Chapter 357

Chapter 357:

Sadie swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know… I just—” She sighed sharply, shaking her head. “I can’t believe he would do this.”

Eva reached over, her touch light but steady as she placed a reassuring hand on Sadie’s. “Don’t jump to conclusions,” she murmured. “Maybe it’s not as bad as it looks. Maybe he has reasons he couldn’t tell you.”

“Reasons?” Sadie echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. “I don’t think so.” Her fingers curled into tight fists, nails pressing against her palms as she fought to keep the tremor in her body under control.

“He’d do anything for Kyla,” she muttered.

She couldn’t fathom why Noah was treating her this way. Did she truly mean so little to him?

Eva watched her in silence, reading the way she held herself—rigid, as if forcing the pain to stay buried.

This woman was stubborn, that much was clear. She was breaking, but she refused to let anyone see the cracks.

With an effortless grace, Eva lifted her wine glass, taking a slow sip.

“Sadie.” She set the glass down, the faintest hint of curiosity in her gaze. “Are you ready for the Starlight Gala tomorrow?”

Sadie stilled. The Starlight Gala. She had nearly forgotten.

Everything that had happened recently had consumed her, pushing the event to the very back of her mind.

Sadie opened her mouth, but the words didn’t come.

Even with the “Dewy Hibiscus” restored, the weight of the Starlight Stone still clung to her like a thorn, impossible to ignore. It festered beneath the surface, making it impossible to feel at ease.

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Eva watched her carefully, amusement flickering in her gaze. Then, a knowing smile curved her lips.

“Sadie,” she said smoothly, her voice both gentle and firm. “I know this hurts. But you can’t let it break you.”

Sadie blinked, startled by Eva’s sudden intensity.

“You need to pull yourself together,” Eva continued, leaning forward slightly. “Show them what you’re made of.”

She met Sadie’s gaze head-on. “The Starlight Gala is your chance. Let the world see your talent. Let Noah see it too.”

Her words struck like a hammer, reverberating through Sadie’s mind.

Exactly! She couldn’t let this crush her! She had to stand tall no matter what!

“Thank you, Ms. Shaw,” Sadie said, her voice steadier now, the spark of determination returning.

Eva let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “Oh, darling, why thank me?” Her smile was effortless, laced with quiet confidence. “I believe in your talent. Of course, I want to see you succeed.”

She paused, then added smoothly, “I’ve taken the liberty of arranging for a dress to be delivered to you tomorrow morning. Consider it a small gesture. Prepare well—I’ll be expecting you at the Starlight Gala tomorrow night.”

Sadie met her gaze and nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. “I’ll be there.”

Eva’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. “That’s what I like to hear.” She leaned back in her chair, the glow of the evening lights casting soft shadows over her features. “It’s late. Go home and get some rest. You’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”

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