Chapter 94

"You're an absolute angel!" Isabella Sinclair was so overwhelmed with gratitude that her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly as the social elite turned their attention toward the entrance.

Nathaniel Kingsley and Lucas Grant, two of the most eligible bachelors in the city, strode in together, commanding every gaze in the room.

Their arrival was magnetic, pulling every eye toward them like a gravitational force.

Both heirs to the prestigious Kingsley and Grant empires, either of them could make hearts race with just a glance.

Nathaniel was dressed in a sharp black suit, exuding power and dominance, while Lucas looked effortlessly elegant in a crisp white ensemble.

"Good heavens. Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Grant are devastatingly handsome!"

"I can't believe I'm seeing them both in the same room! This night just became unforgettable!"

"Did you see Nathaniel Kingsley's jawline? It's like it was carved by the gods themselves!"

"And Lucas Grant—that smirk could melt glaciers. I swear, I'd follow him anywhere."

Vanessa Wright was practically swooning over Lucas.

Isabella nudged her playfully. "Look at how popular Mr. Grant is. When are you finally going to make your move? You've been pining for him for years."

"Patience is a virtue," Vanessa huffed. "All good things come to those who wait. He'll be mine eventually."

"You'd better act fast. Those women are eyeing him like he's the last piece of chocolate cake. You know what they say—the quiet ones are the most dangerous."

Vanessa clenched her teeth, irritation flashing in her eyes.

Her dream was to become Lucas Grant's wife, to stand as the queen of the Grant empire.

But every time she remembered the humiliation he'd once dealt her, she wanted to vanish into thin air.

Still, she refused to give up. She couldn't—not when Isabella would never let her hear the end of it.

Just as Nathaniel and Lucas approached them, the crowd's attention shifted again.

Under the dazzling chandeliers, a breathtaking figure stepped into the room, stealing every gaze.

It was none other than Isabella's worst nightmare—Seraphina Lockwood.

"Seraphina is... stunning," Lucas murmured, unable to look away.

Nathaniel's expression darkened, his pulse quickening.

"Who is that? She's absolutely mesmerizing!"

"Is she wearing a custom-made traditional gown with floral embroidery? It's rare to see someone pull that off so flawlessly!"

"It's not just the dress—it's her. She carries it like royalty. She could be the face of any luxury brand!"

Whispers of admiration filled the air.

Tonight, Seraphina had forgone the typical evening gown in favor of a handcrafted traditional dress, its intricate embroidery catching the light with every graceful movement.

Her choice made her stand out effortlessly, as if she were the true hostess of the evening—outshining Isabella and Vanessa without even trying.

"Damn it! Why didn't I think of wearing a traditional dress?" Vanessa seethed, jealousy burning in her chest.

Even Eleanor Sinclair, who had also chosen an exquisite traditional gown, looked tense.

She had believed only such a dress could showcase her elegance—but now, she realized she couldn't compete with Seraphina's youth and radiance.

And then Isabella noticed something that made her blood run cold.

From the moment Seraphina entered, Nathaniel hadn't taken his eyes off her.

A wave of insecurity and fury crashed over her, dark thoughts swirling in her mind.

"Seraphina!" Lucas called out with a warm smile, waving her over.

She returned the gesture with a polite nod, her lips curving slightly.

Seeing Lucas so openly friendly with Seraphina made Vanessa's blood boil.

As Seraphina moved past Nathaniel, he suddenly reached out, catching her wrist.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Do I need your permission, Mr. Kingsley?" She arched a brow, slowly pulling her arm free with a teasing smirk.

Before Nathaniel could respond, Eleanor approached with Isabella in tow.

"Seraphina, I'm so glad you could make it. I was worried you wouldn't show."

The guests watched intently, curiosity burning—what was the connection between this beauty and the Kingsleys?

"You overestimate my absence, Eleanor. Mr. Hamilton was looking forward to celebrating with both Nathaniel and me," Seraphina replied smoothly, her tone cool and composed.

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their eyes flicking toward Isabella with new scrutiny.

"Didn't they announce her engagement to Nathaniel Kingsley? Even if he hasn't confirmed it, everyone knows she's his fiancée. This woman makes her sound like an afterthought."

"Exactly. And look at her poise—she’s clearly high society. Who is she?"

"She’s even more striking than Isabella. She and Nathaniel look like they belong together."

Isabella's face paled. Was Seraphina deliberately sabotaging her?

Was she broadcasting to the entire room that she was the one with ties to Nathaniel and Mr. Hamilton?

Then what did her position as the Kingsley Group's future lady even mean?

"Seraphina, we all know you're close with Mr. Hamilton," Eleanor said sweetly, though her eyes glinted with malice. "But where’s your other companion? The president of the K Group—Cassius? Mr. Hamilton personally sent him an invitation."

Gasps rippled through the room.

The president of the K Group? Cassius Vanderbilt?

Weren’t the Kingsleys and Vanderbilts sworn enemies? How could he possibly be invited?

Nathaniel knew exactly what Eleanor was doing—trying to corner Seraphina. His expression darkened dangerously.

Before he could intervene, Seraphina arched a brow. "That’s an odd question. Why would I come here with President Vanderbilt?"

"Because he’s your boyfriend, obviously," Eleanor purred, her smirk widening as she dropped the bombshell. "Allow me to introduce everyone. This is Seraphina Lockwood—Nathaniel’s ex-wife. And now, she’s the beloved girlfriend of Cassius Vanderbilt, CEO of the K Group."