“Is that so? Because the design you claimed to have created looks nearly identical to a sample from one of our designers at is prett one–to–one match.
“I’m not here to argue who copied whom, but I do hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on why you became a designer in the first place, ber let yourself be used as a pawn without even realizing it.”
Caitlin ended it there, out of respect for Nolan, and didn’t press further.
Nolan gave a quick nod and pulled Jillian away. Once they were out of earshot, he asked, “What was that about? Your design was cupled Or… did you copy someone else?”
“I didn’t! I would never plagiarize! Don’t listen to her nonsense!” Jillian snapped, but doubt flickered in her eyes.
She remembered that Zora had given her the drafts. Could it be that Zora hadn’t drawn them herself? How else could they have matched TIG’s designs?
Inside The Marquis Room, guests were still arriving.
Yates appeared quietly, wearing a cap and mask. He came with Abel, who had convinced him to get out of the house for a change of pace.
Though Yates didn’t look completely defeated, the recent scandal still weighed on him. If it weren’t for Abel, he wouldn’t have shown up.
When he saw Caitlin, he handed her a bouquet. “Caitlin, congratulations.”
Abel also smiled and extended his well–wishes. “Congrats on TIG’s big success.”
“Thank you both for coming. Please, come in.”
No one could see the darkness behind Abel’s friendly smile. He had used Yates’s scandal as a way in–and now he was quietly integrating himself into Yates’s world. Caitlin was his target, but beyond that, he intended to strip Yates of his entire network.
As the celebration prepared to kick off, Caitlin scanned the room but didn’t spot Sebastian.
Was he not here yet? Or had something happened?
She started to reach for her phone, but then the entrance stirred.
A tall figure stepped through the door carrying a large bouquet.
From a distance, Caitlin thought it was Sebastian. But when the man stepped closer and lowered the flowers, she saw it wasn’t him.
Gasps rippled through the room.
“Isn’t that Mr. Preston, CEO of SY Capital Partners?”
“Zeke’s here too!”
Women in the room couldn’t help looking on with envy. Caitlin always seemed to attract the most powerful men- magnetic field.
“Zeke? What are you doing here?”
Caitlin’s tone was tinged with exasperation. She had told him to rest–why was he showing up again?
had her own
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Chapter 450
“You’re hosting an event. Of course I’m going to support you. These are for you.
“Thanks. But you really should be resting.”
“Lappreciate your concern. Don’t worry about me. Go do your thing I’ll take care of myself.
Zeke had already come to terms with his feelings. No matter who Caitlin married, his love was his own. Whether or not shersfumed i he would always support and protect her.
Just then, commotion broke out at the door.
Everyone turned to look as a life–sized cartoon Paddington Bear waddled into the room, pushing a cart filled with balloons, flowers, and a
three–tiered cake.
The cake was decorated with celebratory lettering.
Paddington Bear pushed the cart right up to Caitlin. Molly and Wendy rushed over.
“Wow! That cake is so pretty!”
Molly guessed who was behind it—she had helped pick it out, after all.
“Must be Mr. Vanderbilt’s work,” Wendy said, curious. “And he had it delivered by a bear! That’s adorable. I wanna hug it!
Molly opened her arms, wanting to cuddle the plushy bear, but Paddington stuck out his plush arm and gently bounced her away.
“Hey! What’s with this bear? Rude!”
Molly was confused–no hug?
But in the next second, Paddington Bear wrapped Caitlin in a big, warm hug.
Realizing what was happening, Caitlin reached up and pulled off the oversized bear head, revealing-
Sebastian:
“Seb?” Molly blinked, then realized why he hadn’t let her hug him earlier.
“Oh my god, it’s Mr. Vanderbilt!”
“Seriously? Mr. Vanderbilt actually dressed up like a bear?”
The crowd burst into laughter and astonishment.
Most men would prefer a sleek, suave entrance, but Sebastian had shown up as a huggable goofball instead.
And somehow, it made him even more irresistible.
“Sebastian?”
Caitlin was stunned. Who would’ve expected this?
“Didn’t see that coming, did you?” Sebastian grinned, eyes locked on hers. He didn’t care what anyone else thought–as long as it made her smile, he’d do it.
Caitlin laughed and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Alright, enough. Go change, you’re drenched!”
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Chapter 450
Another round of romantic envy rippled through the room.
Zeke, standing in the crowd, felt the difference between himself and Sebastian like a canyon. This this was what unwaverint fear looked like.
Seeing Caitlin laugh like that, he could only silently send his blessings.
Sebastian, with help from his team, shed the bear suit and joined Caitlin in greeting the guests.
Caitlin took the stage to speak on behalf of TIG and their success, with Sebastian watching from below, a proud smile on his face.
The event was a triumph. Guests mingled, connections were made, and spirits were high.
Abel used the opportunity to network with several top figures. But when it came to getting closer to Caitlin, he had no luck. Sebastian never left her side.
Meanwhile, a waiter holding a tray weaved through the crowd, moving steadily toward Caitlin and Sebastian.
No one paid much attention–except one man.
Zeke.
Standing at a vantage point, he had a clear view of everything. And he noticed something off.
The waiter’s movements were stiff. His eyes were locked on Sebastian. And under the tray, one hand gripped something hidden.
Zeke reacted instantly.
“Sebastian! Caitlin! Watch out!”
“Bang!”
The gunshot rang out just as Zeke lunged forward, leaping across the floor to reach them.
He was too far to protect Sebastian–but he could shield Caitlin.
Panic erupted. Screams filled the room as guests scattered in terror.
Sebastian pulled Caitlin into his arms and ducked, shielding her instinctively.
Caitlin turned her head just in time to see Zeke crash to the ground, blood blooming beneath him.
“Zeke!” she screamed.
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