The afternoon sun had long set, and the city shimmered under the soft glow of streetlights as ire prepared for the jewelry exhibition. In her room, the soft hum of a blow dryer filled the space as her stylist worked on her hair, curling each strand meticulously.


    Her makeup artist added the final touches to her look, enhancing her natural beauty with subtle, elegant shades thatplemented her skin tone. The deep navy dress ire had chosen hugged her figure perfectly, exuding sophistication and grace. It was a look thatmanded attention without seeking it— ssic ire.


    ire''s thoughts wandered briefly to Matthew. She had insisted he remain in the hospital to rest, despite his protests. Theirst conversation reyed in her mind.


    shback to the Hospital Scene


    Matthew had sat up in his bed, stubborn as ever. "ire, I''m fine. I cane with you to the exhibition. You shouldn''t go alone."


    ire had crossed her arms, a mix of exasperation and concern etched on her face. "Matthew, you''re still recovering. You need rest, not another evening of standing around in a room full of people."


    Matthew had frowned, his determination evident. "And you need someone to watch your back. Eligos isn''t going to just sit around and do nothing."


    ire had leaned in, her voice softer. "I know, but you''re not at full strength yet. I need you to trust me on this. Just for one more day."


    After a long pause, Matthew had sighed, relenting. "Alright, but you call me if anything happens, okay?" "Deal," ire had said, smiling despite the tension.


    End of shback


    The buzz of her phone on the vanity brought ire back to the present. ncing at the screen, she saw Matthew''s name. She shook her head, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she answered.


    "Matthew, I''m fine," she said, preemptively.


    Matthew''s voice came through,ced with both concern and frustration. "Are you ready?"


    ire leaned back in her chair, letting the stylist finish her hair. "Yes, I am. And you don''t need to worry. It''s just a jewelry exhibition."


    There was a sigh on the other end. "ire, you know Eligos is unpredictable. He could have something nned, even for an event like this."


    ire sighed, trying to keep her tone calm. "Matthew, Eligos isn''t going to crash a jewelry exhibition. It''s not my event, and his goal is to ruin me, not random social gatherings.


    "But-"


    "Matthew," ire cut him off gently. "I appreciate your concern, but I''ve got this. I''ll have Talia with me, and I''ll stay alert. You just focus on getting better."


    There was a pause, then a resigned, "Alright. But you call me if anything seems off."


    "I promise," ire said, smiling softly. "Now rest."


    "Fine," Matthew muttered, the concern still evident in his voice. "Take care."


    "You too."


    ire hung up, setting the phone aside as she stood. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face perfectly, and her makeup highlighted her sharp features. ire stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting the elegant navy-blue gown that hugged her figure. The dress was simple yet striking, with a subtle shimmer that caught the light. She carefully fastened a pair of diamond earrings, a gift from Adrian, and applied the final touches to her makeup-a soft smoky eye and a nude lip.


    She took a final nce in the mirror, satisfied with the result.


    The exhibition hall was resplendent, adorned with glistening disys of some of the most exquisite jewelry pieces ire had ever seen. The air buzzed with the hum of conversation and the clinking of champagne sses.


    As ire and Talia entered, they were greeted by ire''s acquaintance, Sophia, a renowned jewelry designer whose work was among those featured in the exhibition.


    "ire!" Sophia beamed, pulling ire into a brief hug. "I''m so d you made it."


    "Wouldn''t miss it for the world," ire replied, returning the hug. "This is incredible, Sophia. Congrattions."


    Sophia waved a hand modestly. "Thank you. Come, let me show you around."


    They wandered through the exhibition, Sophia pointing out her favorite pieces and sharing stories behind their creation. ire listened intently genuinely fascinated, even as her eyes asionally flicked around the room, ever alert for any signs of trouble.


    As they paused by a particrly dazzling ne, Sophia turned to ire with a yful smile. "So, how are things with Adrian?"


    ire couldn''t help but smile at the mention of her boyfriend. "Things are good. He''s been incredibly supportive with everything going on."


    "That''s wonderful to hear," Sophia said warmly. "You deserve someone who makes you happy."


    "Thank you," ire said, her smile softening. "He really does make me happy."


    "That''s wonderful to hear," her acquaintance said warmly. "You two make such a great pair."


    ire nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her face. But before she could say more, Talia leaned in, her voice low with excitement.


    "This exhibition is amazing," Talia whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the dazzling disys. "Everything is so beautiful. I wish I could buy it all."


    ire chuckled, amused by her friend''s enthusiasm. "You can buy it once it''s officially released."


    Talia shook her head, grinning. "Even if it''s out, I doubt I could afford any of it. But it''s nice to dream."


    ire ced a reassuring hand on Talia''s arm. "Dreams have a way of bing reality if you believe in them enough."


    They continued their tour of the


    exhibition, the atmosphere light and enjoyable. For a moment, ire allowed herself to rx, to enjoy the beauty of the evening and thepany of friends.


    Talia smiled, appreciating ire''s optimism. "I''m going to find the restroom. I''ll be right back." ire nodded, watching her friend weave through the crowd before turning her attention back to the disys.


    Her gaze settled on a stunning blue


    sapphire ne, the deep hues capturing her attention. She stepped closer, mesmerized by the intricate designand the way the sapphire seemed to hold a piece of the night sky.


    "Beautiful, isn''t it?" a voice remarked beside her.


    ire turned, her eyes narrowing slightly when she recognized the voice. Alexander Harris stood next to her, a ss of champagne in his hand, his eyes fixed on the ne.


    "Alexander," she said, her tone cooling as she donned her business persona. "I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Alexander offered a charming smile, though ire could see the hint of amusement in his eyes. "I was invited," he replied casually. "Didn''t think I''d run into you, though."


    ire''s expression remained neutral. "If I''d known you were attending, I would''ve not attended it." Alexander chuckled softly, taking a sip of his champagne. "Still holding a grudge, I see."


    "It''s not a grudge, Alexander," ire said evenly. "It''s a memory."


    "Fair enough," Alexander conceded, setting his ss down on a nearby table. "But tonight''s not about the past, is it?"


    "No," ire agreed. "It''s about the future. And jewelry."


    "Indeed," Alexander said, ncing back at the ne. "So, what do you think of this piece? Worth the hype?"


    "It''s beautiful," ire admitted, her gaze returning to the sapphire. "But beautyes with a price."


    "Doesn''t it always?" Alexander murmured, his voice low.


    ire shot him a sideways nce. "Are we still talking about jewelry?"


    Alexander met her gaze, his smile faint but telling. "Are we?"