Chapter 196

Isabella Sinclair hadn't come to the fashion event today to flaunt her wealth or status. She had two critical objectives to accomplish.

First, she needed to address the media directly and put an end to the swirling rumors about her severing ties with the Vanderbilt Group. This would silence the unnecessary gossip once and for all.

Second, her public gift to Evelyn was actually a strategic move to keep Victoria Sterling in check. She couldn't risk giving that scheming woman any opportunity to cause trouble.

Just then, Evelyn approached with a distinguished middle-aged man in an impeccably tailored brown suit. His regal bearing marked him as someone of importance.

"Ms. Sinclair, allow me to introduce you," Evelyn said eagerly. "This is Mr. Laurent, the global president of Éclat Jewelry and a dear friend of mine. Laurent, this is Ms. Sinclair, the CEO of The Regal Palace. She's quite the remarkable woman!"

Laurent, born into European aristocracy, had golden hair and piercing blue eyes that spoke of his noble lineage.

"Mr. Laurent, the pleasure is mine," Isabella said, her crimson lips curving into a dazzling smile as she extended her perfectly manicured hand.

"The honor is ours to have you at our show, Ms. Sinclair," Laurent replied, his usually aloof demeanor softening slightly as they shook hands.

Evelyn glanced between them, sensing an odd tension. Were they meeting for the first time? The chemistry between them suggested otherwise.

The reporters gasped in shock!

Mr. Laurent, known for his icy aristocratic demeanor, was actually smiling at Isabella Sinclair! The normally unapproachable jewelry magnate seemed positively charmed.

Of course, Ms. Sinclair wasn't just any woman. With her breathtaking beauty and effortless elegance, it was no wonder men fell under her spell.

"What a coincidence running into you here, Ms. Sinclair," came a saccharine voice. Natalie Chen approached in a lavish gown that trailed behind her, her crystal-like eyes and dimpled cheeks giving her an angelic appearance.

Isabella's gaze turned glacial as it swept over Natalie before deliberately ignoring her. "Shall we continue our conversation elsewhere?" she suggested to Laurent and Evelyn.

The blatant dismissal made Natalie's eyes burn with humiliation. How dare Isabella treat her this way when her brother was Alexander Kingsley!

Just as the trio turned to leave, Natalie's voice cut through the air. "Ms. Sinclair, your jewelry today is absolutely stunning. The combination of rubies and rose gold is quite unique. It caught my eye from across the room."

All attention shifted to Isabella.

"Thank you for the compliment," Isabella replied coolly.

"But that jewelry isn't from Éclat, is it?" Natalie pressed, her tone turning sharp.

The crowd murmured as they examined Isabella's pieces more closely. Indeed, while exquisite, they clearly weren't Éclat designs.

This was a serious breach of etiquette at a Éclat event, especially in front of the company president!

"Attending Éclat's show while wearing another brand's jewelry seems rather inappropriate," Natalie continued, her chin lifting in challenge. "Unless... are these from your own line? Using Éclat's platform to promote your own products? How very... enterprising of you. No wonder you managed to outmaneuver Mr. Kingsley in business."

The barbed comments hung in the air as reporters began whispering.

"As head of Sinclair Holdings, she must know better..."

"Clearly doing this intentionally. Businesswomen and their underhanded tactics..."

"I used to admire her, but this is shameless."

Natalie wore a triumphant smirk, convinced she'd exposed Isabella's true colors. Little did she know, Alexander Kingsley had witnessed the entire exchange from the shadows.

The imposing CEO stood watching, his chiseled features unreadable. Dressed in a perfectly fitted suit, he exuded power and danger in equal measure.

"Mr. Kingsley, Ms. Sinclair is being attacked!" Gordon said urgently.

Alexander's lips thinned.

He started forward, then stopped.

"Wait."

"Wait?" Gordon blinked in confusion.

"She's Isabella Sinclair. She always has a plan."

A faint smile touched Alexander's lips, one he didn't even realize he was making. "And if she doesn't... she has me."

Gordon stared, shocked by the uncharacteristic protectiveness from his normally ruthless boss.

"After all, she was my wife. No one else gets to mess with her."

Meanwhile, the situation escalated.

Isabella remained unshaken by Natalie's accusations or the growing murmurs of disapproval. Her composure only infuriated Natalie further.

"Miss," Laurent finally spoke up, his voice carrying authority, "I notice you're wearing Éclat's 'Eternal Bloom' collection, limited to ten sets worldwide."

"Yes, Mr. Laurent! I adore Éclat's designs, especially this series!" Natalie gushed, thrilled to have captured his attention.

"Then you should know the 'Eternal Bloom' was inspired by the 'Golden Rose' collection designed by the legendary Alea."

Laurent's gaze shifted meaningfully to the golden rose earring adorning Isabella's ear.

From his vantage point, Alexander's jaw tightened at the intimate look.

"The jewelry Ms. Sinclair wears today is Alea's original 'Golden Rose.' Without it, there would be no 'Eternal Bloom' you so admire."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd!