Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 208

"Absolutely! Without a doubt!" Charles marveled, his eyes locked onto the captivating sapphire. "The design is breathtaking. The filigree appears extravagant, yet it's impeccably balanced. Instead of overwhelming the center stone, it pulls you right in. 'The Secret of Venus' is a fitting name. It's utterly seductive."

Hearing Charles lavish such high praise, Meredith gazed at Phoenix with absolute adoration.

She had been wondering why Phoenix insisted on bringing an extra piece. It turned out she had predicted the plagiarism scandal and knew the original design would be temporarily disqualified. 'The Secret of Venus' was her hidden trump card all along.

Phoenix, you aren't just one step ahead. You're playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. I love you so much!

As the necklace was officially revealed, pure awe swept across the crowd. The backup piece easily outclassed the original entry in both quality and design.

"No wonder Master Padraig praised her so highly. The craftsmanship is divine."

"I'm one hundred percent certain Sebastian and Phoebe are the thieves now. That little fainting and injury act was just a pathetic excuse to escape the live challenge. Disgusting."

The tidal wave of gossip practically nailed the absent siblings to a cross of public shame.

After this, Sebastian's hopes of remaining in the design industry were a pipe dream. Every calculated move he had made over the years had gone up in smoke.

High above, on the second-floor balcony, two tall figures stood looking down, taking in the spectacle.

"Looks like your wife handled it all by herself, Pierce. She didn't need your help at all." Caspian Thorne leaned against the railing, his tone playfully teasing. "Such a shame. The classic 'knight in shining armor' routine is officially ruined."

Pierce Sterling cast a sideways glance, his icy stare cutting through Caspian like a scalpel. Caspian immediately clamped his mouth shut.

"I came here to browse jewelry, nothing more." Pierce's voice was a low, detached baritone, yet his dark eyes remained obsessively locked onto the radiant woman below. His thumb unconsciously traced the band of 'The Celestial' ring on his finger, his touch impossibly tender and full of longing.

"Right, right. You're just here to shop. Definitely not here to bail her out." Caspian rolled his eyes dramatically, cursing his friend internally. Keep playing tough. You're head over heels, but you refuse to admit it. It's going to bite you in the ass later.

"On another note, I honestly thought you'd end up marrying the girl who pulled you from that car wreck years ago."

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