Chapter 234

Brittany whirled around at a ripple of laughter, but the perfectly coiffed faces offered no clues. Blushing, she mumbled to Lauren, “I’m an actress, though not famous yet. Still working hard.”

Lauren, only interested in using them to get closer to Paisley, replied flatly, “That’s nice. I know some directors. Maybe sometime…”

The “sometime” felt like forever to Brittany, but she didn’t notice, already picturing her big break and Paisley’s envious reaction. Christina, however, saw through Lauren’s brush-off. Her target wasn't the Vanderbilts; it was the Beaumonts. The last wives' gathering had revealed a single, albeit less-than-reputable, Beaumont son. If Brittany impressed Diana, an introduction to her son might be possible. The Beaumonts were nearly as prestigious as the Vanderbilts, after all. Her excitement growing, Christina launched into Brittany's virtues.

“Brittany’s such a sweetheart! Excellent student, always…”

Diana cut her short with a smile. “Only one daughter? Where’s the other?”

Christina hesitated.

“Where is Ms. Paisley Sutton?” Diana asked pointedly.

Christina’s face froze. The sudden niceness—it was because of her claim to be Paisley's mother! She’d only done that to impress the gatekeeper. Now, she wanted only Brittany to shine, but Diana’s respectful mention of Paisley stung. A screenwriter?

Brittany’s smile wavered. Why couldn't she escape Paisley's shadow?

Christina, seizing the opportunity, smeared Paisley. “Paisley’s got a terrible temper! Always arguing. Brittany, on the other hand, is sweet and caring. And honestly, Paisley’s just a screenwriter. Not worthy of your respect, Diana.”

Diana’s smile thinned. “Paisley is also the renowned painter, Ms. Vaire. Didn’t you know?”

Christina’s denial stammered, “You’re joking! She’s just a screenwriter, Nion V—”

Diana's unwavering gaze silenced her. Could Paisley be Nion Vaire? Christina, who'd only recently learned about the painter whose work had fetched sixty million at auction, felt a cold dread.

Brittany was equally stunned. Paisley, a painter? She'd always seen her as a lucky screenwriter who'd married Dominick. Under the table, her hands clenched.

Lauren gasped. “My Paisley is Nion?”

“Not anymore,” Diana reminded her.

Lauren ignored the jab, still reeling. “I adore Nion’s work! Every show!”

The other women chimed in, praising Nion’s talent and lamenting the unsuitable lead actress in her upcoming project.

Brittany straightened, fearing mockery, but the conversation moved on.

Lauren felt a pang of regret. She'd had a wonderful daughter-in-law and hadn't appreciated her. Diana's words only compounded her remorse. Christina, meanwhile, seethed. Brittany had been completely overshadowed, and it was supposed to be her day.

“Ladies,” Christina began, “let’s forget that ungrateful girl. She’s always arguing, so uncaring. I raised her! You all have children; you understand my pain.”

Lauren looked at her strangely. “Paisley’s daughter just had spleen surgery. She’s hospitalized. You’re Serena’s grandmother. You don’t know?”