Hazel's POV
I followed the security guard through the crowd, Vanessa's cutting words still ringing in my ears. The east terrace was quieter, with only a few guests mingling in small groups.
"Mrs. Sinclair will join you shortly," the guard said before melting back into the crowd.
I took a deep breath of the cool evening air. The gala had become suffocating with all the whispers and judgmental stares. Just as I was collecting myself, I heard a shrill voice behind me.
"Look who it is! The desperate social climber herself."
I turned around slowly. A young woman in a midnight blue gown stood there, flanked by two others. I recognized her as Yan Yue, daughter of a prominent tech mogul and another of Gloria's friends. Her smug expression told me everything I needed to know.
"Yan Yue," I acknowledged with a slight nod. "I didn't realize we knew each other well enough for insults."
