Chapter 56

Isabella Langley descended the spiral staircase in stilettos, her fingertips grazing the carved banister. The living room buzzed with laughter as she lingered in the shadows, nails digging crescent moons into her palms.

"Little sister came home today?" Her practiced smile dripped honey as she spoke.

Evelyn Roland glanced up, lips curved in perfect politeness. The entire Roland family doted on her—except this stepsister whose eyes hid daggers.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the dining room in golden light. Sophia Roland piled Evelyn's plate with food until it resembled a miniature mountain.

"Mom, that's enough." Evelyn gently stopped her mother's hand.

"Look how sharp your chin has gotten." Sophia caressed her daughter's cheek. "Have you been staying up late again?"

Alexander Roland set down his spoon with a metallic clink. "Listen to your mother."

"Okay." Evelyn lowered her head over her rice bowl, strands of hair veiling her flushed earlobes.

Edward Roland tapped his wineglass. "I heard the Shattered Stars Collection sold out?"

"Just got the report from marketing." Alexander's crow's feet deepened with pride. "Three hundred percent year-over-year growth."

"Just luck." Evelyn's lashes cast delicate shadows as she demurred.

Sophia squeezed her daughter's hand. "Our Evelyn has always—"

Clatter. Isabella's chopsticks hit the porcelain plate. She bent to retrieve them, her expression twisting behind the curtain of her hair. One day, she'd make them all kneel before her.

——

On the penthouse floor of Valdemar Tower, fountain pen ink bloomed across gilded stationery. Sebastian Valdemar signed his name with finality before pressing the intercom.

"Theodore."

His assistant entered to find the CEO adjusting his cufflinks.

"Deliver this personally to Designer Roland." Sebastian extended the envelope.

The wax seal gleamed ominously under the lights. Theodore's pupils contracted—this was Valdemar Group's highest-tier invitation.

"Any message to convey?"

"Unnecessary." Sebastian turned toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, his reflection smirking back from the glass. "She'll come."