NovelFinishChapter 289 Laverne gazed at the woman who had just appeared before her.
Tonight, she wasn't dressed in designer couture-just a simple, casual ensemble: a light blue blouse cinched at the waist with a white belt, tucked into cropped denim jeans, and a pair of strappy high heels. Yet, even among a crowd of women in heavy makeup and flashy dresses, she stood out with an effortless, elegant grace.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLaverne was this year's hottest Oscar-winning actress. She also happened to be the global ambassador for one of The Fitzgerald Group's luxury brands. Tonight, she was attending this charity gala, having heard that the heir to Capitolion, the enigmatic Victor Fitzgerald, would be among the guests.
At events like these, men of Victor's stature were always expected to arrive with a date. So, Laverne had her agent reach out and boldly request the honor of being his companion for the evening. She hadn't really expected him to say yes. To her astonishment, The Fitzgerald Group's executive office sent back an acceptance.
She was ecstatic. Laverne had gone to great lengths to look her best tonight, all in hopes of catching Victor's eye.
But now that she was here, Victor had barely acknowledged her presence-his gaze cool and distant, as if a wall separated them. Still, Laverne wasn't disappointed. Just sitting beside Victor made her the center of attention, drawing glances filled with envy and admiration from everyone in the room. The thrill of those looks was even more intoxicating than the night she'd won her Oscar. After all, the nFitzgerald carried a power all its own.
Across the room, Isadora watched Victor intently, her clear eyes lingering on the woman sitting beside him-Ms. Laverne. In person, she was even more striking than on television. Isadora had never seen any of Laverne's films, but Wendy, her friend, had raved about her-her talent, her beauty, her poise. Magazines called her every man's dream girl.
Now, seeing Laverne and Victor side by side, they looked like the perfect couple. Isadora knew, logically, that Victor's future bride was unlikely to be Laverne. Still, watching them together-handsome, elegant, the picture of sophistication-sent a strange, sharp ache through her chest.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThen Victor spoke. Isadora's hands clenched tightly in her lap, the reality settling in once more-they truly had broken up.
She bit her lip. "Sorry, Nanette, you must be mistaken. He's not my boyfriend." Sitting beside Victor, Laverne noticed-perhaps it was just the lighting, but his expression seemed to grow even colder, his eyes more distant.
After speaking, Isadora reached to take Nanette's hand, ready to leave. Nanette gave her a puzzled look, silently asking, What's going on? Just then, the lights in the ballroom dimmed. The music softened, drawing everyone's attention to the stage.
One of the night's most anticipated auction items was about to be unveiled. Inside a glass display case sat a dazzling, exquisitely crafted diamond necklace. A row
of flawless diamonds sparkled under the lights, each stone shining like the brightest stars stars in the night sky. The NO design was understated yet undeniably luxurious-a true work of jewelry art.
The host announced, "This is a diamond necklace once worn by Princess Diana herself named m Lacrima stella. The opening bid is ten million dollars. All proceeds will be donated to support children in need across Africa." Laverne was seated close enough to see every glittering facet. She couldn't help but gasp, "It's stunning."
Someone nearby chuckled and teased, "Ms. Laverne, if you love it that much, why not have our Prince Charming here buy it for you? That necklace is as elegant as you-it'd suit you perfectly." Another voice chimed in, "Yes, and the n'Lacrima Stella' is so close to that movie you did, 'The Weeping Star.' It's fate, don't you think?" Laverne's beautiful eyes drifted from the necklace on the stage to Victor, waiting to see how he would respond.
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