Chapter 385

The grand ballroom fell silent as Beatrice Ellington's cultured voice cut through the tension. "While I may not be an expert, I do appreciate fine art. When I heard of your passion for paintings, Mrs. Winslow, I considered it fate that we share this interest." Her gloved hand gestured gracefully. "So I must insist - for my sake - don't be too hard on Victoria. I'm certain the fault lies entirely with Olivia. Everyone here can attest to that."

Natalie Bennett offered a practiced, noncommittal smile while maintaining her silence. Tears spilled down Victoria Sinclair's cheeks as she gazed at Catherine Winslow with pathetic gratitude, her sobs growing louder. "Beatrice! Finally someone speaks the truth! Why won't you believe me? Are you afraid of Olivia Sinclair? Just say the word and her precious auction house will crumble."

"Enough!" Margaret Winslow massaged her temples, irritation flashing across her refined features. With a sharp wave of her hand, she commanded, "Remove her from my sight immediately."

Under her breath, Margaret couldn't resist adding, "Utterly foolish and embarrassing."

As attendants escorted the weeping Victoria away, the gathered elite exchanged uneasy glances in the sudden quiet.

Beatrice reached out and gently patted Catherine's hand in a show of unexpected solidarity.

Catherine flushed with a mixture of shock and pleasure at the attention. Having Beatrice Ellington's favor would mean protection from both the Winslow family's wrath and Olivia Sinclair's schemes.

But Beatrice's next words shattered Catherine's momentary triumph. Though her smile remained warm, an icy undercurrent ran through her cultured voice. Her gaze held Catherine with polite detachment.

"I've encountered many ambitious young women seeking my favor, hoping for some advantage in return. I've always maintained that expensive gifts are inappropriate - it borders on bribery, don't you think?"

"You're here to celebrate my birthday, and your good wishes are present enough. I approached you intending to return the painting. If genuine, it must be quite valuable. Though it seems I may have misjudged your intentions."

The subtle rebuke wasn't lost on the sophisticated crowd. Yet Catherine appeared genuinely thrilled, completely missing the subtext. She shook her head quickly. "Oh Mrs. Ellington, please don't think that! My gift was merely a token of respect. You remind me so much of my late mother. Please, think of me as... well, almost like a daughter to you."

Discreet smirks passed between guests. The audacity of Catherine Winslow positioning herself as Beatrice's potential goddaughter was almost comical.

Nearby, Beatrice's actual daughter Margaret Winslow stiffened, her expression darkening instantly.

Olivia couldn't resist a dry interjection. "Did you bother asking Miss Ellington how she feels about suddenly acquiring another 'sister'?"

Catherine's smile faltered before twisting into wounded dignity. "Olivia, I don't understand why you're so hostile. First your daughter frames mine for theft, now these accusations? Are you jealous of my connection with Beatrice? Resentful that I understand her better than you ever could?"

Turning back to Beatrice with exaggerated concern, Catherine continued, "Please don't judge Olivia too harshly, Beatrice. She's always been this way. When she was married into the Winslow family, Henry's indulgence made her quite arrogant. I'm sure she means no real harm. And please accept my apologies for her daughter stealing Victoria's belongings." Her saccharine tone dripped with false sincerity.

Olivia noted Beatrice's increasingly stern expression and nearly laughed aloud at Catherine's spectacular misstep.