Chapter 490

The ladies from high society buzzed around Shelia like bees to honey, their glasses clinking in endless toasts.

Ashley, eyes darting about like a hummingbird, spotted her chance and swooped in. She plucked a glass of wine from a nearby tray and offered it to Shelia with a gracious smile.

"Miss Blair, your reputation precedes you. I must say, the rumors don't do your beauty justice. Please, allow me to toast to you," she gushed, downing her wine in one smooth motion.

Shelia raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar face. "And you are..."

"Ashley Steele, formerly a trainee at Potter Entertainment," she introduced herself, batting her eyelashes with practiced sincerity. "I've always admired you, Miss Blair."

Shelia was unmoved by the flattery. As the newly discovered daughter, she was more accustomed to envy than admiration.

Still, she played along. "A trainee at Potter Entertainment? Then you must be acquainted with Debra."

The name dropped like a stone in a pond, ripples of tension spr