Chapter 189

Wait, what?

Isabella Sinclair actually got her hands on a piece of jewelry that even Gabrielle Moreau—the reigning queen of the jewelry world—couldn’t secure?

Glynnis's shock was instant, but she schooled her expression into something resembling admiration. "Wow, Isabella, you’re incredible! If you can get your hands on Alea’s collection, Gabrielle will have no choice but to come crawling back to us. That’ll be our chance to humiliate Evelyn and do Alexander a favor. And let’s not forget—this will skyrocket your reputation in the Kingsley family. Your relationship with Alexander? About to level up."

Isabella laughed, the sound bright with triumph. "Which means we have to steal this project from Evelyn."

Glynnis nodded along, but her mind was already racing in a different direction.

She had no real interest in helping Alexander. They weren’t blood-related, after all. But this? This was her golden opportunity. If she could snatch the project lead from him, she’d finally prove herself to her father—maybe even salvage her mother’s crumbling reputation.

And Isabella?

Just a pawn in her game.

The thought sent a thrill through her. Desire burned in her eyes, her cheeks flushing with excitement.

"This night has been awful," Isabella whined, her voice dripping with petulance. "Alexander left halfway through, and my brother didn’t even show up. I swear, I’m cutting him off!"

Glynnis smirked. "Oh, but your brother did come tonight, Isabella. He just left again."

Isabella froze. "When?"

"While you were playing the piano. And guess what? He brought my little sister, Lillian, with him. Thanks to Mr. Dominic’s connections, she had the time of her life—center stage, all eyes on her." Glynnis chuckled, watching the shock ripple across Isabella’s face.

"Your sister? That airhead?"

Isabella couldn’t wrap her mind around it. Her brother, Dominic, associating with Lillian?

She knew Lillian all too well.

They’d been classmates at an elite girls’ school years ago.

"Honestly, Isabella, I’m already fighting an uphill battle before I even step foot into the Fairhaven family," Glynnis sighed dramatically, her eyes glinting with cold calculation. "And now? Your brother might actually have feelings for my sister."

Isabella shot to her feet, knocking over her wine glass. "What? That idiot isn’t worthy of Dominic!"

Glynnis feigned distress, pressing a hand to her chest. "But you didn’t see them tonight. Mr. Dominic was so gentle with her. Bought her a new dress, kept saying she was the only one he cared about. I was practically green with envy."

She knew Dominic’s cold, detached personality—there was no way he was serious about Lillian.

But this?

This was the perfect way to manipulate Isabella into dealing with Lillian for her.

Isabella’s anger simmered down slightly as she processed Glynnis’s words. Slowly, she sat back down, picked up her glass, and took a sip. Her eyes darkened with something far beyond her years.

No one knew Dominic better than she did.

And if Glynnis was telling the truth—if he was treating Lillian differently—then this was bad.

Back in school, she’d been the ringleader in making Lillian’s life miserable.

Even after all these years, she doubted Lillian had forgotten.

If Dominic did like Lillian—even just as a friend—her past sins could come back to haunt her. Lillian might use him to exact revenge.

Isabella gritted her teeth. "Don’t worry. As long as I’m around, Lillian and my brother will never be together."

Meanwhile, at The Grand Chateau.

The private dining room was a vision of luxury—ten exquisite dishes, each fit for royalty, paired with rare vintage wine.

Gabrielle Moreau, a self-proclaimed foodie, was in heaven.

Evelyn and Jason kept her company, chatting effortlessly in fluent French. Evelyn steered clear of wedding talk or business, instead discussing films and jewelry collections like old friends.

The atmosphere was perfect.

After dinner, Evelyn and Jason escorted Gabrielle to the underground parking lot.

"Ms. Evelyn, the meal tonight was divine," Gabrielle gushed. "That rose-shaped dessert? Unbelievable! Your chef is a genius."

Evelyn smiled. "That was rose apple pie. If you liked it, I’ll have two boxes prepared before you leave—one for you, and one for your mother."

Jason couldn’t resist adding, "Actually, Ms. Gabrielle, many of the dishes tonight—including the rose apple pie—were made by Ms. Evelyn herself."

Gabrielle’s eyes widened. "What? You made something that intricate yourself?"

She was genuinely moved. A woman of Evelyn’s status—a powerhouse in business—taking the time to cook for her?

That was sincerity she hadn’t expected.

Evelyn shrugged modestly. "It’s nothing special."

Gabrielle hesitated for a moment before suddenly smiling. "Ms. Evelyn, do you have the contract with you?"

Evelyn and Jason exchanged glances. "Ms. Gabrielle...?"

"I want The Grand Chateau to handle my wedding. If that’s possible, I’ll sign right now."

Evelyn’s composure cracked for a split second—just long enough for surprise to flicker in her eyes.

Jason nearly tripped over himself pulling the contract from his briefcase. "Right here! We’ve been carrying it everywhere!"

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Ms. Gabrielle, I have to ask—you wanted us to find a designer who could create unique jewelry for you. I haven’t delivered on that yet. So why choose us now?"

Gabrielle sighed, looking almost guilty. "Honestly? At first, I didn’t want either of you handling my wedding. I only came to New York to fulfill my mother’s wish. So from the start, I was skeptical. Even tonight, accepting your invitation wasn’t entirely sincere—I just picked at random. For that, I apologize. I shouldn’t have been so arrogant."

She met Evelyn’s gaze. "But after tasting the dishes you made for me? That’s when I knew. Your sincerity won me over."

Evelyn blinked.

So her cooking had actually saved the day.

As they settled into the car, Jason handed Gabrielle the contract, grinning like a fool.

Before signing, Gabrielle paused. "Ms. Evelyn, could we add one more condition?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"I want the wedding décor kept secret until the big day. A surprise for my fans—and my mother. Can you do that?"

Evelyn nodded. "Consider it done."

They signed.

Jason exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for weeks.

Gabrielle extended her hand with a smile. "Looking forward to working with you, Ms. Evelyn."

Evelyn clasped it firmly, her eyes gleaming. "The pleasure is mine."