Sophia’s smirk twisted into something sharper. “Is it a crime to greet an old friend?” Her voice cut through the air. “I’m just wondering. How exactly do you intend to fulfill the ‘Decade’s Vow’ for your client without the Rosalia Pink Diamond? The penalty clause must be astronomical.”
A sudden silence blanketed the grand ballroom. Every gaze locked onto Isabella, brimming with undisguised curiosity.
Whispers of her crisis had already spread like wildfire. Her appearance tonight, poised and unshaken, was a shock to everyone.
Isabella had braced for this. She knew Sophia’s game was public humiliation. She would not give her the satisfaction.
A cool, faint smile touched Isabella’s lips. “Miss Reed, you seem unusually invested in my professional affairs. The penalty and the ‘Decade’s Vow’ are hardly your concern.”
Her eyes drifted slowly across the crowd before landing on the delicate crystal glass in Sophia’s hand. “You should worry more about your own grip, Miss Reed. It would be a shame if you dropped that.”
An inexplicable chill shot through Sophia’s core. Isabella’s calm, assured demeanor was deeply unsettling. Where was this confidence coming from?
“Is that so, Isabella?” Sophia lifted her chin, her expression dripping with scorn. “I think you’re the one who should be worried.”
“We’ll see,” Isabella replied, her voice a model of serene composure.
Just then, Lucas moved to stand beside Isabella. His presence formed a protective barrier against the prying eyes. His look was one of pure, undiluted concern, focused entirely on her.
The hall instantly erupted into a frenzy of hushed speculation.
“What is the nature of Lucas Grant’s relationship with Isabella Scott?”
“Are they involved?”
The air buzzed with wild theories and conjecture.
Sophia’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
At that precise moment, the main doors to the ballroom swung open once more.
Hank and Leanna Lawrence made their entrance, hand in hand.
Leanna was resplendent in a sapphire blue gown. She was adorned with a breathtaking suite of matching sapphire jewelry—a necklace, earrings, and a ring. The gems captured the light, blazing with an intense, deep blue fire that commanded the attention of every single guest. A stunned hush fell.
The magnificent sapphires on Leanna were utterly mesmerizing, leaving the crowd in awed silence.
Sophia stood frozen. She had been certain Isabella would present the “Decade’s Vow” design featuring the Cardilla Pink Diamond. This was not part of the plan.
A cold dread began to creep up her spine.
All eyes in the room darted between Isabella, Lucas, and Leanna, filled with utter confusion and burning curiosity.
Breaking the tense silence, Sophia pointed an accusatory finger at the sapphire necklace. “Wasn’t this commission supposed to feature the Rosalia Pink Diamond?” she demanded, her voice rising. “What is the meaning of this? Is Miss Scott attempting to deceive Mrs. Sterling?”
Sophia was reeling. Her meticulously laid plot to destroy Isabella’s career and reputation was unraveling before her eyes.
How could this be happening?