Chapter 52
Avery Sinclair’s face twisted in a snarl. She grabbed Zina’s arm, her grip like a vise, and dragged her into a secluded corner.
After a quick look around to make sure they were alone, she hissed, “What are you doing here! How did you even get in? Let me tell you, this is Rosie’s big day. If you dare ruin this for her, I’ll make you regret it.”
“Make me regret it” Zina almost laughed. She gave her adoptive mother a look one might reserve for a complete moron. “With Rosie’s clumsy skills? Who in their right mind would take her as an apprentice?
“How dare you talk about Rosie like that? You’re just jealous. You need to leave. Now. Before I have security throw you out. Have you no shame at all?
“Thank God you’re not my real daughter. You’re a complete and utter disgrace. I bet your sugar daddy dumped you, didn’t he? You certainly look the part.”
Avery shot her a disgusted look, not wanting to spare her another glance.
Zina couldn’t be bothered to argue. She just shrugged “Don’t worry, I couldn’t care less.”
“Rosie, an apprentice, she thought. I almost feel sorry for whatever poor sucker is taking her on. What a sin
Still suspicious, Avery shot her one last warning glare before turning and walking away.
Zina watched her go, a frown creasing her brow.
This party was clearly more significant than she’d realized.
As her gaze dropped, an idea sparked in her mind, a flicker of fire in her eyes.
Meanwhile, back in the main hall, Avery was visibly on edge, clutching her dress and constantly scanning the crowd.
Rosie approached her, concerned. “Mother, what’s wrong? You’ve seemed so out of it since you came back from the restroom. Did something happen?”
Avery frowned, reluctant to speak, but meeting Rosie’s gaze, she sighed in resignation. “I just saw Zina. I don’t know how she snuck in. I’m just worried… what if she ruins this for you?”
At the mention of Zina’s name, Rosie’s brow furrowed in annoyance.
“Oh, Mother, I’m sure it will be fine,” she said, her voice laced with feigned innocence. “My sister can’t possibly hate me enough to try and take everything from me, can she?”
“Don’t be so sure. She’s an ungrateful brat! There’s nothing she wouldn’t do.”
Kevin Sinclair, who had been listening nearby, finally chimed in, his face tight with displeasure.
He scowled, his brow furrowed in thought. “No, we can’t let that wretched girl spoil your chances.”
He pulled out his phone and started tapping away furiously as a smile finally spread across Rosie’s face.
The party was soon in full swing, a harmonious buzz of conversation filling the air as guests mingled.
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Chapter 52
Zina moved through the crowd, her eyes scanning for the person whose details Chris had emailed her, her expression growing colder by the second.
“Is he a no–show? Or did he get tipped off and decide to stay away?‘
Her thoughts were interrupted as the main event began.
Someone shouted, “Master Sylvan has arrived,” and a hush fell over the boisterous crowd.
Zina looked toward the lights and saw a throng of people parting to reveal an elderly man at its center.
He looked to be in his sixties, with a white beard, a kindly, wrinkled face, and a pair of glasses perched on his nose.
He gave a small wave, and a man beside him immediately announced, “Master Sylvan asks for quiet. He does not wish to be disturbed.
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