Chapter 2509
The Dunhill family couldn’t even dream of setting foot in a soiree of this caliber.
Yet for Ivy, Alyssa had never been stingy with their resources.
Below, Mara watched Ivy bask in her triumph, seething with envy.
“Pfft, I thought with her dive into showbiz, she’d grow a bit classier. But look at that pathetic excuse for a gift-a scarf! It’s laughable! She’s practically advertising her humble beginnings in the Howard family. Talk about small-town mentality. It’s downright embarrassing, and it’s a wonder how Dean and Alyssa even bother to make excuses for her.”
Mara ranted to Olivia without restraint, looking at Ivy with utter disdain. To her, Ivy just couldn’t do anything right.
Olivia, on the other hand, could understand why Ivy would gift Alyssa a hand-knit scarf at such an event. The emerald brooch on it wasn’t cheap either; those stones were the kind you’d only find at exclusive auctions.
And really, what could you gift a woman who’s seen it all, a woman who could buy anything she desired? In families like theirs, time and effort were the most precious commodities.
In an age where everyone’s always in a rush, not many would take the time to knit a scarf for an elder. Olivia knew this, but she humored Mara’s critiques to save dignity.
Once Mara’s attention drifted, Olivia walked around. She was on the hunt too; the event was crawling with elite guests and their eligible offspring.
Although she didn’t know a soul, Olivia knew that a sincere smile could go a long way. Most people were more than happy to engage with her, answer her questions, and offer help.
Her only wish was to find a dashing gentleman to spice up her monotonous stay at home. Safe as it may be, it paled in comparison to the vibrant nightlife she was accustomed to abroad.
Ivy, meanwhile, flitted from guest to guest with Alyssa, especially when toasting with flutes of champagne. Her beaming smile was all she needed-no need to prove her drinking prowess with more than a sip.
Such was the prestige of the Balfour family.
In truth, Alyssa had never bothered with such pleasantries before. This whole song and dance was for Ivy’s benefit, to smooth the path for her acting career, all performed on her own birthday.
Ivy reveled in it, her earlier complaints dissipating. She was only concerned about Alyssa’s
w-being ready to offer an arm at the slightest sign of discomfort
Come by meet someone special. This is the prodigious director Tallulah-
Before Alyssa could finish, Ivy’s eyes lit up, and she stepped forward hands eagerly
asping the director’s arms
Tallulah was a rising star in the industry, and was a fan of both her style and
substance. Yet, she wasn’t quite sure what Alyssa’s hunts amplied-was a role in a ne screenplay waiting for her?
Best to keep such thoughts to herself, though No need to come off as presumptuous
well-being, ready to offer an arm at the slightest sign of discomfort.
“Come Ivy, meet someone special. This is the prodigious director Tallulah-”
Before Alyssa could finish, Ivy’s eyes lit up, and she stepped forward, hands eagerly grasping the director’s arms.
Tallulah was a rising star in the industry, and Ivy was a fan of both her style and substance. Yet, she wasn’t quite sure what Alyssa’s hints implied-was a role in a new screenplay waiting for her?
Best to keep such thoughts to herself, though. No need to come off as presumptuous.
