Chapter 42

The glass exhibition case illuminated a delicate peach-shaped pendant, its rosy hue casting prismatic reflections across the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer announced, "this exquisite piece was carved from a single flawless pink crystal."

He paused dramatically. "Its romantic name? The Eternal Heart."

The crowd murmured as he continued. "This isn't just any trinket. Historical records show it was commissioned for the adopted princess of Vienna's royal family."

His voice dropped to a reverent whisper. "A genuine royal artifact, valued at three million dollars."

Beside me, Ethan Blackwood scoffed. "The cut is mediocre at best," he muttered. "Only fools would pay that much for a glorified rock with a fabricated backstory."

I studied the pendant with narrowed eyes. "The crystal quality is undeniable," I said carefully. "But its royal provenance? That's... questionable."

The auctioneer beamed. "Our highest-valued donation tonight comes from Mr. Nathaniel Blackwood, gifted in Miss Isabella Lockhart's name."

Polite applause filled the room as Isabella ascended the stage, preening under the attention. She took the microphone with practiced grace.

"Thank you all," she simpered. "For this charitable occasion, I'd like to invite my dear sister-in-law, Vivian Lockhart, to join me."

Every head turned toward me. I recognized the trap instantly - Isabella's saccharine smile couldn't mask the venom in her eyes.

Still, I rose smoothly, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble as I approached the stage. Murmurs followed my path - some admiring, others judgmental.

Isabella's grip tightened on the microphone. "We're all here supporting such a worthy cause," she said pointedly. "Yet strangely, you haven't contributed anything, Vivian."

The barb landed perfectly. Disapproving whispers rippled through the crowd. I could practically see the headlines forming - "Blackwood Heiress Too Stingy for Charity."

Nathaniel's jaw clenched from his front-row seat. Dominic Harrington looked ready to storm the stage. Only Ethan remained impassive, watching me with calculating intensity.

I accepted the microphone, my voice calm. "I'll gladly make my donation shortly. But first..."

I turned to face the audience. "I must apologize on behalf of my sister-in-law."

Confused murmurs erupted. Isabella's smile faltered. "What nonsense are you spewing now?" she hissed under her breath.

Ignoring her, I continued. "Because the pendant she just donated?" My lips curved. "It's a counterfeit."