Chapter 359 The Price of Vanity
Halbert glanced across the room at Eliza, lounging on the sofa. “You know, Nolan really is something. What man doesn’t want to live with his fiancée? But this guy tossed her into a hotel like she was a burden
Before Eliza could respond, Halbert added casually, “Even stranger, though… why would Elaine’s house suddenly need renovations? And in the middle of the night, no less? Unless, of course, someone paid her a midnight visit and trashed the place.”
Eliza stiffened.
That guess was a little too accurate.
A chill crept up her spine. Does Halbert know what happened? Was he pretending not to?
Had Henry betrayed her and spilled everything about her and Matteo?
No… Henry didn’t seem like that kind of person.
Then Halbert flipped to another magazine and clicked his tongue. “Well, well. Looks like this mysterious MISS has real pull–she even got an invite to the jewelry gala. But she won’t show her face? Guess Leaf Corp isn’t important enough for her.”
Eliza narrowed her eyes at him.
Now she was sure–Halbert was toying with her. He definitely suspected something.
He was too clever. Too dangerous.
Meanwhile, Naomi sat in Christian’s home, staring in awe at her tablet.
She’d just received a digital invitation from Nathaniel–an exclusive gala hosted by Leaf Corp, one of the most prestigious international jewelry houses in the world.
Naomi’s eyes sparkled.
This wasn’t just a party. It was a golden ticket. Leaf Corp was rumored to be looking for a new face to represent their brand in Westbrook, and they’d chosen to hold their high–profile event right here.
If I go with Nathaniel… my chance is finally here.
In the kitchen, Christian had already prepared dinner. But when he came to call her, she was too entranced by the invitation to notice.
“Ms. Sue,” he said quietly. “Dinner is ready.”
Despite their recent intimacy, Christian still didn’t dare address her by name. Their relationship wa like employer and servant.
ore
Naomi snapped out of her daze and grabbed his wrist. “How much longer until my face heals? Or let me borrow the synthetic skin again–just for a few hours! This event is too important.”
Christian flinched at the manic gleam in her eyes. “You promised you’d let yourself recover. You can’t wear that synthetic skin again. If you do, your wounds will spread.”
Chapter 359 The Price of Vanity
“Just one hour! I can endure that much!”
She wasn’t about to let some younger, prettier woman take her place beside Nathaniel. If she missed this opportunity, she’d never forgive herself.
This was Leaf Corp. Their jewelry designers had century–old legacies. Countless models and celebrities had launched their careers wearing Leaf pieces.
Naomi slammed the invitation in front of him. “Take a good look. You’d never set foot in a place like this. If I’m chosen as their next face, I’ll gain more wealth th
you could even imagine.”
Christian wasn’t impressed. All he saw was Naomi being blinded by greed.
She didn’t realize that every second she spent under synthetic skin brought her closer to irreversible facial damage.
Then it hit him–what Eliza had said.
Eliza wants Naomi’s face ruined completely.
And Naomi was walking right into that trap.
“Just lend it to me. One hour. There won’t be any lasting damage!” Naomi pleaded.
But her desperation only terrified Christian more.
She was really willing to destroy her face–for one glamorous evening?
He was no saint, but even he couldn’t watch someone fall this far.
“You can’t,” he said firmly. “If you keep using that synthetic skin, your wounds will grow deeper. I won’t be able to save you after that.”
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