She Showed His Diamond, I Broke Up

Chapter 4

Brett Davis, a lawyer, slid the photocopy back across the desk, his finger pressing down on the signature.

"We need the original document for handwriting analysis. You need to secure your mother's manuscripts, old emails, and competition receipts. Don't blow their cover tonight. Let them publicly claim ownership. Then it'll make our evidence airtight."

I placed the black wax-sealed box on his desk. "I don't have the manuscript, but I still have the box."

Brett cracked it open just enough to see the submission receipts and material inventory inside. He nodded. "Do not hand this box over. If they try to force you to take a stance, let them dig their own graves."

*****

The viewing party was held in Lumina Group's penthouse showroom. The space had a minimalist feel, with a single row of display cases and heavy, high-gloss portfolios.

Julian's expression visibly relaxed when he spotted the black wax-sealed box in my hands. He stepped closer and smoothed out the shoulder of my dress.

"Good girl for bringing it. Don't give me the cold shoulder later. The clients are here. I'll make up for our anniversary dinner when we get home," he murmured.

"You think I brought the manuscript?" I said.

"It's company property anyway," he replied.

His fingertips lingered on the lid. "Chloe, after tonight, the Aurora Collection goes live, and your mother's legacy will be remembered. That's infinitely better than letting it rot in some old cabinet."

Lexi glided over from the display cases, the center stone resting perfectly on her collarbone.

She was wearing a white dress in the exact same shade as mine, but her dress flowed lighter, almost as if it had been deliberately chosen to outshine me.

"Mrs. Stone, what a gorgeous box," she commented and looked at Julian, her voice sickly sweet. "Mr. Stone, could I be the one to receive it later? I promise to keep it safe. I won't let you or Mrs. Stone down."

I shifted the box slightly behind my back. "This belonged to my mom."

Julian's eyes grew icy. "Don't start with that tonight."

Once the guests were seated, Julian took the stage and flipped open the first portfolio.

He didn't make eye contact, speaking with a calm tone that sounded heavily rehearsed, "The Aurora Collection, from the center stone to the intricate cuts, took 3 years to perfect. Lexi provided the inspiration for the center stone, while Chloe helped organize the technical data in the early stages. Contrary to public perception, my wife has been nothing but supportive of the company from the very beginning."

As applause erupted, Hannah slipped the PR statement into my hand. The very first line read: The arrangement of the center and accent stones was strictly for business purposes and involved no personal gifting.

Julian reached his hand out to me. "Chloe, come up here. Tell everyone yourself that last night was just a huge misunderstanding, so we can put their minds at ease."

"And if I don't?" I sneered.

He maintained his flawless smile, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper only I could hear. "The studio gets cleared out tomorrow. Everything in that old cabinet will be trashed. You know HR can't tell the difference between a masterpiece and garbage."

Lexi stood right beside him, a triumphant gleam flashing in her eyes. "Mrs. Stone, it's just one sentence. I shouldn't have made that joke about the offcuts, but Julian saved the center stone for me from the very beginning. Why are you holding such a grudge?"

I stared dead at Julian. "3 years ago, that night in Scodina, you swore you were saving the center stone for me."

He twitched slightly before snapping back into his composed facade. "Lexi was there, too. She was actually the first one to lay eyes on it. I just didn't mention it because I didn't want you to overthink."

"So from day one, all I ever got was the accent stone?" I asked.

"You got the title of Mrs. Stone," Julian retorted and pressed the PR statement into my palm, his tone almost coaxing. "Chloe, that title carries enough weight. Stop fighting her over a damn rock."

A hush fell over the showroom. Marlee sat in the front row. Hannah's eyes were glued to the statement, and Lexi clutched the center stone on her chest as if terrified someone might rip it away.

I took the piece of paper but didn't bother reading it.

Instead, my thumb flicked open the hidden clasp of the black wax-sealed box. The document right on top flaunted an official submission stamp.

Julian's face darkened instantly, and he lunged to slam the lid shut.

Just then, the side doors were forcefully pushed open from the outside.