Chapter 59

"Suddenly interested in business galas?" Alexander Roland tapped the desk with slender fingers, understanding flashing in his eyes.

He knew his childhood companion too well.

Isabella Langley's ears turned pink. She abandoned pretense. "I want to learn from experienced professionals..."

"And see Sebastian Valdemar?" Alexander cut straight to the point.

The girl's lashes fluttered. A blush spread from her cheeks down her slender neck.

The man chuckled, retrieving a gilded invitation from his drawer. "Valdemar Group's invitation. Exactly what you wanted."

"Thank you, brother!" Isabella accepted it with trembling fingers, her excitement barely contained.

She traced the invitation's edge with determination. What was Evelyn Roland to her? She always got what she wanted.

The gala glittered under crystal chandeliers. Champagne flutes clinked amidst perfumed guests in evening wear.

Evelyn arrived hurriedly, still wearing her white work suit. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek updo, standing out among the jeweled crowd.

"Miss Roland, your speech." Theodore Ashcroft materialized beside her.

"Speech?" She frowned.

"Last-minute addition." Theodore lowered his voice. "You're leading the Shattered Stars project."

Evelyn's gaze cut through the crowd, locking onto Sebastian's. The man stood where light and shadow met, his lips curved in a faint smirk.

His eyes clearly said: You can't escape.

"Mr. Valdemar insists you prioritize the company's interests," Theodore added.

Her knuckles whitened around the papers. "Understood."

As she turned, red wine splashed across her pristine white jacket. The stain bloomed like blood.

"Oh dear, how clumsy!" The waitress feigned shock, triumph gleaming in her eyes.

Evelyn's lips curled coldly. Such an amateurish performance.