The boutique's lighting cast a soft glow over the collection of high-end suits as Isabelle guided me through the racks. Her fingers trailed over fabrics worth more than my monthly rent.
"This one," she said, pulling out a charcoal-gray suit with subtle blue undertones. "It'll bring out your eyes."
I shifted uncomfortably. "Isabelle, I can't possibly afford—"
"It's a gift," she cut me off, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Tonight is important. The Ashworth family banquet will have every influential person in Havenwood City in attendance."
My throat tightened. After yesterday's confrontation at the Sterling mansion, the thought of facing Seraphina in such a public setting made my stomach churn.
"Don't look so terrified," Isabelle said, her lips curving into a small smile. "You'll be fine. You're with me, after all."
The changing room was larger than my bathroom at home. As I slipped into the suit, I barely recognized the man in the mirror. Gone was the slouched, defeated servant of the Sterling family. The fabric hugged my frame perfectly, emphasizing shoulders that had grown broader since I'd begun training.
When I emerged, Isabelle's eyes widened slightly. She circled me once, her gaze appraising.
"Much better than I expected," she murmured, adjusting my lapel. Her fingers brushed against my chest, sending an electric current through me.
"Will I... fit in?" I asked hesitantly.
Her eyes met mine. "No," she said bluntly. "But you won't embarrass me either."
I couldn't help but laugh at her honesty. "Fair enough."
Later that evening, the Ashworth family's newly acquired manor loomed before us, its limestone facade glowing under strategically placed lights. Valets rushed to take keys from arriving luxury vehicles while photographers snapped pictures of Havenwood's elite.
"Remember," Isabelle said as our car pulled up, "you're not just attending. We're hosting this together."
My head snapped toward her. "We're what?"
She didn't respond, simply sliding out as the door opened, cameras immediately flashing in recognition of the Ashworth princess. I followed, trying to appear more confident than I felt.
The grand ballroom was a symphony of wealth – crystal chandeliers, marble floors, waiters carrying trays of champagne worth more than I used to earn in a week.
"Ms. Ashworth," a gray-haired man approached, "your family has outdone themselves. This manor is exquisite."
"Thank you, Mayor Richards," Isabelle replied smoothly. "May I introduce Liam Knight? He's my personal guest tonight."
The mayor's handshake was firm. "Any friend of the Ashworths is welcome here."
For nearly an hour, Isabelle guided me through introductions. I watched her transform – in private, she offered small encouraging smiles, but in public, she was ice and steel, commanding respect with every gesture.
"You're doing well," she whispered during a brief moment alone. "Just keep standing straight. You belong here as much as anyone."
Before I could respond, a familiar voice cut through the ambient chatter.
"Well, if it isn't the Sterlings' former doormat."
My blood froze. Seraphina stood mere feet away, draped in an emerald gown that hugged her curves. Beside her stood a tall man with sharp features and slicked-back hair.
"Seraphina," I said, my voice steadier than I expected. "I see you received an invitation after all."
Her eyes narrowed. "Of course I did. Unlike some people, I don't need charity to attend events like this."
The man beside her smirked. "Gideon Blackwood," he introduced himself, extending his hand with obvious reluctance. "Seraphina's told me all about you."
"I'm sure she has," I replied, ignoring his hand.
Seraphina's gaze shifted to Isabelle, who had been observing our interaction silently. "Ms. Ashworth, I've been hoping to speak with you about the Sterling family's proposal for—"
"I'm not interested in business discussions tonight," Isabelle interrupted, her voice colder than I'd ever heard it. She slipped her hand into mine, our fingers intertwining in full view of everyone. "I'm here to enjoy the evening with Liam."
The shock on Seraphina's face was worth every minute of humiliation I'd endured in the Sterling household.
Gideon stepped forward, smoothly inserting himself. "Ms. Ashworth, perhaps we could—"
"Mr. Blackwood," Isabelle cut him off again, "I know exactly who you are. Your family means nothing to me."
The bluntness of her dismissal left even me stunned. Gideon's face darkened, but before he could respond, Isabelle continued.
"If you'll excuse us, I have guests to attend to." She turned to me, her expression softening slightly. "Liam, I need to speak with my uncle about something. Will you be alright for a few minutes?"
I nodded, squeezing her hand once before letting go.
As soon as Isabelle disappeared into the crowd, Seraphina's facade crumbled.
"What kind of game are you playing?" she hissed. "Did you think parading around with that stuck-up bitch would make me jealous?"
My hands curled into fists. "Don't talk about her like that."
"Look at you, defending her already," Seraphina laughed bitterly. "She's using you, you idiot. She'll toss you aside just like I did."
"The difference," I replied calmly, "is that Isabelle has never pretended to be something she's not."
Gideon stepped closer, towering over me. "You should tell that stinking woman to watch herself," he said, his voice low and threatening. "The Blackwood family doesn't take public insults lightly. If she falls into my hands, she'll regret tonight."
Something snapped inside me. All the anger I'd suppressed during my years with the Sterlings, all the humiliation I'd swallowed – it rose up like a tidal wave.
I stepped forward until we were almost nose to nose. "Listen carefully," I said, my voice dangerously quiet. "If you ever threaten Isabelle again, you'd better apologize to her, or you'll end up very miserable."