Chapter 21

Nathan's message popped up on my screen like an unwelcome intruder.

"Today's incident was entirely Vanessa's fault. She'll apologize, but you must apologize to Isabella too!"

My fingers trembled with rage as I read the absurd demand. "What absolute garbage is this man spewing?" I muttered under my breath before decisively blocking his number.

Olivia leaned against my dresser with a mischievous grin. "Darling, you're attending the gala with Dominic tomorrow, yes? Let me style you - I insist on seeing your wardrobe first."

"Be my guest," I waved her toward the walk-in closet.

The moment the doors swung open, Olivia gasped. "Holy couture! This is larger than our flagship boutique in Manhattan!"

The three-level closet beneath my bedroom suite overflowed with designer gowns and rare jewels. Dominic had commissioned the renovation as a homecoming gift, completing it just yesterday.

"My walk-in seems pathetic compared to this fashion paradise," Olivia marveled, running her fingers through racks of silk and chiffon.

I held a sapphire-blue Gucci against my frame before the full-length mirror. "Might need expansion soon if I keep acquiring pieces."

How naive I'd been before - why reject family wealth and comfort?

A crisp knock interrupted us. Walter entered with two attendants pushing a rolling rack of pristine garment bags.

"Miss Evelyn, Prada's private collection just arrived. Each piece has been custom-fitted to your measurements." His gloved hand gestured gracefully. "These designs won't hit stores for months - you get first selection."

Olivia squealed, planting an enthusiastic kiss on my cheek. "You magnificent creature!"

Our laughter echoed through the spacious room.

Across town, Nathan glared at his phone screen where a single gray tick mocked him. Evelyn never powered off her devices - she'd deliberately blocked him.

The phone shattered against leather upholstery, making Vanessa jump.

That infuriating woman! Blocking him like some insignificant nuisance.

Clearly, Evelyn wouldn't assist with his business crisis. "Any response from Kingsley Industries?" he snapped at Simon.

Simon adjusted his tie nervously. "Still radio silence, sir."

Nathan yanked at his constricting neckwear. "Did you secure Dominic Kingsley's schedule?"

"Confirmed - he's attending Kristina's charity auction tomorrow evening."

Nathan's jaw tightened. "We're going. Make arrangements."

Vanessa perked up immediately. "Nathan, please let me come! I've never seen a proper auction."

"This isn't a field trip. You'll only distract me."

"But Nathan-"

When her pleading failed, Vanessa turned to Isabella, who'd been feigning sleep. "Isabella, help me. I promise to behave perfectly."

Isabella fluttered her lashes awake. "Nathan darling, I'll supervise Vanessa personally. No disruptions, I guarantee."

With Isabella's assurance, Nathan reluctantly agreed.

Kristina's auction drew Darai's elite like moths to flame.

A midnight blue Rolls-Royce purred to a stop at the venue. Nathan emerged with Isabella clinging to his arm - the picture of power and grace with her delicate beauty complementing his commanding presence.

Vanessa stumbled out behind them, awkwardly smoothing her ill-fitting gown.

Well-wishers immediately swarmed the striking couple. Then murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Only Kingsley Industries would send an assistant with this much fanfare," someone whispered.

The doors of a pearl-white Lincoln swung open. Every head turned as I emerged in a blood-red Valentino, the gown's train fluttering like victory banners behind me.