Anna and Marienne arrived at the venue. Ironically, it was being held at the Emerald Hotel—Amelie Bennett’s own property—chosen no doubt because the name conveniently echoed the brand’s new gemstone-themed collection.
Yet to Marienne, it hardly mattered what the gem was. As long as it sparkled, she was enchanted.
"The new collection is absolutely stunning!" Marienne gasped, her eyes glittering with even more fervor than the emeralds nestled in delicate beds of diamonds across rings, bracelets, and necklaces. "God, I wonder how much the entire set would cost!"
Anna allowed herself a knowing smirk as she plucked a flute of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray. "Some of the VIP guests received complete sets of the new design as a gift," she said casually. "I got one, too."
She lifted the glass to her lips, watching with hidden satisfaction as Marienne’s expression briefly twisted with thinly veiled envy.
"Wow, you’re so lucky," Marienne said, her voice a pitch higher. "It must be nice being on the VIP list at every event!"
"Why?" Anna countered smoothly, taking a slow sip. "I thought you were already well-established in high society. Isn’t Robert Hyde’s company thriving? I’d imagine he could easily afford to buy you the entire collection if he wanted."
Marienne’s pout returned with full force, her expression petulant. "Yes, but there’s a waiting list! And even if there weren’t, he still... Ugh, I already have too much jewelry. It’s not like any of this stuff goes out of style anyway."
"That’s true," Anna nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile. She was about to say something else—something subtle that might have thrown Marienne off balance again—but the woman cut her off, her lips curving into an unnaturally wide smile.