Chapter 72

No one had imagined that Sallie's birthday celebration would turn into Lainey's carefully orchestrated showcase.

The moment Eleanor and Lillian entered the hall, Emma's excited voice rang out.

"My sister-in-law is absolutely amazing! You won't believe this-she just placed first in the preliminary round of the Enigma Group's fashion design competition! I've already secured a stack of tickets for the finals. You should come and see Lainey crowned as Enigma's apprentice!"

What?

Enigma's apprentice?

The very idea carried weight and prestige beyond measure.

As soon as the wealthy young women confirmed the rumor was genuine, they crowded around eagerly, their past grievances with Lainey swept conveniently aside.

Jonny stood proudly at Lainey's side, basking in the light she cast.

The shadows of recent days melted away like mist under the sun.

Lainey might have caused scandals, but in this moment, she handed him honor that outshone them all.

If she truly secured Enigma's apprenticeship, the Todd Group would ascend into an entirely new league of influence.

Lillian leaned closer, her lips twisting in doubt as she whispered to Eleanor, "Hard to believe a schemer like Lainey could actually have talent in design."

Eleanor lifted her glass, letting the champagne swirl lazily. "Maybe so. She did study fashion design abroad,after all." Lillian pressed her lips together and chose silence.

The competition's reputation spoke for itself-judges were impartial, the process transparent.

Lainey advancing to the finals meant she had genuine skill, at least on paper.

Even so, Lillian doubted the outcome would change anything. Winning a trophy was one thing. Being selected as Eleanor's personal apprentice was another matter entirely.

With no desire to linger near the spectacle, Lillian and Eleanor turned their attention to Sallie.

To their surprise, Sallie's complexion looked healthier, her energy noticeably brighter-perhaps because Lainey, consumed with her own ambitions, hadn't troubled her lately.

Eleanor offered her a few words of caution and care, then linked arms with Lillian, ready to leave.

Before leaving the party, she stopped briefly at the restroom.

But when she stepped back into the halway, her path was suddenly blocked.

Her gaze lifted, only to meet Jonny's self-satisfied grin, and irritation pricked at her instantly. "Please step aside," she said.

Jonny had clearly been waiting for this chance, and now that she stood alone, he had no intention of letting her go so easily.

Jonny tossed his head back with exaggerated confidence, his voice dripping with self-importance. "Did you catch Emma's words? It won't be long before the Todd Group rises higher than ever, and I'll be the shining figure in the city's upper circles. Didn't Besty Juarez show interest in you? If you use that connection to open doors for me, I'll make sure you live in comfort beyond your imagination."

In his narrow view, Eleanor was nothing more than a woman chasing wealth through Nolan.

He believed his own hype-that he was destined to embody influence and that her affection for him meant she would never refuse.

The smug curl of his lips deepened. "But don't get ahead of yourself. The title of my wife belongs to Lainey and Lainey alone. She'll be Enigma's chosen apprentice, and I'll stand by her no matter what. You'll just have to accept that."

What the hell?

Had the man lost his senses in a matter of days?

Eleanor could only stare at him in stunned disbelief. She finally said in sharp tones, "Move aside."

Turning on her heel, she started to walk past him without another glance.

His pride stung, Jonny's expression twisted. A wave of possessiveness surged through him as he seized her wrist and yanked her closer.

"Don't put on this act, Eleanor! I can see right through you. You still care about me-you're just being distant to keep me chasing, aren't you?"

The moment his words left his mouth, Jonny lunged forward, trying to force a kiss.

Eleanor's restraint shattered, every ounce of her patience gone.

A sharp glint of ice flickered in her eyes as she braced herself, ready to drive her knee into him.

But before she could make her move, another figure intervened first.