This sort of thing was hardly a big deal in Richard''s eyes.


    Just a petty spat between his two daughters-nothing more than a sh of


    jealousy.


    But he couldn''t have this kind of childish spectacle turning into aughingstock at the Vaughan family''s 30th anniversary g.


    It would be a stain on the family''s reputation and dignity.


    Richard just wanted the matter settled quickly. ncing at Pearl''s tear-stained face, he turned to Isadora and said, "Isadora, hand the ne back to Pearl for now. We''ll discuss this after the party."


    As soon as the words were out, the guests turned their eyes on Isadora, and she felt the weight of their sympathy, pity, and thinly veiled amusement.


    She watched Eleanorforting Pearl, Richard shielding Pearl-together, they looked every bit the picture of a loving, united family.


    And she? She felt like the unwee outsider, the viin ruining their peace.


    Isadora forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat, determined not to let anyone see her pain.


    Suddenly-


    A man''s voice rang through the hall—measured, but with a sharp edge of anger. "If this diamond ne is meant as a daughter''s wedding gift from the Vaughan family, then it belongs with Isadora. Why should she give it back?"


    The words cut through the hum of conversation. The next moment, Isadora found herself enveloped in a familiar but distant embrace.


    She looked up and saw Magnus''s stony jawline.


    Isadora''s brow furrowed instinctively, and she immediately pulled away from him.


    Tonight, Magnus wore a cool-toned gray suit, his tie perfectly straight, adding to his air of restraint and formality.


    He stood above the crowd, gaze remote and expression cold, a presence so imposing that the entire room seemed to shrink around him.


    Everyone was stunned by his icy authority.


    Richard hadn''t even noticed when Magnus had arrived.


    The Wainwright family''s influence far outstripped that of the Vaughans-and to Richard, family advantage was everything.


    Whether the diamond ne went to Pearl or Isadora didn''t matter to him.


    But with Magnus stepping forward to defend Isadora, the bnce had clearly shifted in her favor.


    Richard quickly stered on a smile, trying to smooth things over. "Magnus, I''m afraid you''ve walked in on a bit of family squabble. Just a harmless misunderstanding between my daughters. The diamond ne was always meant as a wedding gift from the Vaughan family-naturally, it belongs to Isadora."


    Pearl''s face fell as she heard the sudden change in Richard''s tone.


    Biting her lip, eyes shining with tears, she gazed at Eleanor, silently pleading for her mother to stand up for her.


    Eleanor understood immediately.


    But now Isadora was Magnus''s fiancée, and Magnus had made it clear he was siding with her.


    Besides, the Vaughan family''s business was deeply intertwined with the Wainwrights.


    No matter how much Eleanor preferred Pearl, or how upset she was with Isadora, she couldn''t afford to embarrass the family at a moment like this.


    She gave Pearl''s shoulder a reassuring pat, then let her go.


    "Magnus, what took you so long to get here?" Eleanor asked, her voice gentle. "Pearl, your sister Isadora will be getting married soon. Let her keep the ne as her wedding gift. When your timees, I''ll buy you one just as beautiful." Pearl stared, stunned.


    She couldn''t believe how quickly the situation had turned against her.


    Richard and Eleanor had changed sides the moment Magnus appeared-no one was defending her now!


    Her neck was still bleeding, for heaven''s sake!


    Pearl''s face burned as the eyes of the crowd-mocking, pitying, scornful— seemed to cut into her like knives.


    Humiliated and furious, she stamped her foot and stormed out of the room.