The Counterfeit Sterling Heiress

“Yes, Chloe, let us come see!”

“A top-tier red-carpet gown—if I miss this, I might never see one in my life.”

My colleagues swarmed Chloe, their faces alight with anticipation.

Chloe struggled to compose herself, her voice trembling slightly. “The designer's still in Paris and the dress hasn't arrived. It's not a good time.”

Sensing her panic, I pressed on. “What, are you looking down on us? You think we’re not worthy of seeing your haute couture gown?”

“Or is it that the invitation isn’t really yours, so you can’t?”

The questions hung in the air, sharp and pointed.

Even the colleagues who had been fawning over Chloe began to look uncertain.

Chloe probably never imagined she’d be putting on a show for the real heiress on her very first day.

Just as I thought her facade was about to crumble, our department director, Jessica, strode into the office. The moment she saw Chloe, she linked arms with her like a long-lost sister.

“Chloe, why didn’t you tell me you were coming in? What’s all this? Is someone giving you trouble?”

Jessica’s tone was inquisitive, but her words were aimed squarely at me. “Ava, I know your marriage is a mess and you're stuck with a loser husband, but don't project your jealousy onto everyone else.”

“Chloe’s red-carpet look? I personally heard the chairman on the phone with Vogue’s editor-in-chief discussing it. How could it be fake? If Chloe lets this go, it’s out of generosity. But if you keep this up, I’ll have to recommend your termination to senior management.”

With Jessica’s public endorsement, our colleagues immediately fell back in line behind Chloe.

“Ava, don’t drag us all down with your jealousy.”

“We never doubted Chloe for a second.”

Chloe, feigning magnanimity, said nonchalantly, “Since Jessica has spoken, I’ll just pretend this never happened. But you should remember, Ava, not everyone is as tolerant as I am.”

Her words made my accusations look like a joke. What a performance, the two of them in perfect sync. There was no point in being the lone villain, so I dropped it.

But Chloe’s supporters wouldn't let it go, rehashing what I’d said in the employee group chat.

Some employees tagged me relentlessly, hurling insults. Others, lost in the fantasy of the fitting party, pestered Chloe about when they could come.

A short while later, Chloe posted a throwback photo on Instagram with a well-known designer, reaping a fresh wave of praise and envy. She promised to invite everyone to a celebration after the Gala.

Across the room, Ethan immediately pulled out his phone and followed Chloe on Raya.