They Called Me a Gold Digger, So I Dethroned Them All Chapter 01

I’ve always loved showing off. And when I did, I went all out.

Back in college, while other girls saved up for Coach bags, I lived on instant ramen just to afford Chanel. I’d rather go broke than let anyone outshine me.

After graduation, while my coworkers bought knockoff designer bags, I maxed out my credit cards building a purchase history with Hermès.

I didn’t care if it meant going into debt. I was going to be the best-dressed woman in the room.

I approached dating the same way.

Other women wanted love and companionship. I wanted status and connections.

After years of carefully working my way up, I finally landed Hollis Redgrave, heir to one of Vellmont’s wealthiest families.

He took me to the most exclusive galas and private events, giving me exactly the kind of social standing I’d always wanted.

Everything was perfect until the girl he’d been sponsoring from a remote rural town got accepted into a university in Vellmont.

At last night’s art gala, Hollis actually brought her to the head table.

Dressed in a cheap white dress, she timidly tugged at his sleeve.

“Hollis, this wine is so bitter. Can I have some warm vanilla milk instead?”

A few wealthy young heirs around the table stifled their laughter.

Hollis didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. He even patted her head affectionately.

“Of course. I’ll have someone get you some.”

I watched them, gracefully set down my wineglass, and felt my stomach turn.

How was I supposed to be the most glamorous woman in the room with a man who made himself look that cheap?

It was time to trade in the luxury accessory known as Hollis Redgrave.

And right then, another man caught my eye.

A rising billionaire who’d been making headlines in the financial press.

Impeccable looks. A career that was going nowhere but up.

Perfect. He’d do.

…

“Blythe, go to the convenience store and get Maisie some warm milk. She has a sensitive stomach and can’t handle cold drinks.”

Hollis spoke in his usual gentle, measured voice, that polished, gentlemanly smile still on his face.

Several socialites at the head table covered their mouths, watching me with barely concealed amusement.

I slowly ran a fingertip along the stem of my wineglass, which held a 1982 Château Pétrus.

Tonight, I was wearing a full set of Harry Winston jewelry, a couture gown I’d reserved three months in advance, and four-inch Christian Louboutin heels.

And he expected me to walk three blocks to buy a children’s drink for a girl who couldn’t handle red wine.

“Hollis, your assistant is standing right outside. Since when is that my job?”

I raised an eyebrow, my voice perfectly calm.

Maisie Orlin immediately hunched her shoulders, her eyes turning red as she gently tugged at Hollis’s jacket.

“Hollis, please don’t make Blythe do that for me. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked. I’ll just go without.”

Her voice was soft and timid, and her cheap polyester dress still had creases in it.

Hollis turned to her and gave the back of her hand a reassuring pat. When he looked at me again, his expression was patient, almost indulgent.

“Blythe, you don’t always have to act so superior. Maisie grew up in a remote little town. She’s still genuine and down-to-earth.”

“You’re going to be Mrs. Redgrave someday. You need to learn to be more gracious. Don’t let all those flashy designer labels make you forget what really matters.”

He said it so casually, as though all the effort I’d put into looking the part was something shameful.

Across the table, Tobin Kersey laughed.

“Come on, Blythe. Hollis is trying to teach you that there’s more to life than showing off. Doesn’t it get exhausting wearing all that expensive stuff every day?”

I lowered my eyes with a smile, carefully folded my napkin, and placed it on the table.

“Mr. Redgrave has a point. There’s something to be said for simplicity. I suppose that explains why your taste has gotten so much simpler lately.”

Just as I finished speaking, the heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open, held by a pair of attendants.

Several business moguls who normally wouldn’t give anyone the time of day rose to their feet, all smiles as they hurried to greet the newcomer.

Stellan Arkwright entered the ballroom, surrounded by an entourage of influential guests.

He wore a sharply tailored black suit and an understated vintage Patek Philippe watch.

His expression was cold and distant. He barely spared anyone a glance, yet his presence alone seemed to command the entire room.

The financial magazines hadn’t exaggerated. This man, fresh off a triumphant return from overseas, was in a league of his own.

Hollis frowned slightly, then straightened his tie and leaned toward me.

“That’s Stellan Arkwright, the man who runs Arkwright Group. Come with me to introduce ourselves in a minute, and try to keep that attitude of yours in check.”

I picked up my clutch, rose to my feet, and looked down at him.

“No need, Mr. Redgrave. Since you appreciate simplicity so much, why don’t you take your sweet, innocent little friend instead?”

Hollis’s expression darkened, though his voice remained controlled, carrying that familiar note of condescension.

“Blythe, don’t throw a tantrum at an important event. It’s unbecoming.”

I turned on my heels and walked away without giving him another glance.

As I passed Stellan, he happened to turn his head. His deep, dark eyes settled on my face, his gaze unreadable.

I gave him a slight nod and a flawless, practiced social smile.

Behind me, Maisie’s hesitant voice drifted over.

“Hollis, does Blythe hate me? Maybe I shouldn’t have come tonight.”

Hollis sighed, his voice as gentle as ever.

“It’s not your fault. She’s just too obsessed with money and status. She’s lost sight of what really matters.”