Mrs. Evelyn Kuznetsov, the wife of a Russian billionaire, had maintained a ten-year friendship with Mrs. Hill, not out of personal fondness, but because of the social status she exuded. Her husband often emphasized the importance of wealthy individuals mingling with their peers, just as he did with Mr. Hill.
Even after Nicholas Hill, the Hills' golden boy, had shattered their daughter's heart, Evelyn couldn't help but seethe upon hearing about his engagement. Reluctantly, they had to attend the engagement party because her husband remained resolute.
"Sarah! This place looks absolutely spectacular," Evelyn remarked with a practiced smile, a champagne glass in hand, as she approached Sarah. Sarah responded with an equally forced smile—she harbored little affection for Evelyn. Yet, she recognized the necessity of keeping such people around to fuel envy toward her good fortune.
