Chapter 375

Only fourteen days remained until Isabella Wang's wedding.

Evelyn Carter had been drowning in work lately—adjusting designs to Isabella's exact preferences, supervising venue preparations, and double-checking every material, cost, and staff member. On her most grueling day, she had managed only three hours of sleep.

Yet, she thrived on it. With a clear, lucrative goal in sight, her motivation never wavered.

After a morning meeting with her team, Evelyn sat in her office, nibbling on a sandwich while reviewing documents.

Theodore Winslow knocked and entered, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. Despite her exhaustion, Evelyn still looked effortlessly radiant. Theodore sighed, shaking his head with an affectionate smile. "You know it's terrible for digestion to eat while working."

"I don’t have a choice. There’s a jewelry event later," Evelyn replied, taking another bite without glancing up.

"Why is your schedule so packed today? I noticed you finally had a free afternoon and wanted to book you a spa session." Theodore frowned, concerned.

"Save it for after Isabella’s wedding. I can’t relax with so much on my mind."

Evelyn lifted the coffee mug, meeting his gaze. "Any updates on Cassandra and Penelope these past few days?"

"I’ve been monitoring them, but they’ve been unusually quiet. Nothing suspicious."

Theodore hesitated before adding, "With our plans moving forward smoothly, maybe they’ve finally accepted defeat."

Evelyn smirked, recalling her recent conversation with Nathan Blackwood. "I wouldn’t underestimate them. After Cassandra stole the spotlight from Nathan, do you really think she’d retreat without a fight? What would she tell Leonard? No, she won’t give up that easily."

A sharp knock interrupted them.

The administrative secretary entered, carrying an elegant white gift box. "The pastries from the kitchen are ready, as requested, Ms. Carter."

"Thank you. Just leave them on the coffee table."

Once the secretary left, Theodore opened the box, admiring the intricately crafted desserts. They were a testament to Evelyn’s dedication to perfection. He chuckled.

"Get ready, Theo. We leave in five."

That afternoon, Nathan returned to his office after a grueling meeting.

"Mr. Blackwood, you received an invitation to today’s Luxe Bijoux exhibition a week ago. Isabella Laurent will be attending. We don’t—"

Before his assistant could finish, Nathan cut him off. "I’m not going."

"Are you certain?"

Nathan’s lips curled in disdain. "Cassandra will be there. She’s the one who charmed Isabella into this arrangement."

His assistant cleared his throat. "Well, I’ve just been informed that Ms. Carter is already at the event."

A flicker of interest passed through Nathan’s dark eyes.

"Bring the car around. And prepare a fresh suit."

The Luxe Bijoux showcase was being held at the Crestview International Convention Center.

The event was a dazzling affair, drawing fashion moguls, industry elites, and A-list celebrities who strutted down the red carpet as if it were the Met Gala.

Among them, Isabella Laurent stood out—not just as the most luminous star, but also as the face of Luxe Bijoux in Silvercrest.

As the heiresses of Crestview’s most powerful conglomerates, Cassandra Blackwood and Isabelle Montgomery had secured spots on the guest list—positions lesser celebrities would kill for.

Cassandra and Isabelle lingered on the red carpet, striking exaggerated poses for the cameras. The press grew visibly irritated as they hogged the spotlight far longer than necessary.

If the host hadn’t repeatedly urged them inside, they might have planted themselves there permanently.

"Good grief, don’t they have mirrors at home?" a journalist muttered. "It’s embarrassing how they’re clinging to this carpet like it’s their last lifeline."