Chapter 444

Nathan and Alexander's breaths hitched simultaneously as their gazes locked onto Evelyn.

Having known her for years, they instantly recognized the dangerous glint in her emerald eyes.

This was the unmistakable sign of Evelyn Carter's legendary temper.

Without hesitation, both men withdrew their bids immediately.

If Evelyn wanted that necklace, they'd let her have it. No piece of jewelry was worth her wrath.

"Congratulations, Ms. Carter! The necklace is yours!"

The auctioneer, sensing the tension, wasted no time slamming his gavel before anyone could react.

A stunned silence blanketed the grand ballroom before erupting into thunderous applause.

Evelyn remained impassive, her porcelain features betraying no emotion as she stared blankly ahead.

"Mother! Evelyn just bought the counterfeit necklace!" Cassandra's voice trembled as violently as her hands. "What if she realizes it's fake?"

Penelope's nails dug into her daughter's arm. "Keep your voice down, you foolish girl!" she hissed through clenched teeth. "She'd never suspect a forgery at her own charity event. Consider that $150 million payment for your miserable karma!"

"But when she examines it later—"

"Once that necklace leaves this ballroom, any substitution could've happened anywhere!" Penelope's lips curled into a venomous smile. "Who's to say she didn't swap it herself to frame you?"

Cassandra marveled at her mother's effortless deceit, cursing her own inability to match such cunning.

Across the room, Isabella Wang preened with satisfaction, watching the highest bid of the evening go to her donated piece.

She smugly assumed Evelyn must still be desperate for collaboration, hence this extravagant display.

Ah, the naivety of youth!

Meanwhile, the "naive" Evelyn's icy fingers tapped a message to Theodore before settling back with the poised anticipation of a panther awaiting its prey.

"Our next item is from—"

The auctioneer's announcement died abruptly as the velvet drape lifted.

His eyes darted between the teardrop diamond necklace in the display case and his inventory sheet.

This wasn't the scheduled item.

When spotlights illuminated the dazzling piece, gasps rippled through the elite crowd.

"Am I hallucinating? Isn't that Isabella Wang's donated necklace?"

"It's identical! The same design!"

"Impossible! Every Alexa creation is one-of-a-kind!"

"Two identical pieces at the same auction? One must be counterfeit!"

The murmurs crescendoed into open speculation as fingers pointed at the display case.

Isabella shot forward in her seat, face draining of color at the duplicate necklace on stage.

Penelope and Cassandra clutched each other's hands, their knuckles whitening. Cold sweat trickled down Cassandra's spine.

Her donated necklace was undeniably fake.

Which meant only one thing—the necklace currently on stage was genuine.

"Ms. Carter, weren't the auction items vetted?" Vivienne Laurent whispered urgently, not as accusation but concern.

Evelyn's lips curved. "Perhaps the question should be directed at Ms. Wang, don't you think?"

Vivienne's eyes widened. "That necklace... Could it be—?"

As whispers swirled, Evelyn rose with regal grace and ascended the stage.

Nathan's piercing gaze tracked her every movement, his pulse accelerating inexplicably beneath his tailored suit. His skin burned as if scorched by her proximity.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Evelyn's melodic voice commanded silence, "as organizer of Éclat's charity gala and director of Monarch Grand Hotels, I take full responsibility for this irregularity and sincerely apologize for any confusion caused."