The Perfect Heiress

Stepping Back Into The Spotlight

Vivienne's POV

I glanced at the eight cars lined up in my garage before finally remembering—my Aston Martin was still with Chuck Knight’s secretary.

It was my favorite car, the one I drove the most. Every detail had been customized to my exact preferences.

Chuck’s assistant had agreed to return it once the weather improved. Two rain-free days had passed, yet he was still holding onto my keys.

“Chuck’s assistant… even less reliable than Chuck himself,” I muttered.

Chuck hadn’t reached out since that unpleasant dinner. Most likely, I had pissed him off.

Leaving his flowers at the restaurant had been a blatant slap in his face. A man like him had probably never experienced the humiliation of having his gift outright rejected.

I swore I hadn’t intended to anger Chuck—there was no benefit in that anyway.

Leaving the flowers behind had simply been my rebellious streak acting up. If Alexander or Father found out, they would undoubtedly lecture me on knowing what was in my best interest.

So what could I do now to get my keys back? I tapped the steering wheel, and suddenly, a name popped into my mind. Cora.

After carefully wording my request, I typed: Hello, Cora. My car keys are with Mr. Knight’s assistant. If he’s free today, I’d appreciate it if he could have the car sent back.

Barely a minute after sending the email, my phone lit up.

I’m free at noon. I can send it over. Where will you be, Miss Sinclair?

I simply replied: Much appreciated. I’ll be attending a banquet at the Hayes Hotel. Call my assistant when you arrive.

...

The banquet was set to celebrate the grand opening of the Hayes Art Lounge, an exclusive addition to the prestigious Hayes Hotel—part of my friend Sophia Hayes’s family legacy.

For generations, the Hayes Hotel had been a cornerstone of ultra-luxury. Every socialite in New York wanting to be at the opening, hoping to pay their respects to the Hayes family.

And since Sophia and I were like Blair and Serena from Gossip Girl—frenemies, rivals, best friends—attending her gallery opening was practically mandatory for me.

Still, I felt an unease. Attending this opening would also be my first apperance into the spotlight since my breakup.

I had withdrawn from social life entirely these couple of days—no parties, no banquets, no everything. I simply let myself vanished from the world’s eye.

And now I could only imagine the gossip that had circulated about me between those uptown heiresses.

...

My car was directed through the VIP entrance of the Hayes Hotel. The automatic doors slid open, and a well-trained doorman quickly stepped forward, shielding the car roof with his hand.

I stepped out, took a deep breath, and entered. From the glass reflection in the hallway, I took in my own appearance.

My shimmering red gown—high slit, deep V-neck, cinched waist— hugged my figure perfectly. Around my neck, an exquisite set of jewels gleamed, and paired with gold-strapped stilettos that I wore, I dazzled — almost like I was here to steal the spotlight from the host.

The Art Lounge fell silent the moment I walked in. I could feel eyes turning toward me—some in shock, others in admiration. Unbothered, I moved through the crowd with calm poise, tucking a loose strand of neatly styled short hair behind my ear as I greeted familiar faces.

“Vivienne! Long time no see!”

“Where have you been, pretty?”

And just as I predicted—

“Vivienne?”

I turned to see Sophia approaching, her smile nearly as dazzling as mine. She smoothly addressed the guests surrounding me, “Excuse me, I need to borrow Vivienne for a moment.” Then, without waiting for permission, she took my arm and led me to a quieter corner.

“Long time no see, babe,” I drawled lazily.

Sophia gave my arm a sharp pinch before letting go. “Vivienne, this is my gallery opening, and you show up looking this stunning? If you wanted to steal my spotlight, you could’ve just said so.”

I chuckled. “And how exactly am I stealing your spotlight?”

Sophia scoffed. “The invitation clearly stated the dress code as champagne party. Yet here you are, draped in couture and high class jewels. Tell me you’re not trying to outshine me.”

I slipped off the ring adorning my finger—a yet-to-be-released piece from Sinclair & Co.’s high jewelry collection—and placed it in her palm, like offering a toy to a spoiled pet. “Fine, fine. Here, it's all yours now.”

Sophia examined the ring, satisfied. “It does look better on me.” Then, her gaze flickered to my freshly cut hair. “The way people were talking, they made it sound like you were crying yourself to sleep every night.”

I chuckled. “You know how rumors are.”

Sophia shot me a glare. “So, are you going to tell me what the hell happened?”

I turned toward the window, the bright daylight stinging my eyes. “He cheated on me.”

Sophia’s expression shifted instantly. “Did he lose his damn mind? Cheating on you? A Sinclair? How could he not treasure you like a princess but had the nerve to cheat?”

Her face turned slightly red as she vented, furious on my behalf.

But honestly, I’d seen it coming.

Adrian’s fragile male ego couldn’t handle constantly being out-shined. He probably felt out of place with me anyway.

Sophia’s voice, as satisfying as it was to hear her rage on my behalf, was loud enough to draw attention. A few curious socialites glanced in our direction, and soon, some of Sophia’s so-called friends hurried over, their eyes darting between us with thinly veiled interest.

“Hey, what are you two whispering about?”

“What happened? Who cheated? I swear I just heard someone say ‘cheated’.”

I had no interest in discussing my relationship drama with them.

“Are you talking about my sister’s breakup?”

I stiffened at the voice.

Lilly. Again. Why the hell does she always show up wherever I am?

She smiled graciously at Sophia, then blinked in staged surprise when she noticed me. “Vivienne, I didn’t know you were coming today.”

Lilly, of course, ignored me before I could responded to her fake smile, stepping closer to Sophia with that sickeningly sweet tone. “Miss Hayes, thank you for inviting me today. I really appreciate you looking after my sister. She’s been through a lot lately.”

Sophia subtly withdrew her hand.

And I refused to let this opportunity slip. “I don’t recall having you as my sister, Lilly,” I paused before putting on a smile for her. “Since you’re so fond of Miss Hayes, why don’t you ask her if she needs another little sister? She already has two—one more wouldn’t make a difference.”

Sophia caught my signal and scowled. “Just because I have a lot of sisters doesn’t mean I accept everyone.”

Lilly’s face stiffened. She quickly forced a pitiful expression.“I know you’ve been preoccupied with Mr. Knight lately, but don’t take your bad mood out on me.”

The moment those words left her mouth, my smile faltered.

Around us, the socialites exchanged shocked glances, their eyes lighting up like they’d just been handed an exclusive piece of gossip.

Sophia was the first to react. “Mr. Knight? Which one? Lucas Knight? No, wait—he’s already married… You mean Chuck Knight?”

Lilly smiled innocently. “Of course. The only bachelor.”

Lucas Knight, the eldest son of the Knight family, had no interest in the business. He was off at Harvard, living his quiet life as a professor.

Lilly glanced at me before continuing. “But I’ve heard he’s… difficult to please. Sis, if this marriage is to happen, you’ll have to put in a lot of effort to please him. Otherwise—” She deliberately trailed off.

Sophia turned to me, her anger evident. “So that’s why you’ve been ignoring me lately? You’ve been busy wooing a man?” Her voice rose. “Chuck Knight? You—! You’re actually trying to please him? Are you trying to marry him or what?”