Chapter 226

The crowd gasped as all eyes—and cameras—snapped toward Isabella Sinclair.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Iris. I didn't realize you were waiting for me."

Isabella blinked, caught off guard. The usually unflappable CEO actually felt her cheeks warm.

Behind her oversized sunglasses, Iris's eyes crinkled with amusement. "No need to apologize. You've had quite the night."

Then, to everyone's shock, Iris looped an arm around Isabella's shoulders like they were old friends. "Hey, everyone! Get some shots of us, will you?"

Isabella's lips parted in surprise.

Holy hell.

Iris, the untouchable queen of fashion, was voluntarily posing for photos—with her?

The whispers exploded.

President Sinclair truly was something else. Even the most elite figures couldn't resist bending to her charm.

Nearby, Victoria Sterling and Miranda Chen's faces soured.

Especially Miranda. Humiliation burned through her veins, ringing in her ears like a siren.

Why?

How?

Was Isabella coated in some kind of irresistible pheromone? Why did every powerful figure flock to her like moths to a flame?

She couldn't comprehend it!

Isabella forced herself to stay composed, but her heart pounded like an overworked kettle as she smiled for the cameras. At least some of her dignity had been restored.

Once the photos were done, Isabella and Iris slipped into a quiet corner.

"Ms. Iris, I can't thank you enough for what you did back there." Isabella's voice was genuine. "You saw the mess I was in. That photo op was a lifeline."

"Ms. Sinclair." Iris adjusted her sunglasses. "I'm hosting this event. We're in this together."

Isabella gave a wry smile. She knew the truth. "Still, I appreciate it."

"Don't misunderstand." Iris's gaze softened, almost maternal. "This wasn't about the event. It was about your brother, Sebastian. He asked me to look out for you tonight."

Isabella's breath hitched.

Sebastian. Always worrying, always protecting—even from afar.

But Iris's feelings for him were far from platonic.

And Sebastian knew that.

Was he really using her affection to shield Isabella? That was...

"Ms. Sinclair, I heard about Ada canceling your collaboration. That must sting."

Iris's tone turned serious. "Ada and I go way back. I'll talk to her about the wedding planning rights. Maybe I can help."

"No!" Isabella shook her head vehemently. "You've done more than enough. I couldn't possibly—"

"Afraid of owing me, little lady?" Iris chuckled, patting her shoulder. "Relax. I don't expect anything in return. Sebastian must've told you how I feel about him, right?"

Isabella pressed her lips together and nodded.

"You're his precious sister. The people he loves? They matter to me too." Iris's eyes glowed with devotion. "I've loved him for ten years without asking for a thing. Just being allowed to keep loving him is enough."

Isabella was speechless.

What kind of black magic had Sebastian worked on this woman?

Damn. He had her wrapped.

Outside, Nathaniel Prescott exhaled a cloud of smoke, his third cigarette of the night.

It did nothing to ease the weight in his chest.

The auction was about to start. With a sigh, he crushed the cigarette and headed back inside.

Tall and brooding, Nathaniel moved down the left corridor.

At the opposite end, another figure approached—just as striking, just as dangerous.

They stopped simultaneously at the venue entrance.

Their eyes locked.

The air between them crackled with tension.

Nathaniel's gaze was ice.

Mr. Avery adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, smirking. "Mr. Prescott. Here to donate to charity like the rest of us?"

Nathaniel's lips curled. "Not as generous as you. I'm just here to support her."

Her.

Isabella.

Avery's smile froze. His fists clenched.

The main event began.

Two ways to participate: donate items or bid on them.

All proceeds went to national charities—fully transparent, no shady dealings.

This marked Ethereal Vogue's 15th annual charity gala. Would tonight break fundraising records?

Nathaniel and Avery's arrival sent ripples through the crowd.

But since this was Isabella's night, both men kept low profiles, blending into the back.

Isabella, oblivious to Avery's presence, sat up front with Iris, chatting animatedly.

Miranda, watching from a distance, seethed with envy.

The auctioneer lifted the velvet cloth, revealing the first item.

"A stunning emerald-cut diamond necklace from the private collection of Chambers Group's chairwoman! An absolute masterpiece!"

Gasps filled the room.

The first item alone was a showstopper—a massive win for Isabella's event.

Her head whipped around, scanning the crowd for Avery.

She spotted him tucked in a shadowed corner.

Their eyes met.

Avery gave a subtle nod.

Isabella's lips curved in response.

Across the room, Nathaniel saw it all.

His grip on the auction paddle tightened until the wood groaned.