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Chapter 15: Crowning Glory
Ivy scoffed, venom sharpening her tone. “Who knows if you earned it fairly?”
Nova didn’t flinch. From her clutch, she retrieved a cream–colored, gold–embossed business card, offering it to the Valentino design director beside her. “Since Ms. Callahan questions my credentials, perhaps this will clarify.”
The director scanned the card, eyes widening. “Nadia Sterling? You’re this year’s Lume Ateliers Design Grand Prix winner?”
A ripple of impressed murmurs spread instantly.
“Nadia Sterling? If she lacks credentials, who has them?”
“Exactly! This Ms. Callahan–who even is she? Perhaps she’s the gatecrasher?”
“Sounds like pure jealousy. Didn’t you catch it? The Callahan clearly wrecked their marriage and can’t own it.”
Ivy’s face blanched. She melted against Zane, tears welling. “No! Zane, I never meant-”
Nova’s smile remained serene. “Mr. Blackthorn, Ms. Callahan. If there’s nothing else, I’m out..” She turned to leave.
Zane shoved Ivy aside–not roughly, but decisively. His hand closed around Nova’s wrist. “We talk
Now.”
Nova paused, glancing coolly at his grip. “Release me, Mr. Blackthorn.”
His fingers tightened, eyes darkening.
Ivy lunged forward, clutching Zane’s other arm, her voice saccharine with concern. “Zane! Our meeting with Mr. Smith? We can’t be late
11
For the first time, Zane ignored her. His gaze remained locked on Nova. “Just five minutes.”
Nova twisted her wrist free. “I have prior commitments with colleagues. Good evening.” She walked away, spine straight, toward a cluster of designers.
Zane stood rooted, a storm brewing in his eyes.
Ivy glared daggers at Nova’s retreating back, then turned to Zane, lip trembling. “Zane, why is she so cruel? Does she still blame me? But I-”
“Go back to the hotel.” His voice held an unfamiliar edge.
Chanter 15: Crowning Glory
“What?”
“Now.” The impatience was unmistakable.
Tears spilled, “You’re going after her?”
Zane didn’t glance at her. He strode purposefully toward Nova.
Ivy stood alone, nails biting crescents into her palms, eyes burning with hatred.
Nova was deep in conversation, unaware of Zane’s approach until his shadow fell over her. “Nova Sterling.” His voice was gravel–low. “What’s between us? I never say our finished.”
Before Nova could respond, Scarlett materialized, stepping protectively in front of her friend. Her gaze was razor–sharp.
“Mr. Blackthorn.” Scarlett’s voice cut like ice, “Instead of harassing your ex–wife here, maybe focus on cleaning up that dumpster fire you call a company? Thank God Nova got away from you ages ago–acting like a fool over some woman..”
Zane’s eyes turned arctic. “What’s that supposed to mean”
“Oh, I believe your Board already tried.” Scarlett tilted her head, a predator’s smile touching her lips. “That viper clinging to your arm? The shell companies? The missing hundreds of millions?” She leaned in slightly, her voice a lethal whisper. “How much evidence do you need to stop playing the fool?”
