Gilded Vendettas • James M. Beaufort.

Chapter 4 • The Unreadable things

Third person POV,

6 years ago.

"Lyd, are you crazy? Your dad is going to kill me," the blonde girl exclaimed, shaking her head and giving Lydia a warning look.

Who would have thought that this strict girl would grow up to become the reckless Violet?

Lydia chuckled in amusement and shook her head in response. "We're only stealing his fabric to make dresses for the Romeo and Juliet play," she explained.

Violet chuckled and sighed. "It's up to you whether you want your dress or not. I'll always be the prettiest Juliet in the show."

"Because there's only one Juliet, idiot," Lydia retorted, amused. Violet lay back on the floor, watching Lydia work. Lydia was always the one with the creative mind, inspiring Violet.

"You know," Violet began, "your dad is going to find out that you stole Beaufort's fabric to make dresses for his enemies' daughter."

"At least it'll make you look prettier," Lydia shrugged. "And I know you'll protect me," she added with a smile, nudging Violet's arm.

"Well, I always will, Lyd," Violet replied.

"I promise I'll always be like this for you," Violet said earnestly. Lydia smiled back and nodded.

"Me too, Vi."

—

Violet's POV

I found myself dressed in haute couture from the spring-summer 2023 collection. A black lace dress with open shoulders, adorned with intricate animal motifs. Instead of the bow at the neck like the model, I opted for black lace stockings from Wolford. My blonde hair was curled, no more pigtails.

Stepping out of my limousine, I spotted Ruby and Lin already there.

"Here, Lin. Ruby." I approached them and guided my family to meet them—only my father, mother, and siblings. My beloved grandparents were mingling with the other wealthy guests elsewhere. We didn't want him to know about my friends; it would piss him off again, and I hated that.

"Maman, Papa, Mag. This is Lin and Ruby—my friends and fellow committee members." I introduced Ruby and Lin to my family, knowing how important connections were to them, even if Ruby and Lin didn't care much for that sort of thing. I still wanted to offer them a bit of a connection with my family.

My mother nodded, glancing at them from head to toe. Meanwhile, my father seemed uninterested in their status.

"I'm glad you have useful friends," Margot whispered to me. And Papa chimed in, his voice full of a diplomatic tone, "No one cares how rich they are. The key to wealth isn't starting rich—it's how to become rich and maintain reputation and money."

Ruby and Lin stared at him with amusement. I chuckled and shrugged, mouthing to them, "How can this be strange? He's a politician."

"I'll go meet your grandpa for a while," Maman said. "And, congratulations to you two, Bell and Wang. This night is splendid."

She gave them a smirk and then walked away. Papa nodded as a goodbye sign and followed her.

Before I could say anything, Mag was called by some rich girls, and I let her go. Louis was already seated and sipping champagne.