"Heh, heh, heh. Tonight''s theme is spreading a little love to those in need. We''re about to begin-everyone, please find your seats!"


    Olivia shot Isadora a murderous re before spinning on her heel and stalking off.


    Andrina hurried to smooth things over. "Kids, you know how they are. Please, don''t mind her." She offered the crowd a quick, apologetic smile and hurried after her daughter.


    "Olivia, how many times have I told you to watch your mouth? Do you have any idea how many reporters are here tonight? If this gets out, do you know what it''ll do to your reputation—and to the Walsh family name?"


    Olivia dropped into her chair, itching to light a cigarette to calm her nerves, but realizing she was at a charity g, she forced herself to hold back.


    "Mom, that woman''s practically walking all over us. How am I supposed to just sit here and take it? If I have to swallow this any longer, I might actually suffocate!"


    Unlike Olivia, Andrina was far moreposed and calcting. "Your grandfather said the Fitzgerald Group''s board meeting ising up soon, and Victor stands a good chance of getting ousted. Once that happens, that woman loses her shield —she''ll have no one protecting her. You''ll have plenty of chances to put her in her ce. I''ll back you up all the way. Sometimes you have to endure a little for the bigger picture, understand?"


    Olivia pouted. "Fine. I''ll keep a lid on it... for now. But once I get my shot, she''s going to regret ever crossing me."


    The charity g officially kicked off in a swirl of excitement and anticipation.


    On stage, the host beamed as he walked the crowd through the evening''s schedule and highlighted the causes they''d be supporting.


    Isadora sat in the front row. Every so often, her gaze met Olivia''s from across the


    room.


    The anger burning in Olivia''s eyes was unmistakable-sharp and cold as a knife, every nce like a dart thrown across the hall.


    Isadora merely curled her lips in a subtle, knowing smile.


    Olivia''s scowl only deepened.


    Just then, Nte returned from the corridor and took the seat beside Isadora, leaning in to whisper, "I just heard-after the charity auction, Andrina''s arranged for Olivia to perform on stage. That might be the perfect opportunity."


    Isadora nodded.


    "If I were up there tonight, I''d have already wiped that smug look right off her face," Nte muttered, shooting Olivia a withering re. "Let''s see how she handles it when the whole room is watching her fall apart. And let''s see if her mother can save her then! I''ll get justice for my goddaughter if it''s thest thing I do."


    Isadora reached out, absentmindedly stroking her stomach.


    At that moment, the host introduced the first auction item.


    Under the stage lights, nestled in a ss case, was a brilliant emerald ne—


    its gleaming green surface sparkling as it caught every ray.


    Isadora turned to Nte. "Didn''t you wear a ne just like that in one of your movies? I remember how much you loved it."


    Nte eyed the price tag. She did like it-loved it, even.


    But that price was something else entirely.


    A celebrity''s life was never like a billionaire''s Every cent came from grueling hours on set, not from


    boardrooms or old money. Eve


    though she was dating Finley now, their finances were still strictly separate.


    A bidder called out: "Eight hundred thousand!"


    Isadora calmly raised her paddle. "One million."


    "One-point-two million!"


    "One-point-three million!"


    Isadora lifted her paddle again. "One-point-seven million!"


    A hush fell over the room. What a way to kick off the night!


    The host''s voice rang out, excitement mounting.


    "One-point-seven million, going once!


    One point-seven million, going twice! One-point-seven million-sold!"


    He brought down the gavel with a flourish. "Congrattions to Mrs. Fitzgerald for


    securing tonight''s first precious emerald ne!"


    Nte blinked in surprise. "Wait-are you actually giving this to me?"


    Isadora smiled and nodded.


    If they werent in front of a crowd, Nte would have kissed her. then


    d there. "You''re the bet


    Seriously, I could cry


    [ now."


    Isadora watched Nte''s animated expression and said quietly, "It''s Victor''s money."


    "Oh."


    Nte''s excitement deted just a bit.


    "So... can you delete that recording from earlier?" Isadora asked, arching an eyebrow.


    Nte gaped. "Seriously?"


    Unbelievable! She''d nearly teared up, only to learn it was all for that insufferable man. Some best friend-selling out for a guy!