“That’s wonderful news.” Lucas’s eyes rested on Isabella, a faint warmth flickering in his gaze.

To Ethan, the sight felt like a blade twisting in his chest. He drained his glass in one swift motion, bitterness rising in his throat.

Just then, Olivia Sterling glided over, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Mr. Blackwood, drinking alone? How unlike you.”

Ethan paid her no mind, his attention still fixed across the room.

Olivia followed his stare, spotting Isabella and Lucas together.

She arched a brow, her tone laced with implication. “Seems your mind is elsewhere tonight.”

Ethan’s cold glance shifted briefly toward her.

Olivia gave a soft, amused laugh.

“No need for such frostiness. I merely wished to offer a friendly reminder. Some chances, once gone, don’t return.”

Ethan said nothing, his expression darkening as he refilled his glass.

With another light chuckle, Olivia excused herself to prepare for her presentation.

Sophia returned to Ethan’s side, settling gracefully beside him. Her hand rested lightly on his arm, her eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly as she watched Isabella.

She was certain Isabella’s composure would soon shatter.

The jewelry from Blackwood Enterprises had been delivered to Olivia the day before.

Tonight, Olivia would wear it, ensuring all attention was on Blackwood’s designs.

Isabella’s work would be completely eclipsed.

Feeling Sophia’s stare, Isabella didn’t look away.

Instead, she met it with a calm, subtle smile, her poise unshaken.

“Ethan, look. She doesn’t seem worried at all,” Sophia murmured.

Ethan remained silent, offering only a brief, unreadable glance toward Isabella.

As the evening deepened, the banquet hall lights dimmed, focusing all attention on the center stage under a single spotlight.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest of honor tonight, Ms. Olivia Sterling!” the host announced with enthusiasm.

Music swelled, lights danced, and every gaze turned toward the grand entrance.

Sophia clung to Ethan’s arm, anticipation gleaming in her eyes, eager for Isabella’s humiliation.

But Isabella’s smile held, though her grip on her wine glass tightened slightly.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as Olivia made her entrance. She wore a stunning crimson gown that complemented her complexion perfectly.

Yet, walking beside her was a fluffy white Samoyed, adorned with the garish diamond necklace from Sophia’s team.

Sophia’s confident smile froze, her face paling with shock.

“What is this?” she whispered, stunned. “How could this happen?”

But the spectacle wasn’t over.

Olivia ascended the stage with effortless grace, commanding every eye. The necklace around her own neck glittered under the lights, its diamonds shimmering like morning dew, capturing a delicate, vibrant charm.