Chapter 171

The dazzling diamond necklace shimmered under the chandelier lights. "This piece embodies Mrs. Beatrice Blackwood's grace perfectly," voices overlapped in admiration as guests vied for her attention.

Just as the excitement peaked, Dominic Sinclair made his entrance, his hazel eyes sparkling at the animated gathering.

"Mrs. Blackwood, happy birthday!" Dominic approached with an elegant bow. "You're glowing more radiantly each year. When I first saw you, I mistook you for one of Adrian's younger aunts!" He presented an exquisite Ming dynasty vase to a servant. "This will complement your bedroom's decor beautifully."

Beatrice chuckled, patting his arm affectionately. "Always the charmer, Dominic. You know exactly how to flatter an old woman."

Bianca Thornton spotted Dominic and hurried over, her cheeks flushing pink. "Dominic," she murmured softly.

Dominic barely acknowledged her, his attention elsewhere. "Has no one noticed the real showstopper around Vivian's neck?" His voice carried a playful challenge.

While guests had certainly noticed Vivian Hartley's presence, none had paid particular attention to her necklace until Dominic's remark. Now all eyes focused on the pendant resting against her collarbone.

Dominic's lips curved triumphantly. "That," he announced, "is a rare pink diamond auctioned at Frostholm last week for $10.75 million. The largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ever sold publicly."

He'd pulled countless strings to acquire it - ensuring while Beatrice's gift was magnificent, Vivian's would make its own unforgettable statement. Though slightly less expensive, its uniqueness made it priceless.

Turning to Vivian with expectant eyes, Dominic grinned. "I flew to Frostholm personally for this. Don't I deserve some special recognition?"

Vivian offered a polite but distant smile. "Thank you, Dominic. I'll take you to dinner sometime."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Vivian had been wearing a fortune around her neck all evening.

Bianca's nails dug into her palms as she glared at Vivian. Why did everyone obsess over her? Even Dominic, whom she'd adored for years, seemed like Vivian's personal assistant.

Unable to contain herself, Bianca stepped forward, sweetness lacing her venom. "Vivian, we've heard about everyone's gifts, but you still haven't answered my question. Didn't you bring anything for Beatrice?"

Adrian's expression darkened instantly. "Any gift from me is from Vivian as well," he stated coldly.

Beatrice quickly nodded in agreement. "Of course. They're a couple - one gift is perfectly appropriate."

Bianca pressed on, her smile sharp. "But Beatrice, I'm just concerned. You've been so generous to Vivian, yet she couldn't be bothered to prepare anything personally? Doesn't that seem... ungrateful?"

Vivian met Bianca's gaze steadily, a faint smile playing on her lips. "What makes you think I didn't prepare something?"