The Thorne Heiress Unveiling Shadow novel Chapter 69

The Dubois retrospective was exactly as Penelope Vanderbilt had described it: an exclusive gathering of New York's oldest and most powerful families. Evelyn felt Penelope's eyes on her the moment she and Kaelen walked through the door.

Penelope stood near the entrance, a smug, triumphant smile on her face, dressed in a gown that probably cost more than a small car. She was a peacock, preening for her court, and she made a great show of ignoring their presence.

The other guests were no better, their whispers following them like the rustle of dry leaves. "I can't believe he had the nerve to show up," one woman murmured behind her champagne flute. "Doesn't he know this is a private event?"

Kaelen was unbothered, a calm, solid presence at Evelyn's side. He simply guided her toward the bar, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back.

Suddenly, a wave of commotion rippled through the gallery, starting at the main entrance. The polite chatter died down, replaced by a series of shocked gasps.

"Is that… is that him?" someone whispered.

Standing in the doorway, looking impossibly elegant in a velvet dinner jacket, was the man himself. Maître Dubois. The reclusive genius who had not made a public appearance in over twenty years.

The entire room was stunned into silence.

Penelope looked as if she might actually faint from sheer, ecstatic joy. This was the ultimate validation of her family's status. The master had come to her party.

"Mademoiselle Chrysalis," he said, his voice ringing with pure reverence in the silent room. "To see you here, in person… it is the greatest honor of my entire life."

He then straightened up and turned, his warm, deferential expression vanishing, replaced by a look of icy contempt. He fixed his gaze on the petrified Penelope.

"This young lady," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority, "is my guest of honor. If she, or her companion, receives anything less than the utmost respect here tonight, I will immediately withdraw every single piece from this exhibition."

Then he turned his back on her completely.