The Love That Came Too Late

Chapter 6 Public Humiliation

A hushed gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by whispers and muffled laughter.

With a piercing crash, the man hurled his wine glass to the floor, shattering it into jagged fragments.

"Celia, because of you, every lawyer here is catching flak, " he spat.

"You are a disgrace to the profession, one rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel. "

Xavier and Iris rushed over at the commotion, both freezing mid-step.

Amid the chaos, a hand shot from the crowd and shoved Celia hard from behind.

She crashed to the floor, lifting her gaze to meet a sea of mocking stares. Her eyes clouded with bewilderment.

Iris oozed fake sympathy. "Oh, Celia, how did you get wine in your hair? And now you have taken a tumble."

"Honestly, you are always so reckless. No wonder you screwed up the Clearwater Manor case so spectacularly."

Xavier cleared his throat. "Iris, have some tact. This is a public event."

Pouting, Iris batted her lashes. "Xavier, I just speak my mind. I cannot help it if the truth slips out."

His eyes softened with indulgence. "That is what I love about you, your simplicity."

Watching them, Celia felt beyond heartache.

Only numbness remained, drowning her in a tide of emptiness.

Then, through the despair, a slender, well-defined hand appeared before her.

A voice like rich, dark velvet spoke above her. "Take my hand. I will help you up."

She looked up, dazed.

Through a haze of unshed tears, she saw a face etched with striking precision, razor-sharp jawline and frosty poise.

Ambrose Sterling.

The name flashed in her mind like lightning.

Her senior from Hawthorne University's law school, a living legend.

He had blitzed through four years of coursework in two.

Just as everyone expected him to dominate the courtroom, he had pivoted to business, transferring to the MBA program.

Now, he helmed his family's empire.

And as a tycoon, he was a natural.

In mere years, he had catapulted Sterling Group to unprecedented heights.

Forbes had crowned him the Wunderkind of Modern Business.

The crowd buzzed.

"Ambrose. It is really him."

"He never shows up to these things. What is he doing here?"

Celia's lashes fluttered at the words.

Ambrose knelt, gripping her wrist to pull her upright.

From his breast pocket, he produced a handkerchief, reaching to dab the wine from her hair.

She jerked away. "I have got it."

His hand hovered, then retreated. "Suit yourself."

Iris scurried over, gushing. "Mr. Sterling. I am stunned you are here."

Truthfully, she was baffled. What was he doing at her party?

Back when her law firm had partnered with Sterling Group, she had dressed to impress for their meeting.

Yet she had not even seen hide nor hair of Ambrose.

Rumors claimed the man was as cold as ice and utterly unapproachable.

To Iris, those rumors proved all too accurate.

So his appearance at her birthday banquet tonight was beyond her wildest dreams.

Ambrose dismissed Iris with barely a glance before fixing his predatory stare on Xavier beside her.

A chill ran down Xavier's spine under that frosty glare. "Mr. Sterling," he managed stiffly.

Silence was his only reply.

Just then, an assistant approached with a phone. "Sir, you have an urgent call."

After one last glance at Celia, Ambrose turned on his heel and left.

The gawking crowd began melting away.

Xavier leaned in close. "Celia, are you okay?" he murmured.

Celia turned and walked away without a single word.

As Xavier moved to follow, Iris latched onto his arm. "Xavier, where are you going? Everyone is waiting for our opening dance."

He hesitated for just a moment. "Alright. I will stay."

A smug, triumphant smile bloomed across Iris's face.