“There’s no one more experienced with historical gemstones,” another voice chimed in.
“You are so talented,” a younger collector added eagerly. “I almost missed that flaw in the diamond—the one from the sixteenth century. But you spotted it immediately and even identified its origin. That was incredible.”
Sophia gave a small, humble shake of her head.
“Thank you, everyone,” she said, her voice gentle. “It’s simply the result of years in the industry. Experience teaches you to notice details others might overlook.”
Her eyes softened slightly as she added, “I’m very grateful to Mr. Lynn for inviting me tonight. I’ll be attending more auctions in Manhattan from now on, so I’m sure we’ll meet again.”
A few of them lit up at that.
“Really? You’re staying in Manhattan?” a man asked, visibly pleased. “That’s excellent news. I’ll need to sharpen my skills if I’m going to meet you again.”
Light laughter rippled through the group.
Sophia responded with a polite laugh of her own
Across the hall, Isabel rose from her seat.
The sound of heels against marble echoed faintly as she stepped into the aisle, her gaze locked on the growing crowd around Sylvia. Her jaw tightened.
She watched as men leaned in slightly to speak to Sylvia, watched as women complimented her, watched the admiration in their eyes.
Her fingers curled around her clutch.
The more they praised her, the more her expression hardened.
Her friends gathered around her, following her line of sight.
“Look at her,” Isabel muttered under her breath, her voice edged with irritation. “Surrounded by men like that. It’s like she’s here just to attract men.”
She let out a short scoff. “What a narcissist.”
“Exactly,” Gigi agreed quickly, folding her arms. “Just look at her face. Smiling and laughing at everything they say. She’s clearly enjoying the spotlight.”
Isabel let out a loud, sharp scoff, the sound cutting through her circle of friends.
“The way she’s getting surrounded by men,” she said, lifting one brow mockingly, “it’s pretty clear what her real talent is.”
She tilted her head, her smile turning cruel. Her eyes swept over Sylvia’s figure critically.
“Didn’t you notice? The way she keeps leaning closer when she talks? The way she lowers her voice and smiles at every single man?” Isabel rolled her eyes dramatically. “People don’t reach a high position at such a young age without doing something…extra.”
The implication hung in the air.
Her friends immediately giggled, covering their mouths.
Isabel smoothed her hair again, satisfied with the reaction she’d provoked.
“By the way,” one of the girls asked casually, leaning closer to Isabel, “I haven’t seen your brother at any events lately. Where’s he been these past few weeks?”
“Gregory?” she said, frowning lightly as if it didn’t matter. “He’s out of the country. Business deal. He’ll be gone for a few weeks.”
She clasped her clutch tighter.
“Magnus’s old secretary is with him. It’s some partnership project. They’ll probably stay there for a few months.”
“What a shame,” the girl giggled, swaying slightly. “It’s always nice seeing your brother at parties.”
