Chapter 308

The Windsor Estates stood in stark contrast to the peaceful solitude of Isabella's home.

The hotel's grand entrance was lined with luxury vehicles, each belonging to influential tycoons and high-profile figures from the industry. Guests arrived dressed in their finest, dripping in jewels, their net worth collectively enough to buy a small country.

Though Alexander had intended to keep Evelyn's birthday celebration intimate at her request, the Sinclair family's prestige couldn't be ignored. Their growing investments in Elmsworth meant no one of importance would dare decline an invitation from Alexander.

And let's not forget—his daughter was currently the most talked-about socialite in town!

To avoid stealing Evelyn's spotlight, Victoria and Gabrielle chose to entertain their close friends upstairs rather than mingle in the main hall.

They didn't mind. In fact, they relished the rare, uninterrupted time together.

Outside the grand ballroom, as Evelyn's only daughter, Lillian was naturally tasked with greeting guests alongside her sister.

She wore a delicate chiffon gown in pale yellow, handpicked by Arabella. The soft fabric fluttered around her slender legs, giving her an ethereal glow—like the heroine of a romance novel come to life.

Lillian was deeply touched by Arabella's thoughtfulness.

Yet, even in her understated off-shoulder gown, Arabella effortlessly outshone everyone. Lillian stole glances at her sister, utterly mesmerized.

"Lillian, is there something on my face?" Arabella blinked her almond-shaped eyes at her dazed sister.

"No! Nothing!" Lillian flushed, flustered.

"Are you tired? The party hasn't even started yet. I can get you a room upstairs if you need to rest."

"No need, Arabella! I'm fine!" Lillian shook her head quickly.

"Miss Arabella, the Chambers brothers have arrived!"

Nathaniel, who had been managing the guest arrivals, rushed in, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Seeing this, Lillian immediately pulled a handkerchief from her clutch, gripping it tightly but hesitating to approach.

"Nathaniel, you're sweating."

Arabella smirked, nudging Lillian forward with a gentle push. "Lillian has a handkerchief. Go help him."

Both Nathaniel and Lillian froze, their cheeks burning.

Clutching the handkerchief, Lillian awkwardly stepped forward.

Mustering courage, she reached up to dab his forehead.

He snatched the handkerchief from her hand and hastily wiped his own sweat, his pulse racing. "No need, Ms. Lillian. Thank you."

"It's... it's fine." Lillian bit her lip, disappointment flickering in her eyes.

"Your handkerchief is dirty now. I'll buy you a new one," Nathaniel muttered, stuffing it into his pocket.

"Keep it. Consider it a gift." Lillian forced a smile.

Arabella sighed internally.

Nathaniel, usually so attentive around her, turned into a bumbling fool around Lillian.

But one thing was clear—these two had something going on.

Right then, the Chambers family made their grand entrance.

Of the four Chambers siblings, only three had arrived—the youngest daughter was still abroad. But where was Adrian?

Matthew, the eldest, entered with his wife Cassandra, followed by Preston.

At the sight of Matthew, a shadow flickered in Arabella's eyes.

"Arabella, long time no see," Preston greeted, his gaze lighting up when he spotted her.

Her smile was polite but distant. "We met when you visited my home, Preston. It hasn't been that long. But you haven't seen my sister Lillian in ages."

She noticed Preston's obvious interest in her, which didn't bother her. Who wouldn't be drawn to perfection?

But she hated how Lillian, a Sinclair, was treated like an afterthought.

Caught off guard, Preston barely recognized Lillian.

"Hello, Preston," Lillian said warmly.

Matthew, expressionless, glanced at Lillian and Nathaniel before remarking coolly, "Preston, you're usually so meticulous. Yet the moment you see the Sinclair heiress, you forget basic manners. Apologize to Ms. Lillian."

"My apologies, Ms. Lillian. That was thoughtless of me." Preston bowed slightly.

Lillian smiled shyly.

"Nathaniel, please escort the Chambers family inside," Arabella instructed smoothly.

"Yes, Miss Arabella."

Once they were gone, Nathaniel quickly returned to Arabella's side, lowering his voice.

"Miss Arabella, we have a situation."

They moved to a quiet corner of the hall.

"Miss Arabella, Matthew's mistress—the one who humiliated Ms. Lillian that night—just showed up! She has an invitation and is already in the private area!"

Frowning, Nathaniel asked in a low voice, "Should I have security remove her immediately?"

"Remove her? Why bother? She was invited." Arabella leaned against the wall, her porcelain arms crossed. "We don't want to seem petty, do we?"

"That's impossible! I personally verified every invitation—one per guest! How did she get one?" Nathaniel was baffled.

"Oh, because I gave it to her."

Nathaniel gaped. "What?"

"I said, I invited that woman—Vanessa."

Arabella's lips curved like a crescent moon, her eyes gleaming with fox-like cunning. "Tonight's the perfect night to settle the score for my sister."

Nathaniel was speechless.