He couldn’t suppress it anymore — the fury, the frustration, the desire twisting beneath his restraint.
For a moment, his expression hardened into something almost threatening.
Beside him, Isabel was smiling. Relief and satisfaction sparkled in her eyes.
She released his arm and stepped closer to him eagerly.
“I want to host that auction,” she said quickly. “Why don’t I take her place? She’s not even that good. She’s just arrogant.”
She flipped her hair lightly and gave him a confident look.
“I’ll help you. I’ll be the auctioneer for that project.”
Before Magnus could respond, Brent, who had been standing behind them quietly, stepped forward.
“Miss Shane,” he said respectfully, “you cannot be in charge of that project.”
Isabel’s smile faltered.
Brent continued calmly, his tone professional and clear.
“It is an extremely important event. Miss Sylvia has extensive knowledge of modern diamond cuts and the history behind rare stones. There is no match for her in the industry.”
Isabel stiffened.
“She has worked closely with mining specialists and international gemstone experts from around the world,” Brent went on. “There is no one with more knowledge about diamonds than her. Considering the complexity and importance of this project, she is the most suitable auctioneer for our company.”
Isabel’s expression darkened.
“You have only recently completed your studies at an institute and have hosted a few small auctions,” he added carefully. “You do not yet have expertise in specialized diamond cuts. There is simply no comparison between your experience and hers.”
Brent’s voice remained steady and sincere.
“Miss Sylvia is an expert. You are a recent graduate. Therefore, I do not believe you can take her place.”
Isabel immediately turned her head and shot Brent a furious glare. Her eyes burned with anger, sharp enough to make him lower his gaze at once.
His hands trembled slightly as he quickly looked away, trying to appear composed, though it was clear he had realized he’d spoken far too much. He suppressed a nervous cough and shifted his gaze elsewhere, unable to meet her eyes.
Isabel’s attention snapped back to Magnus. She slid her hands down from his arm and grasped his hand tightly, her fingers curling around his in a desperate, pleading motion. Her voice dropped to a soft, almost trembling tone, the edges laced with sincerity.
“Please let me do it, Magnus,” she said in a pleading voice, tilting her head slightly as if trying to appear vulnerable. “I promise I’ll do a very good job.”
Magnus looked down at her, his face unreadable, conflicted.
Seeing his silence, Isabel pressed on.
“Why aren’t you saying yes?” Isabel pressed, her voice coaxing now, a soft edge of frustration showing. “You told Gregory you’d take care of me while he’s away. You won’t break that promise, will you?”
Magnus’s jaw tightened. His fingers flexed in her hand for a brief second before he slowly pulled his arm free. His posture stiffened as he muttered, “I’ll think about it.”
Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked out.
Isabel’s smile froze for a moment. She clearly wasn’t pleased, but she quickly forced a sweet expression back onto her face.
“Alright,” she called after him.
***
