A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 359

Thursday arrived before she knew it.

Sienna had been bustling around the venue all morning, checking and rechecking the equipment until everything was perfect. Still, she couldn’t shake the nerves fluttering in her chest.

“How’s everything coming along?” Fortune strode over, standing beside her. The two looked less like an engaged couple and more like business partners sizing up their competition.

“All set. The equipment’s working, invitations have gone out, and the guests should start arriving any minute now.” Sienna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting her feature earrings–today’s highlight piece–catch the light.

“Oh, and I made sure to send invitations to Alessia and Queenie.”

Fortune’s brow furrowed. “Why would you invite those two?”

“Because I want them to see my success, of course.” Sienna’s tone was matter–of–fact. “I want them stuck in the audience, watching me shine while they can only sit there, speechless and helpless, forced to admire what they can never

have.”

A flash of malice flickered in her eyes, her lips curling into a smile as if she could already see Alessia and Queenie’s frustrated, powerless expressions in the crowd.

“Alessia isn’t someone to take lightly,” Fortune retorted, his voice cool. “She managed to start two companies right under the Tate family’s nose when they were at their peak, plus she’s got all the support of the Whitley Group and contacts across every industry. Don’t overplay your hand.”

His words were like a bucket of cold water, but Sienna’s smile only faded to a look of disdain. There was a mocking edge to her voice as she shot back, “Then why don’t you go and marry her? Too bad for you–she and the Whitley Group’s CEO have been childhood sweethearts for years. They’re practically inseparable. Maybe you’re just not her type.”

Fortune’s attempt at advice was met with a slap in the face. His expression soured. Deciding he’d wasted enough breath, he turned on his heel and walked away. If it weren’t for the old man insisting he show up as Sienna’s fiancé, he wouldn’t have bothered coming at all.

Sienna, unfazed by Fortune’s mood, returned to overseeing the final arrangements

1/2

08.03 M

In the hall,

“Miss Winston, it’s time for makeup,” her assistant called.

Sienna followed her backstage. Once her makeup was finished, she twirled in front of the mirror, clearly pleased with the result.

“Let’s leave my hair down,” she said, not waiting for the stylist’s opinion as she released her hair from its pins. She smoothed it out, convinced that she looked much better this way.

“But Miss Winston, with your hair down, the earrings and necklace won’t show as well…”

Sienna shot the stylist a cold look, silencing any further protest.

Satisfied, she turned back to the mirror, admiring her reflection.

“Miss Winston, it’s nearly time. Most of the guests have arrived.”

“Are Alessia and Queenie here yet?” Sienna asked, lounging in her chair while the stylist finished her hair. The earlier nervousness had vanished, replaced by smug anticipation.

“They’ve arrived.”

A slow smile spread across Sienna’s face.

“Then let’s begin.”

She rose just as the minute and second hands hit twelve.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming to the Evergreen Collection Exhibition. I’m Sienna, the lead designer for this event.”

Hand pressed elegantly to her chest, Sienna gave a graceful bow. Her gown hugged her figure, and tiny diamonds sparkled under the lights, drawing all eyes to her.

Flashes went off as the hall fell quiet, broken only by the click of cameras. She swept her hair back, her every movement poised and polished. Standing beneath the spotlight, she outshone even the gems on display.

Applause rippled through the audience. Alessia and Queenie, seated in the back row, joined in the clapping, but their faces remained calm, their smiles composed–nothing like the envious frustration Sienna had imagined.

Sienna turned away, convinced they were only pretending to be unfazed.