As a lowly seamstress, Bette's sister-in-law Baron Hulot and her niece Hortense Hulot are both affluent and prominent, and Bette seeks to get into their life following her sister's death. A attractive young sculptor she saved from famine provides her peace and companionship instead. Sadly, Hortense leaves Bette a bitter spinster when the budding artist finds love with someone else. To get back at the family that rejected her and took her one true love, Bette hatches a scheme. In collaboration with renowned courtesan Jenny Cadine, she methodically annihilates the lives of those who have despised her.