Chapter 14
The Parisian night sparkled brilliantly. Inside a five–star hotel along the Champs–Élysées, the International Design Association’s business gala was in full swing.
Crystal chandeliers cast dazzling light as glasses clinked, perfume mingled with whispered conversations, and celebrities congregated throughout the opulent space
Callie wore a silver–white mermaid gown, her long hair softly curled and cascading over her shoulders, simple diamond earrings adorning her earlobes. She looked like a goddess stepped down from the stars themselves.[]
Champagne flute in hand, she chatted and laughed with several international brand design directors, every gesture radiating confidence and elegance.[]
Way itself.“]
“Celia, your ‘Starlight‘ collection is absolutely stunning,” a French designer gushed. “Those flowing lines–it’s like wearing the Milky Way i
Callie smiled softly, about to respond when she suddenly felt a piercing gaze.]
She turned her head, brow slightly furrowing.
It was Declan.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his features sharp and cold, his hawk–like gaze locked directly on her.
Beside him, Mia clung to his arm in a pink tulle dress, her smile sweet–until the moment she spotted Callie, when her expression froze.
Callie quickly looked away, continuing her conversation as if she’d never seen them at all.[]
But Declan strode straight toward her.
“Callie Hartwell.”
The surrounding designers sensed the tension and tactfully stepped back.
Callie lifted her gaze, lips curved in a polite but distant smile: “Mr. Hayes. Long time no see.“]
“Are you deliberately avoiding me?” Declan stared into her eyes, his tone carrying suppressed anger.]]
Callie laughed lightly, swirling her champagne: “You’re joking, Mr. Hayes. We’re divorced. What’s there to ‘avoid“?“]
Declan’s brow furrowed deeply.
Behind him, Mia click–clacked over in her heels, possessively wrapping her arm around Declan’s while feigning surprise at Callie.[]
“Oh my! If it isn’t Miss Hartwell!” She looked Callie up and down, covering her mouth with a giggle. “Looks like you’re doing pretty well after the divorce–managing to worm your way into an event like this.“]
Callie’s expression didn’t change. She merely glanced at her coolly: “Is spouting nonsense just a habit of yours, Miss Castellano? I’m here because I earned an invitation.”
Mia’s eyes flashed with jealous hatred, tears welling up as she played the victim: “What qualifications could you possibly have? Don’t tell me you used some ‘special relationship‘ to get in here?”
She deliberately emphasized “special relationship,” drawing stares from nearby guests.[]
Declan’s brow creased as he chided quietly: “Mia, cut it out.“[]
But Mia acted oblivious, tears threatening to spill: “Declan, I’m just curious! Are you going to defend her now?“[]
“Miss Hartwell never even set foot in the design world before, so how did she suddenly become a ‘rising designer‘? Can’t I even ask?“]
“Miss Hartwell, are you still mad at Declan and me? But it wasn’t what you think back then–Declan and I were just friends…“[]
Callie’s expression remained unchanged, her gaze steady on Mia: “I couldn’t care less about your relationship with Mr. Hayes. But I’m getting the feeling you can’t seem to forget about me?“]
“You know so much about my past–how could you not know I graduated top of my design program?“]]
