Chapter 92
Evelyn Roland rounded the street corner swiftly, ensuring the tall figure behind her wasn't following before pressing her earpiece again.
"Clear?" she whispered.
"Just arrived," came Dylan Orlando's breathless reply through the earpiece. "Twenty flights of stairs."
The corner of Evelyn's lips lifted. She'd specifically instructed Dylan to avoid elevator cameras—no traces left behind.
"Remember, stick to the plan tomorrow," she tapped the earpiece lightly. "No slip-ups."
"Understood." Dylan's voice turned serious instantly.
The International Jewelry Design Awards were only three days away. Winning as Celadon to secure CH Jewelry Inc.'s mining rights—this was the culmination of her six-month scheme.
Morning light filtered through sheer curtains onto the dining table.
Evelyn sliced her omelette with deliberate precision, the clink of cutlery crisp in the air.
"Evelyn, won't you accompany Isabella to the competition today?" Alexander Roland approached, coffee in hand, his tie loosely draped around his neck.
"Business calls," she replied without looking up.
Isabella Langley looped her arm through her brother's, her skirt brushing against Evelyn's chair. "Sister, it's an international event. You'll get to meet so many masters."
The unspoken implication: You've never seen the world.
Evelyn smiled faintly. Oh, she would attend—just not as herself.
Luxury cars crowded the entrance of The Ritz-Carlton downtown.
As a contestant, Isabella arrived two hours early. A doorman bowed deeply as he opened the Rolls-Royce door.
"Mr. Roland, Miss Langley, this way, please." A hostess bent at a perfect ninety-degree angle.
The elevator mirrors reflected Isabella's meticulously styled figure. Adjusting her diamond earrings, her eyes gleamed with determination.
"Brother, do you like my new gown?" She twirled, the skirt flaring like a blossom.
"Stunning." Alexander ruffled her hair affectionately.
The elevator doors slid open soundlessly.
"Rumor has it Celadon is representing Valdemar Group this time," Alexander murmured. "Confident?"
Isabella's fingers stilled.
"I'll make sure KL Design Group's name echoes through the hall," she declared, chin lifted, nails digging into her palms.
No one had anticipated the legendary designer Celadon's sudden alliance with Valdemar—it had upended all her plans.
Crystal chandeliers showered the ballroom in starlight.
"Presenting KL Design Group's representative—Miss Isabella Langley!"
Spotlights followed Isabella as she ascended the stage in ten-centimeter heels. Her champagne-colored gown, studded with diamonds, shimmered with every step.
The applause swelled like tide.
"Next, Valdemar Group's特邀设计师—Master Celadon!"
A hush fell. Every neck craned toward the entrance.
Dylan Orlando appeared at the red carpet's end in a black tailcoat, a silver mask obscuring his features. Beneath it, his lips curved in a mysterious smile.