Chapter 471

The evening light filtered through the curtains as Claire handed the gilded invitation to Evelyn.

"I've got my eye on something special at tonight's auction," Claire said, resting a hand on her swollen belly. "But you know how I feel about crowded places these days."

Evelyn took the invitation, her fingers brushing against the embossed lettering. The Powell family's emblem stood out in gold foil.

Of course it was them again.

"What caught your attention?" Evelyn asked, flipping open the invitation.

"A bracelet," Claire replied, her voice soft but determined. "With only two months left, I think I deserve a little reward for what's coming."

Evelyn smiled. Claire had always been one for meaningful gestures.

Giving birth was no small feat. If a piece of jewelry could make the ordeal feel more dignified, who was she to judge?

Then she saw the price tag.

Fifty million dollars.

Her breath hitched.

What kind of bracelet could possibly cost that much?

It was practically daylight robbery.

"Don't look so shocked yet," Claire said with a knowing smile. "There's more."

Evelyn braced herself.

If this was just the beginning, what else was coming?

The auction hadn't even started, and already her pulse was racing.

She had a feeling this night would be anything but ordinary.

"Evelyn, you absolutely must get this for me, please!"

Evelyn accepted the card with a thoughtful expression. Claire must have received a generous settlement after her divorce from Lucas to be spending so extravagantly.

Go ahead and buy it! she decided. Nothing matters more than happiness. Besides, what’s the point of money if not to spend it?

Claire’s voice was bright with excitement. "It’s just an auction, but the guest list is filled with Cresthaven’s elite. Is Alexander free to accompany you? Make sure you dress to impress him!"

Lately, Claire had heard whispers circulating through Cresthaven’s social circles.

As Evelyn’s closest friend, she couldn’t help but worry that Alexander and Evelyn’s relationship might be suffering.

Alexander…

Evelyn’s chest tightened, and she remained silent.

Apparently, Claire had been indulging in too much leisure time at home. She was practically buzzing with excitement as she summoned a styling team to transform Evelyn, treating her like a living doll.

The stylists began with a full-body pampering session, followed by meticulous makeup application. Evelyn sat obediently before the mirror, letting them work their magic.

After careful deliberation, the lead stylist presented an exquisite ivory satin gown, draping it before her.

It looked as though it had been crafted specifically for Evelyn, flawlessly complementing her elegance.

"Adrian was my lead stylist during my modeling days!" Claire gushed. "So many celebrities swear by his work!"

The afternoon sun streamed through the boutique windows as Claire adjusted the final touches on Evelyn's gown.

"Adrian is absolutely brilliant," Claire gushed, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Every A-list celebrity in Cresthaven fights for his appointments. I practically had to kidnap him today since he was free. Trust me, Evelyn - you'll be the most dazzling woman at that auction."

Evelyn studied her reflection, running her hands over the intricate beadwork. The emerald-green silk hugged her figure perfectly, the plunging neckline accentuated her collarbones without being indecent.

"Are we attending a charity gala or the Miss Universe pageant?" Evelyn quipped, twisting to see the open back design.

But she couldn't deny the effect. The elegant drape of fabric, the way the light caught the delicate embroidery - it made her stand taller. For the first time since that disastrous lunch meeting at Titan Capital, she felt like herself again.

At three months pregnant, her bump was barely noticeable beneath the expertly tailored dress. The silhouette made her look regal rather than maternal.

Claire's eyes sparkled with approval as she handed Evelyn a matching clutch. "Alexander won't recognize his own wife," she teased, nudging Evelyn toward her phone. "Call him. Let him pick up this masterpiece."

Evelyn hesitated, thumb hovering over Alexander's contact. The line rang... then went to voicemail.

Her smile faltered as she lowered the device. "It's fine," she said too quickly, tucking the phone away. "I'll grab a cab. He probably got held up at that investor meeting."

She vaguely remembered Alexander mentioning an important presentation today. Still, the hollow feeling in her chest had nothing to do with hunger.