I'm not an influencer

Chapter 13

“You’re back late,” Sean said as Violet walked into the mansion.

“I was actually on my way to have dinner. You should join me,” he added.

“No, I’m sorry, I can’t. I just finished having dinner with someone special,” Violet said, smiling.

“Who?” Sean asked, completely taken aback, curious about what could make Violet genuinely happy.

“I met with Mr. Anthony Rocks,” Violet hinted.

“Isn’t he the lawyer who was responsible for freeing that murder suspect?” Sean asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Yes. I decided to formally introduce him to Mom’s case, and he’s interested,” Violet replied.

“Well, you did a great job getting that lawyer. He will be so much help to our case—he’s good at what he does.”

“I know,” Violet said as she was about to move past him.

“I still have good news that can complement this wonderful news you just shared.”

“What news?” Violet asked, taken aback.

“The investigator I hired to investigate your grandfather’s death five years ago finally reached out to me.”

“What did he say?” Violet asked instantly.

“Well, it was hard, but he managed to find a witness—an old lady who swore she saw a black BMW speeding out of your grandfather’s mansion. From the looks of it, it must have happened minutes before Selena got to the mansion.”

“That means whoever owns the vehicle is the one who committed the murder.”

“Exactly, but it’s not entirely simple,” Sean said with a sigh, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

“Why?” Violet asked, keenly interested.

“My investigator has done everything to trace that car, but to no avail. It’s like it disappeared into thin air,” Sean said, shaking his head.

“Sean, what if Lucas is responsible for my grandfather’s death?” Violet asked as she set her bag on the table.

“I mean, there should be CCTV footage showing all that, and there isn’t any. Who else would have the power to tamper with it if not that bastard?”

“Woah, I know Lucas is a monster, but kill his own father?” Sean thought aloud.

“I’ll inform Mr. Anthony of our new findings.”

“We can finally reopen Mom’s case,” Violet said excitedly.

***

A week later

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the party described as the party of the century!” a lady livestreaming Josephine and Lucas’s wedding anniversary party exclaimed to her audience.

“Josephine, this is amazing,” her friend Sally said, singing her praises.

“I told you I could pull it off,” Josephine replied, sipping her champagne with a smug smile.

Josephine was dressed in an outstanding white gown that made her look elegant, almost bridal. Her hair was styled in a bun, and her silver jewelry and diamond chain complemented her look perfectly.

“You look stunning! No one can compete with your beaut...” Sally was interrupted when a model-like figure walked into the hall.

The woman’s hand was clasped around a silver purse, her white, form-fitting gown hugging her figure like it was sculpted. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, but she still looked breathtaking. As she moved, she exuded elegance, seemingly unbothered by the whispers her entrance provoked.

Even the men seated at the far end of the hall couldn’t resist staring at her—including Lucas.

Lucas, like everyone else, was amazed but deeply shaken when he got a clear view of her face.

“Mabel West,” he mumbled, almost in a trance.

Without thinking, he started walking toward her, step by step. But before he could reach her, Josephine blocked his path.

“Excuse me,” Josephine said, her face red with anger she was trying to control.

She didn’t know the woman, but she hated her instantly. The moment the woman walked in, Josephine’s spotlight was stolen. What infuriated her the most was that the woman was wearing white—a color reserved for her alone at this party.

“Who the hell is she?” Josephine thought bitterly.

“Nice to meet you,” Mabel said, pretending not to recognize Josephine.

“I think you might be in the wrong party,” Josephine said, her voice raised enough for the guests to hear.

“Oh? Am I?” Mabel asked innocently, her calm demeanor further enraging Josephine.

“Yes, you should know the dress code for this party—if you were truly invited,” Josephine snapped.

“Do you know the celebrant?” Josephine asked pointedly.

“Uhmm… no,” Mabel replied.

“Exactly what I’m saying,” Josephine declared triumphantly. “Honey, I’ll have security escort you out.”

The guests murmured among themselves.

“Some influencers have no shame,” someone whispered.

“She even has the audacity to dress in white!” another added.

“Beauty without brains,” someone else sneered.

Josephine smirked, enjoying the humiliation Mabel was enduring. She waved over a security guard.

“Right here,” she directed, satisfied.

“Ma’am, this way,” the security guard said to Mabel, cameras flashing in her direction.

“Hold on,” Mabel finally said, her voice calm yet commanding.

The room fell silent.

“Ma’am,” Mabel addressed Josephine, “I’m sorry about the dress code, but I’m not an influencer—or fake, as you’ve insinuated.”

She opened her purse and pulled out a gold invitation card, identical to the ones the guests had received. Everyone stared at her shocked.

“This was sent to me by the Wells Corporation,” she said, her voice firm, as gasps filled the room.

“What?” Josephine mumbled, stunned.

Lucas froze. The Wells Corporation had indeed sent a special invitation to one of their new business partners.

“Wait… is Mabel representing the company?” he thought, realizing the gravity of Josephine’s actions.

“Miss, I’m really sorry for the scene caused here,” Lucas interjected, stepping forward. “Please, follow me.”

"Pfft such a pretender, now he is pretending he doesn't know me." Mabel thought.

"Oh well my job for today Is done." she added mentally.

“There’s no need, Mr. Lucas,” Mabel said coldly. “I’ve endured enough humiliation for one evening.”

She turned to Josephine. “My apologies again for the dress. I only wanted to honor your company’s invitation. Sadly, my intentions were misunderstood, and I was humiliated.”

“Mr. Lucas, my team will be in touch soon,” she added, walking away.

Lucas quickly ran after her, leaving everyone stunned.