Chapter 379

Gasps echoed through the crowd.

Evelyn Carter and Cassandra Blackwood weren’t the only ones stunned. As Theodore Windsor’s close friend and Alexa’s biggest admirer, Isabella Laurent was equally floored.

She had heard whispers about Passion’s Thorn, but she had never laid eyes on it.

For the first time in her life, Isabella envied the elite.

Evelyn shot Theodore a subtle, grateful glance.

She didn’t need to defend herself—Theodore had already taken care of the troublemakers at his event.

There was no point wasting energy on insignificant people.

Nathan Blackwood’s gaze remained locked on Evelyn, his jaw clenched.

He was certain she knew Theodore—and that they were far closer than he liked.

"Who is that man?" Nathan demanded, his voice icy.

"Theodore Windsor is the CEO of Luxe Bijoux," someone murmured. "His grandfather was the last Duke of Valmont, and his grandmother founded the brand. The Windsor family owns it outright."

Another voice chimed in, "They also gifted him a massive estate. And that’s not all—he’s one of the top five wealthiest men in Valmont, worth billions. Mrs. Carter is incredible! Who knew she had royal connections?"

Nathan’s fingers curled into fists, his knuckles whitening.

"Did you see how Mr. Windsor defended her? Do you think he’s interested?"

A nearby guest gasped. "If he is, she could become a duchess! She’s already an heiress—imagine her marrying into royalty! That’s every woman’s dream!"

Nathan’s voice cut through the chatter like steel. "That won’t happen. He’s old enough to be her father. She wouldn’t be interested."

A gossipy attendee smirked. "You never know. Maybe she prefers older men. After all, she did fall for you, and you’re six years her senior."

Nathan shot him a glare that could freeze fire.

Six years was nothing compared to two decades.

The man paled, pressing his lips together in surrender.

Nathan’s irritation flared.

He wasn’t angry at Evelyn anymore for keeping secrets.

He was furious at the parade of extraordinary men orbiting her—pushing him further down the line.

"Unbelievable! The CEO of a global luxury brand just admitted to borrowing Alexa’s designs. Isn’t that embarrassing for his company?"

"Not at all," another countered. "Mr. Windsor was honest. He didn’t copy—he was inspired by her work."

Theodore’s voice carried over the murmurs. "We did incorporate elements from Alexa’s designs."

The crowd fell silent.

He continued, "Ms. Alexa was fully aware. We discussed it privately, and she granted permission for us to use those elements in the Eternal Bloom collection. She even contributed to the designs."

A collective gasp rippled through the room.

Isabelle Montgomery’s smug expression shattered.

"So, Mrs. Carter isn’t just wearing Alexa’s jewelry—she’s wearing pieces approved for this event." Theodore’s gaze flicked to Evelyn before turning away.

Evelyn smirked. "There’s something else you don’t know, Ms. Montgomery."

She let the suspense build before delivering the final blow.

"Luxe Bijoux and Alexa have been partners for years. Every VIP member knows one rule: they’re welcome to wear Alexa’s pieces to our events and will be seated in the VVIP section. Not only that—Luxe Bijoux provides lifetime maintenance for any Alexa jewelry."

Her eyes gleamed with triumph.

"You claim to be a fan of Luxe Bijoux. How could you not know?"

Isabelle’s face drained of color.

She owned plenty of Luxe Bijoux pieces, but the membership threshold was impossibly high—requiring not just exorbitant spending but also an impeccable pedigree.

Despite being Julian Montgomery’s sister, she had never qualified.

And now, everyone knew it.