David didn’t answer immediately. His eyes followed Lily as she moved around her booth, helping the staff arrange the jewelry with quiet focus. The soft light reflected off her earrings, making her look both elegant and distant.
“She looks… different,” Roy muttered under his breath.
David’s jaw tightened slightly. “She always was,” he said flatly, turning away, though his eyes didn’t move.
A moment later, the host approached. “Mr. Hardison, the press would love a few words before the official launch.”
David nodded absently, but before walking off, his gaze flickered one last time toward Lily’s direction.
Down below, Lily was explaining her design concept to the exhibition organizer when a hush spread across the room cameras turned toward the stage.
She looked up and froze again.
There he was standing under the bright lights, composed and cold, giving his speech as the main sponsor of the event.
Her throat tightened. The last person she ever wanted to see again was standing just a few meters away, speaking as if nothing had happened.
Linda leaned closer and whispered, “Lily… that’s David Hardison. The CEO of Hardison Corporation.”
Lily forced a calm smile. “Yeah,” she said softly. “I know.”
But inside, her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the necklace on display. So he’s here… because of this competition?
When David stepped off the stage, his gaze drifted over the crowd and landed directly on her.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
Time froze.
Neither of them moved, yet the air between them felt heavy full of words unsaid and pain unhealed.
Then Lily looked away first, pretending to talk to Linda. David’s expression darkened faintly.
“Roy,” he said quietly, “get the list of all participants. I want to know which booth belongs to Soul.”
Roy blinked in confusion. “Soul? The new fashion house?”

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