[EVE]


    "Looks like you did a great job finding that dress," Sinir said, taking a sip of wine. "For a moment, I was actually worried you wouldn''t find something to wear for this event."


    I chuckled, brushing a hand over the fabric. "Coming from you, that means this dress really is one of a kind, right?"


    Sinir nodded seriously. "It looks great on you."


    A warm feeling spread through me. This investment with Hyun was going to be a sess—I''d had a good feeling about it, and seeing Sinir''s reaction sealed it.


    "By the way . . ." Sinir dabbed his lips with a napkin, then shot me a piercing look. "How''s Sebastian doing?"


    Ugh.


    I could feel his scrutinizing gaze. "Rx, I''m taking good care of him. I''ve gotten everything he needs, all his medications too, so you really don''t have to worry."


    Sinir raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.


    "If you don''t believe me, here." I pulled out my phone, showing Sinir a live video of Sebastian lounging in front of my 60-inch screen projector screen, happily watching his favorite dog show and munching on treats.


    I frowned. "Wait, how did he even turn the TV on?"


    Sinir sighed, shaking his head. "Anyway, I''m not against you keeping Sebastian for now, but make sure he takes his medicine on time."


    I grinned at him. "Don''t worry. Sebastian is my dog now; I''ll take good care of him."


    But Sinir''s cheeks puffed out in slight annoyance. Clearly, he didn''t love that response. "What do you mean your dog? You''re just currently his nanny, nothing more."


    "Yes. Yes. Whatever makes you sleep at night. By the way, where''s Victor?" I asked, ncing around.


    Sinir popped a grape into his mouth. "Busy."


    "On the weekend?"


    "Work never really stops for him."


    I sensed there might be something more to that but decided not to push further.


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the auction finally began. Guests shifted their attention to the beautifully arranged disys as the first item was announced.


    As I scanned the crowd, I noticed Sophie standing off to one side. To my surprise, she was talking with Cole


    I couldn''t hear what they were saying, but I caught the way Cole''s sharp gaze lingered on her for a moment before he abruptly walked away.


    I was not really interested with them, so I turned my attention back to the auction, but a prickling sensation made me nce over again. My gaze met Sophie''s, and I gave her a mocking beam. She, however, shot me an icy re before turning away with a huff.


    I just chuckled to myself. Ruining her mood was one of my many joys in life.


    "Hello, dear, remember me?"


    I looked up to find Queen Emilia approaching with a warm, motherly smile.


    Rising from my seat, I offered a respectful curtsy. "Queen Emilia, it''s an honor."


    "Oh, my dear, you''re as lovely as ever! And this gown—it''s stunning! Where did you find such a piece?"


    "Thank you, your Highness. It was actually custom-made."


    Queen Emilia''s eyes lit up with interest. "Custom-made? By whom?"


    Continue reading at empire


    "A friend of mine."


    "Well then, do you think this friend could make something for me too?"


    "Of course, Your Highness. It would be a pleasure." The thought of Queen Emilia wearing one of Hyun''s designs? That would be incredible exposure.


    "Wonderful! And, my dear, you remember my grandson, don''t you? The one I mentioned before?"


    I hadn''t noticed the man standing beside her until now. He was tall and striking, with rich dark skin, midnight-ck hair, and mesmerizing amber eyes that seemed to sh with mischief.


    His features were sharp and exotic, so unlike anything I was used to seeing. It wasn''t hard to see why he had a bit of a reputation as a charmer—women would be drawn to him naturally.


    Queen Emilia nudged him forward with a gentle smile. "Eve, this is my grandson, Ran. Ran, meet Eve Rosette."


    Ran nced at me with a slow grin, but instead of a courteous bow or even a polite greeting, he sized me up with a raised eyebrow. "Really, Grandmother? She''s . . . well, not as beautiful as you imed. She''s too thin and too pale, and aside from her huge breasts, there''s nothing remarkable about her."


    I felt a prick of irritation but kept myposure. Ran''s bluntness wasn''t charming—it was rude.


    Queen Emilia gasped, mortified, and quickly turned to me, flustered. "Oh, Eve, please ept my apologies. My grandson may have had one too many sses of champagne."


    I nced at Ran, whose smirk suggested otherwise. I was sure that he had wanted to catch me off-guard, wanted to see me fluster.


    But if he thought he''d make me ufortable, he had no idea who he was dealing with.


    Smiling sweetly, I replied, "It''s quite all right, Your Highness. Prince Ran was simply being honest. I can appreciate that."


    Then, turning to Ran with a sharp smile, I added, "Oh, how refreshing to meet someone so . . .


    blunt


    . Do you always unt such shallow judgments, or did you reserve this level of charm just for me?"


    Ran''s smirk faltered just slightly, as though he hadn''t expected a response.


    Queen Emilia was trying to contain her own chuckle, and she ced a hand on my shoulder. "Oh, Eve, I knew I liked you from the start."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sinir''s sneer cut through the air, his gaze locked on Ran. "Well I don''t like that grandson of yours," he said coldly. "If he stays a moment longer, I''ll have my guards throw him out."


    The venom in his tone and the glint in his eyes left no doubt—Sinir''s patience had run out.


    Everyone nearby stilled, the tension as sharp as ss. Even Queen Emilia seemed taken aback, her usual poised demeanor faltering slightly at Sinir''s anger.


    With a regretful sigh, Queen Emilia ced a firm hand on Ran''s arm. "Come along, Ran. Eve, I am so terribly sorry. Rest assured, I will see to it that my grandson learns the respect he clearlycks."