Chapter 378

"She's the heiress of Monarch Group. Surely she understands industry etiquette."

"Obviously. She's probably exploiting the situation. The tactics businesswomen employ these days... Who knows what shady methods she used to win over Isabella and outmaneuver Mr. Blackwood."

"How disappointing. I had such high hopes for Ms. Carter, but she's proven herself utterly unscrupulous."

Isabelle Montgomery's lips curled in triumph. She'd successfully turned the tide. "You arrogant little witch, Evelyn. Today will be your reckoning." Destroying someone's reputation was always more effective than direct confrontation.

Unseen by Isabelle, Nathan Blackwood had witnessed the entire exchange from the shadows.

The imposing figure remained motionless, his icy gaze fixed on Isabelle's smug expression. The impeccable lines of his tailored suit accentuated his powerful frame as his expression darkened.

"Sir, that woman is harassing your wife," Theodore Winslow whispered urgently.

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line.

He leaned forward slightly, then stilled.

"Wait."

Theodore blinked in confusion.

"That's Evelyn Carter. She doesn't need rescuing like some damsel in distress."

Nathan's eyes narrowed with an unconscious tenderness that would have shocked anyone who knew him. "And if she does require assistance... she has me."

His hand absently touched his chest.

Nathan added in a voice like velvet-covered steel, "She's mine. No one gets to torment her except me."

Theodore nearly choked. Since when did the infamous Ice Prince of Blackwood Industries melt like spring snow? What a pity Ms. Carter couldn't see this unprecedented display of devotion.

Meanwhile, the crowd's murmurs grew louder.

Evelyn's jewelry choice had caused quite the scandal. Promoting a competing brand at a corporate event? Unthinkable.

Cassandra Blackwood lurked behind Isabelle, savoring Evelyn's humiliation.

Evelyn remained composed as Isabelle stirred the pot. Her unshakable poise only fueled Isabelle's irritation.

Where were the tears? The panic? The desperate explanations Isabelle had anticipated?

This wasn't going according to plan.

"Ms. Carter," Edmund Windsor finally spoke, his cultured voice cutting through the whispers. "I couldn't help but notice you're wearing Luxe Bijoux's Eternal Bloom collection. Only ten sets exist worldwide."

"Yes, Mr. Windsor. I've always admired Luxe Bijoux's craftsmanship. This particular collection holds special meaning for me."

Isabelle's pulse quickened. The CEO of Luxe Bijoux had noticed her!

"Then you must know," Edmund continued, his gaze lingering on the delicate rose gold earring adorning Evelyn's left ear, "the Eternal Bloom collection drew inspiration from a remarkable designer's work - Alexa's Passion's Thorn."

From Nathan's vantage point, Edmund's appreciative stare was far too intimate.

His knuckles whitened around his champagne flute.

"The jewelry Ms. Carter wears tonight is the original Passion's Thorn design. To put it bluntly," Edmund announced to the stunned crowd, "without Passion's Thorn, there would be no Eternal Bloom collection."