Chapter 7

Isabella Whitlock’s smile froze on her face. She hadn’t expected Eleanor Knight to remain so composed.

Her fingers trembled slightly, but she quickly adjusted her expression, steadying the drunken guest as they ascended the stairs. The sharp click of her high heels echoed against the marble steps.

Once the two disappeared from view, Eleanor elegantly lifted her champagne flute, her red lips parting. “Another round, everyone?”

The guests exchanged uneasy glances, making excuses to leave. Within moments, the grand living room stood empty except for her.

Under the glow of the crystal chandelier, she sipped her drink alone, her fingertips tracing the rim of the glass.

At exactly eleven, Isabella finally descended. Seeing no one around, she dropped her facade, storming out with a haughty slam of the door.

Right on cue, Eleanor’s phone rang.

The name “Lucas Chase” flashed on the screen, melting the ice in her expression instantly.

“I thought we agreed you’d call tonight?” Her voice carried a tenderness she hadn’t even realized was there.

A petulant whine came through the line. “You didn’t even visit me on your birthday. Can’t I at least call?”

The memory of his dejected expression during their morning video call softened her heart. “Be good. This is the last birthday I’ll spend as a married woman. From now on, I’ll celebrate every one with you, okay?”

“Really?” Lucas’s voice brightened immediately. “You promise?”

She laughed lightly. “I divorced him for you. Why would I lie?”

They talked late into the night. Just as they were about to hang up, a burst of fireworks exploded outside her window.

The dark sky ignited, as if a thousand stars had fallen to earth.

Through the phone, Lucas’s voice was solemn. “Eleanor Knight, happy birthday.”

“Every year from now on, I’ll be here.”

She froze, rushing to the window. The entire city was alight with fireworks—a spectacle far beyond what an ordinary student could afford.

It had to be a coincidence.

The next morning, Sebastian Sinclair descended the stairs, rubbing his temples, only to remember what day it had been when he saw the decorations still up.

He immediately called his assistant to arrange for jewelry. To his surprise, it was Isabella who delivered it.

“What are you doing here?” He frowned.

Her eyes welled up instantly. “I missed you… If I’ve upset you, I’ll leave.”

Sebastian couldn’t stand her tears and quickly pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry. That’s not what I meant.”

“Then… can I stay for a few days?” She looked up at him with tearful eyes. “Just a few.”

His expression stiffened. He and Eleanor had agreed—no one else would ever stay in this house.

Just as he was about to refuse, footsteps sounded from the staircase. Isabella spoke first. “Good morning, Mrs. Sinclair. This is the gift Mr. Sinclair got for you. Oh, and my place isn’t safe right now. He said I could stay here for a bit. You don’t mind, do you?”

Eleanor didn’t even glance at her, walking straight to the dining room.