《No Way to Win Me Back》全部章節：第 231 章 - 第 240 章

Celeste’s POVThe announcement went live on a Thursday morning, a carefully worded press release from Evelyn’s office stating that Rosemary Atelier had successfully completed its audit and maintained eligibility in the International Jewelry Design Competition.I watched it go up on our official page, the bold serif letters glowing against my screen.The press release had the right professional tone. But the phone calls started less than an hour later.First one. Then another. Then twenty.“Ms. Sinclair, this is Patel & Co., we’d like to confirm the stability of your current supplier contracts before we proceed…”“Celeste, darling,” another voice said, too sweet to be sincere, “you understand our hesitation, don’t you? The market has its doubts. No hard feelings, hm?”By the fourth call, my voice was steady but clipped. By the tenth, my temples throbbed.“We’ve maintained full compliance with every audit requirement,” I told a particularly persistent investor. “Rosemary Atelier’s financ

Celeste’s POVThe email from the International Jewelry Association landed in my inbox just before noon, a glossy, over-formal invitation sealed with gold.A gala.Of course they’d turn a design competition into a spectacle.Jenny skimmed it over my shoulder. “A gala for Phase Two? I thought there was only one chance to win the competition?”“So did I,” I said, scrolling down. “Apparently, they’ve decided to make it an event and announce another phase. And look…” I tapped the bottom of the message, feeling my stomach twist. “Crown Luxe is on the guest list. Which means Maximilian.”Jenny’s sigh was sharp. “Perfect. Maybe we should bring armor instead of accessories.”Before I could reply, a knock came on the door.Ryan leaned against the frame, jacket slung over one shoulder, expression unreadable.“I saw the email. Big night ahead, huh?”“Unfortunately,” I muttered.He stepped in. “Then you’ll need someone to escort you.”I blinked. “Excuse me?”His mouth curved, not into a smirk this

Celeste’s POVThe envelope sat in the center of the conference table.I stared at the embossed gold crest of the International Jewelry Association and forced my pulse to slow.Around me, the office buzzed with anticipation.Jenny was fidgeting with her pen, Rachel was biting her lip anxiously, Grace was scrolling through something on her tablet, and Ryan was leaning back against the wall, arms crossed, watching me.“Open it, Celeste,” Grace said. “You’re scaring us with that look.”I tore the seal cleanly and unfolded the letter.The header shimmered faintly under the light, and my eyes caught on the bold words:Assigned Gemstone: Paraiba Tourmaline (Origin: Paraíba, Brazil, Portuguese Mine 1830).I blinked once, twice. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”Ryan straightened. “What is it?”“Paraiba,” I said, pushing the paper toward him. “The most temperamental stone on the planet.”Jenny gasped. “Wait, the electric-blue one?”“Yes,” I said tightly. “The one that fractures under high heat

Celeste’s POVThe thought of the gemstone was keeping me awake.The Paraiba Tourmaline was supposed to be delivered in the morning, but I couldn’t wait.Sleep wouldn’t come so it was close to midnight when I walked back into my studio, hoping to get some more sketches done before the paraiba would arrive.My heels clicked faintly against the marble floor as I made my way through the darkened corridor.I hadn’t meant to come back.Rachel had begged me to rest, Ryan had offered to drive me home. But my mind wouldn’t stop trying to come up with all kinds of ideas and what we could do once the shipment came.Only five weeks were left till we had to submit our design and we were nowhere near to even starting yet.When I reached the studio door, I noticed the faintest line of light beneath it.Someone was inside.For a second, my breath hitched. Everyone had gone home hours ago.I pushed the door open quietly.And there, sitting at my desk, with my lamp on and the Avalon folder open in front

Vanessa’s POVThey always underestimated me, the way they smiled like they’d fallen into the lap of providence and every problem would be wrapped in satin.Maximilian thought he’d broken me by letting me teeter on the edge, he’d only driven me closer to the sharp, vital center of what I needed.Money was a tool. Secrets were currency. I learned to spend both with surgical precision.So when Mrs. Collins invited me for coffee at that discreet little members’ club, I knew this was my chance.I had shaken off the encounter with Andre. There was no way Celeste of all people would figure it out.Even if she did and Andre squealed my name I had a plethora of reasons up my sleeve.Everyone knew Celeste and I didn’t get along, it was only fair the culprit would point me out just to absolve himself of the blame.So I didn’t let it bother me much and did what I do best.Making life-saving connections.Mrs. Collins slid into the chair opposite me.“Vanessa,” she said brightly. “Good to see you ou