Chapter 173

The Regal Palace and The Grand Marquis had been playing nice in public, but behind closed doors, their rivalry was fiercer than ever. Isabella Sinclair, an A-list Hollywood celebrity, commanded attention wherever she went. Her wedding would only happen if it was sponsored by luxury brands. Everyone knew Isabella was obsessed with jewelry. She'd even hosted private exhibitions to showcase her priceless collection.

For her upcoming wedding, she'd set impossible demands for both The Regal Palace and The Grand Marquis. The jewelry she wore had to be one-of-a-kind, crafted by the finest designers. Only one piece would do.

"Isabella insists on jewels that match her status—nothing less than extraordinary."

Nathan Prescott relayed his agent's words to Alexander Kingsley and the executives in the boardroom. "She won't dictate the style or designer. She's leaving it up to The Regal Palace and The Grand Marquis."

"Whichever hotel presents jewelry that meets her standards gets to host the wedding. No negotiations."

Alexander listened, fingers drumming against the polished mahogany table, deep in thought.

The executives erupted in murmurs.

"Is she looking for sponsors or a personal jeweler?"

"Who does she think she is? Just another actress with an inflated ego."

"Isabella's demands are ridiculous. She should be writing exams, not planning weddings."

Alexander's sharp gaze cut through the chatter. "This is a boardroom, not a gossip circle. Speak up if you have solutions. Otherwise, stay silent."

The room fell quiet.

The Head of Design quickly listed renowned jewelry designers, presenting detailed portfolios of their work.

Alexander scanned the names. "Why isn't Henri Delacroix on this list?"

The mention of Henri silenced the room.

Alexander frowned. "What's with the reaction?"

"Mr. Kingsley," the Head of Design hesitated, "Henri is... different. He's a legend. Every designer I just mentioned reveres him. Some openly admit they study his work for inspiration."

"Henri is untouchable. His pieces are museum-worthy. Convincing him to design for a celebrity like Isabella? Impossible."

Alexander leaned forward. "No one is untouchable. Everyone has a price."

His voice left no room for argument. "Henri Delacroix will design Isabella's wedding jewelry."

The executives exchanged stunned glances.

The Head of Design wiped her brow. "Sir, the designers I suggested are award-winning. They can deliver."

Alexander shook his head. "Your choices are excellent. But you're missing the bigger picture—our competition."

He smirked. "The Grand Marquis is run by Evelyn Prescott. She doesn't settle for second best. If we present anything less than Henri's work, she'll crush us."

His eyes gleamed with rare admiration. "Evelyn won't cut corners. She'll go straight for the best. So we have to secure Henri before she does."

Doubt lingered in the room.

Could Evelyn really pull that off?

"Find me everything on Henri. Not his work—his personal details. Within 24 hours."

As Alexander stood to leave, the Head of Design spoke up. "Sir, about Henri... there's only one thing I can tell you for certain."

Alexander turned. "What?"

"He's a man."

The next day.

Evelyn wrapped up her meeting and returned to her office.

"Daniel, I'm starving. Order me fried chicken and beer. Fast." She didn't look up from her game.

Daniel sighed. "You're worry-free while I'm losing my mind. Isabella's team wants a top designer, and The Regal Palace is already moving. How are you so calm? You rejected every designer the team suggested—insisted on Henri. Do you even realize how impossible that is?"

Evelyn smirked. "If we can't get Henri, neither can they. No rush."

A video call flashed on her screen.

Daniel moved to leave, but Evelyn stopped him. "Stay. This is interesting."

She answered.

A striking blonde woman appeared.

"Long time no see, Gabrielle."

"Alexander Kingsley just contacted me," Gabrielle said. "He wants Henri to design for Isabella."

Evelyn laughed. "Alexander, reaching out personally? How humble of him."

"Doesn't matter who asks. My answer is the same."

"What if I asked?" Evelyn rested her chin on her hand, eyes sparkling. "As Henri's assistant, could you make an exception, Gabrielle?"

Daniel blinked.

So this was why she'd been so confident. She knew Henri's assistant!

But Gabrielle's next words stunned him.

She leaned closer to the screen, smiling. "Don't tease me, Miss Delacroix."

Miss Delacroix?

Daniel's jaw dropped.

Evelyn... was Henri Delacroix?!