The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 87

It wasn't a pair. It was just one.

The solitary masterpiece Celia had won at the auction.

In truth, during the auction, she had considered tracking down another emerald of similar quality to make a matching set.

But after some thought, she decided to give Alistair just the single cufflink.

What truly leaves a lasting impression?

Uniqueness.

A pair of cufflinks was utterly mundane, but a single, unmatched piece was a statement—a one-of-a-kind piece that would embed itself in someone's memory.

And so, right in the middle of this radiant, extravagant banquet hall.

The most powerful man in the room, currently surrounded by the city's elite, stood looking down at his watch with utter nonchalance.

And that exquisite, flawless imperial emerald cufflink was proudly displayed for everyone to see.

The color was so deep it looked like an ancient, untouched forest. Under the indoor lighting, it was a dark, moody green that practically blended into his suit, which was why it hadn't been noticeable when his arms were down.

But the moment he lifted his wrist, catching the light at just the right angle, the meticulously cut gem practically exploded with a mesmerizing, dominant brilliance, gleaming like the eye of a majestic predator.

Norma froze in place.

Her eyes practically bulged out of her head as she stared in utter disbelief at the accessory on his sleeve.

Then, as if she had just seen a ghost, she whipped her head back around, staring at Celia in a mix of shock and pure terror.

"Y-you—"

She stammered, completely unable to form a complete sentence.

Celia tilted her head, maintaining her perfectly innocent, sweet demeanor. "Do you see now, Norma? It really wasn't for Talbot."

Norma stared at her, utterly flabbergasted.

So, even though she had managed to connect herself to Alistair, were the events from her 'dream' still destined to happen?

The thought filled Celia with dread. She absolutely refused to accept a fate where she died tragically in a mental asylum.

With a hardened gaze, she narrowed her eyes, looking across the room at Alistair as he conversed with the crowd.

—She needed to move faster.

Seeing Celia fall silent, a smug, triumphant look crossed Norma's face.

"Honestly, compared to Evelyn, you're practically worthless."

"Sure, her family isn't as rich as yours, but she can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Talbot, helping him build the Forrester Group. But look at you..."

Norma clicked her tongue in disdain. "You're just a useless, spoiled little girl who doesn't know how to do anything. You're lucky Talbot puts up with you."

Celia raised an eyebrow, but when she looked back at Norma, her eyes were swimming with tears.