Chapter 3 Admiration

Vista Cay did not belong to any restaurant. Instead, people flocked there to admire the beauty of an island that was entirely shaped by human hands.

Right at the center of this oasis stood the most coveted club in all of Ipester.

Nobody ever truly knew who ran the club, which only made people talk about it more.

If you managed to score an invitation to the Vista Banquet, everyone in Ipester's upper crust took notice.

Getting invited was almost impossible, and that made it all the more coveted.

The following night, twilight painted the horizon as the broad bridge across the river burst into life, its lights shimmering in vibrant colors that gave the whole place an otherworldly glow.

Dressed in a soft lavender designer dress, Renee moved gracefully at Dominic's side.

Dominic swirled red wine in his glass, his expression triumphant and self-assured.

"Renee, it's only because of you that we're at this banquet. As soon as my mother's well again, I'll make sure you're never put in an awkward spot because of your position."

Renee answered with a teasing look, her smile polished and graceful, "Your mother has always treated me well, so helping her was only right. Before this night is over, I have a feeling we'll both be recognized as Caduceus's favored guests."

Dominic's face betrayed a flicker of doubt as he listened.

"Everyone here tonight is hoping Caduceus will notice them. Caduceus's famous for her obsession with antique jewels. Our present..."

Renee was brimming with confidence.

She had told Dominic that she had met Caduceus, though the truth was she had only glimpsed a woman from afar. Still, that tiny edge was more than enough to give her confidence.

None of the men in the hall could hope to outshine her choice of gift.

"Relax. I've got it covered."

Suddenly, noise erupted near the entrance.

Both of them turned to see what caused the stir.

Camera flashes caught Elliana as she swept into the hall, her crimson dress impossible to ignore. Waves of dark hair tumbled down her back, and the green gems at her neck made her skin glow with a new kind of beauty.

Her looks, stripped of their youthful simplicity, had become so striking they almost seemed unreal, though her presence was cool and regal as ever.

The crowd could not help but gasp in admiration.

Every pair of eyes seemed to follow Elliana's every move.

Dominic found himself caught off guard, unable to look away.

"Elliana?" he said, shock slipping through his voice.

Renee snapped out of her daze, irritation sharpening her features.

She couldn't understand how that girl from the countryside carried herself with such striking presence.

Her stare dropped to the diamond‑lined emerald necklace, a piece far grander than anything she owned, and she wondered where Elliana could have possibly gotten it.

Dominic certainly hadn't given it to her.

She opened her mouth to complain, then caught the dazed fascination on Dominic's face, which made her anger flare even hotter.

Digging her nails into her palm, she worked to soften her tone, adding a note of vulnerability.

"Dominic, I didn't realize Elliana would be here tonight. Maybe I should excuse myself. I wouldn't want to put the Stanley family in an uncomfortable position."

Her actions matched her words, as she took a step back, pretending to be considerate.

Dominic's focus returned to her immediately.

"Renee, I didn't invite her."

Renee blinked, as though the news stunned her.

"You didn't? Then how did she get inside? The Vista Banquet doesn't hand out invitations easily. Unless... she came in with another man?"

Disdain flickered in her eyes, sharpening her accusation.

She tried to twist the situation against Elliana.

"She still shows up at events tied to the Stanley family, even after everything that happened. That's just sad."

The tension grew between them, and Dominic's mood soured.

Elliana, meanwhile, swept her gaze over the room.

She had heard countless claims that Karson Bailey rarely appeared in public, and nobody knew what he looked like.

To draw him out, she had instructed Leah to spread rumors about Caduceus's fascination with antique jewels. The more ancient the better. That rumor was designed to point straight toward the Pisces Jade.

Anyone bold enough to bring that jade would almost certainly be Karson.

This evening, she hoped her plan would pay off.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice someone move directly in front of her until her view was blocked completely.