He was as standoffish with people as Connor, yet they were worlds apart. Connor had that classic aristocrat vibe, born with a silver spoon and a dash of entitlement, keeping him detached and uninterested in everyone around. But the friend? He was just plain cold-cold- hearted and cold-faced. Chloe would often joke that he was like some emotionless assassin. Still, he was always there for her, ready to lend a hand whenever needed. Over the years, he'd been a huge help more times than she could count.

The jewelry exhibition was happening at the old royal palace's exhibition hall. It was more than just an exhibit; it doubled as a gala dinner, kicking off at six. Each event featured an auction of QUEEN's latest pieces, their top-tier products not offered to the public. That's why the global elite flocked to QUEEN's jewelry shows.

Chloe and Connor arrived together, purely by chance. Connor had to go back to the Sartori Corporation headquarters for a meeting, so after wrapping up his day, he could join Chloe at the exhibition. Chloe knew how hectic Connor's schedule was, and she didn't want to add to it, so she kept things light, letting him think it was just another run-of-the-mill jewelry event.

Funny enough, they bumped into Lisa at the entrance. Lisa was decked out in a pricey evening gown-bold red, with a long skirt that swept the floor. Her makeup was full-on glam, but it seemed a bit over the top. Lisa's features were more on the delicate side, and the heavy makeup didn't do her any favors, making her look weighed down. Her hairstyle was another story-too complicated and fussy. She was dripping in diamonds, with jewelry around her neck, on her hands, even her ankles, all of it screaming for attention.

Chloe recognized the jewelry set-it was Leah's prized Sunflower collection, practically an antique. The vintage Chinese pieces, rich in heritage, clashed with Lisa's Western makeup and elaborate updo, creating a jarring mix. Chloe could see it: Lisa was trying way too hard to steal the spotlight.

Lisa spotted Ghloe too, looking

surprised at first. But seeing Connor by her side, her surprise faded. The Sartori family was the wealthiest around, and with the exhibition in Eldridge City favoring local moguls, it wasn't odd at all for Connor and Chloe to show up together.

As Chloe reached the entrance, the doorman asked to see her invitation. "I don't need an invitation," Chloe stated confidently.

"Sorry, Miss, but everyone needs an invitation," the doorman replied.

Chloe didn't have one, but it was no problem. Regular guests had their details logged into the system after getting an invite, so many didn't need to carry one-just a quick scan got them in. As a designer, Chloe was already in the system, granting her access to any exhibition. Connor, a high-end client, was also on the list.

Of course, there were exceptions, like Lisa. Her invite was courtesy of Claire, who didn't need one herself but could pass it along. Anyone holding such an invite could enter, a perk QUEEN extended to its elite clients. Clearly, the doorman was new and hadn't caught on to this insider rule.

Lisa was thrilled by the scene. "Chloe, showing up without an invitation-who do you think you are?" she mocked.

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