Chapter 131

Evelyn's POV

The convoy of Bentleys glided up the curved driveway of the Harrington estate, their polished surfaces gleaming in the spring sunlight. I found myself instinctively straightening my Chanel dress as the entire Harrington clan emerged to welcome their guests. Even Howard Harrington, the family patriarch, was wheeled out by butler.

My heart skipped a beat when I spotted Clara Harrington and Grant Yates among the welcoming party. They rarely appeared at public, making this occasion all the more significant. Eleanor Yates lingered by the massive oak doors.

The first Bentley's door opened with practiced precision. Lucas Harrington stepped out, his tall frame commanding immediate attention. Without missing a beat, he turned and extended his hand toward the passenger side. My breath caught as a woman emerged - Rachel Thorne, the name had been making waves in Manhattan's social circles.

"Thank you," she said, her voice carrying just the right note of gracious warmth. Her blue Dior suit caught the sunlight, making her appear almost ethereal.

"You're welcome." Lucas's response was coolly polite, maintaining the careful distance of old-money propriety.

I couldn't help but compare her to Serena. Where Serena blazed like an uncontrolled fire, Rachel moved with the precise grace of someone born into privilege. The thought of Serena's mere existence suddenly seemed gauche in comparison.

The family patriarch, Clarence Thorne, emerged next, supported by another impeccably dressed butler. His presence seemed to add gravitas to the already weighty atmosphere. "Howard, my old friend," he called out, genuine warmth breaking through his usual reserve.

"Clarence." Howard Harrington's stern features softened marginally. "It's been too long."

I watched as Franklin and Audrey Thorne, followed by their son Garrett, completed the picture-perfect family tableau. I'd already spent hours poring over every article I could find about the Thornes. Each new detail I'd discovered had only made Serena seem more inadequate in comparison.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Rachel's gaze falling on me until it was too late. Our eyes met briefly, and I felt my cheeks flush at being caught staring. She gave me a small, gracious smile that somehow made me feel even smaller. In that moment, I understood with crystal clarity why the Harringtons had chosen her.

For the first time in my life, I felt completely out of my depth.

I stole another glance at those around me. Eleanor Yates stood not far away, radiating an effortless grace that made my stomach twist. Everything about her demeanor spoke of someone who had been born into this world, not merely invited into it.

My eyes drifted to Jace. He too seemed perfectly at ease, as though such gatherings were as natural as breathing. They all carried themselves with an innate confidence that came from generations of wealth and power.

Among these true elites of society, I felt like an imposter in designer clothes.

The feeling churning in my gut was pure humiliation. For the first time in my life, I experienced what it meant to be truly outclassed. That deep-seated inadequacy blooming in my chest was foreign to me - I, who had always considered myself above others. Yet here I was, at what should have been a simple family dinner, feeling completely diminished.

What stung even more was the realization that I had imagined myself to be the evening's focal point - after all, wasn't I here to meet the family? But the Harringtons hadn't spared me a single meaningful glance. The utter dismissal from these people who actually mattered in society was almost unbearable.

Eleanor's POV

I sat at the dinner table, watching grandfather and Clarence Thorne dominate the conversation with their endless reminiscing about the old days. Their rapport was obvious.

"I truly apologize for missing Harrington International's 50th anniversary celebration last night," Clarence said apologetically. "I had an unexpected meeting in Boston."

"Come now, we're too close for such formalities," Howard waved it off. "Though I did take the liberty of announcing Lucas and Rachel's engagement in your absence. I hope you don't mind?"

"Mind? The announcement being made on such an important day for Harrington International is an honor for Rachel," Clarence quickly responded.

"You're too kind - Lucas is the fortunate one to marry Rachel. It's an honor for the Harrington family," Howard insisted.

They continued their mutual flattery while I couldn't help but watch my brother. With the elders present, I hadn't gotten a chance to speak with him privately. His expression remained completely unreadable - I couldn't tell if he accepted or rejected this arranged marriage with the Thorne family, and it was making me anxious.

"Since you're here in Manhattan, you should stay a while," Howard suggested warmly. "Lucas can show you around. The city's changed dramatically these past years."

"Perfect timing - my schedule is clear this week, though I have to be in Boston next week," Clarence agreed. "Though with my health, I'd prefer just having tea and chess matches with you."

"Quite right. As you can see, I'm not very mobile myself these days," Howard gestured to his wheelchair. "Let the young people enjoy themselves. Lucas has been back six months now, but Rachel's been abroad so long, she might need a refresher on the city."

"Understood," Lucas replied - not enthusiastic, but not resistant either.

I watched this whole scene unfold with mounting frustration. Damn it, Lucas was such a jerk sometimes.