For a moment, Liza simply studied the look on Shyaan’s face.

For the briefest second, Shyaan’s expression sharpened.

As her longtime friend, Liza knew there was more behind that look.

Shyaan wasn’t someone who was easily offended.

If anything, she had remained at the top of the industry not because she was forgiving, but because she was always professional.

She rarely took things personally.

A cheap stunt like the one Carmella and Isabella pulled during the charity event wasn’t enough to provoke this kind of reaction.

Nor was it enough for Shyaan to personally warn everyone in her circle not to do business with them if they still wanted to do business with her.

And Liza was right.

Shyaan’s reasons had little to do with what happened during the charity event.

It was what happened afterward.

When Shyaan left the country with Ashley after seeing her off at the airport, Ashley and Lucian had arranged for Dominion’s men to escort them, just to be safe.

After all, the people Shyaan had publicly thrown out of her charity gala belonged to the Di Carpios.

And the Di Carpios weren’t the type to quietly swallow humiliation.

Just as Ashley and Lucian had predicted, Marshal hired mercenaries.

Not to attack Shyaan directly, but to eliminate the bodyguards protecting her.

If not for Dominion’s intervention, Shyaan’s security team—or rather, their families—would have been mourning loved ones simply because someone needed a scapegoat for their wounded pride.

"I wonder how she managed to get in here," Shyaan murmured, glancing toward Isabella. "People like them always seem to have a trick or two up their sleeves."

She frowned before noticing Liza watching her.

Instantly, her smile returned.

"Haha." She hooked an arm through Liza’s and gave her shoulder a playful bump. "Anyway, don’t mind her anymore. I’m sure Ashley will handle her just like she did during my charity event."

Liza sighed knowingly. "You’re avoiding the subject before I can ask."

Shyaan laughed. "You know me too well."

Like a true friend, Liza didn’t pry.

If Shyaan didn’t wish to discuss it, she wouldn’t force the matter.

As for Shyaan, she deliberately kept the details to herself.

She knew the complicated relationship between the Di Carpios and her friends.

That night at the charity event, the Di Carpios had only managed to get inside because of one of the sponsors.

Above all, Shyaan didn’t want to be the one to reveal that Ashley was also a Di Carpio.

Because... Ashley was the only Di Carpio she had ever met who never acted like one.

*****

Meanwhile...

"Ashley."

Just like everyone else, Ashley’s brows drew together the moment she turned toward the pair approaching her.

Confusion flickered across her face as her gaze moved between two familiar people she never expected to see tonight.

"June," she said. "Isabella."

Maintaining her polite smile, Ashley excused herself from the guests she’d been speaking with and turned her full attention to the pair.

"Wow," she said with a light laugh. "I didn’t expect to see the two of you here tonight."

Isabella chuckled elegantly, looking every bit the graceful angel.

Beside her, June smiled as well.

"Isabella said we shouldn’t tell you," he explained, nodding toward her.

"We wanted to surprise you," Isabella added sweetly. "It’s been a while, so we thought a little surprise from your sister and June would make your night."

"Oh?" Ashley nodded slowly. "A surprise, huh?"

Aware that countless eyes were watching, she kept her smile firmly in place.

"Well... I certainly am surprised." She turned toward June. "But what I’m curious about is... how did the two of you get in without an invitation?"

"Ashley..." Isabella sighed dramatically. "Are you saying we gate-crashed your event?"

She shook her head in disappointment.

"Would you really say that after we flew all the way here? I didn’t even tell Dad that this was your event."

Ashley nearly snorted.

Of course, Isabella hadn’t told Marshal.

She would never willingly let anyone compare Ashley’s success with her own—no matter how small or large the achievement.

"No," June said, still smiling warmly. "My business partner and I were invited."

He explained. "Well... technically, my partner was invited, and I was supposed to be his plus-one. But since he couldn’t make it, I’m here as his representative."

He glanced at Isabella.

"I didn’t think you’d mind if I brought Isabella with me."

"Not at all," Ashley replied almost immediately.

"But... your partner?"

"Swift Logistics."

"Oh." Ashley nodded thoughtfully. "Wow. You’re the partner?"

She already had a good idea of who June’s business partner was.

Still, hearing it confirmed surprised her.

There was only one guest she had invited whose company was based near the Di Carpios’ territory.

She hadn’t expected June to become a business partner of such a large corporation.

"June has invested in quite a few businesses," Isabella chimed in, stepping closer to Ashley. "And they’ve all been very successful."

She smiled proudly. "He’s the one who told me this was your event. Isn’t he amazing?"

Ashley arched a brow.

Isabella had moved a little too close.

What is she up to this time?

"Anyway," June continued, drawing Ashley’s attention back to him, "congratulations on your new office."

"I’m really happy for you, Ash." His eyes carried the same sincerity they always had.

"And..." He smiled softly. "I’m glad you’re doing so much better than I expected. I truly mean that."

For a moment, Ashley simply looked at him.

She knew he meant every word.

That was simply the kind of person June had always been.

It was why she once believed she liked him.

Or rather... she had thought she did.

Long ago, Ashley realized it had never been love.

June had simply been the only kind person in her life.

The only friend she thought she had.

Friend...

No.

They had never truly been friends.

Friends protected one another.

June never did.

The only times he ever stood up for her were when Isabella told him to.

Ashley smiled. It just didn’t reach her eyes.

"Thanks, June." She nodded, catching her savior approaching from the corner of her eye.

Without even looking, she extended her arm naturally.

"I really appreciate it. And it’s really good to see you."

The moment her fingers brushed against Lucian’s sleeve, his arm slid around her waist instead, pulling her effortlessly against him.

"The event is about to begin," Lucian said, smiling so dangerously that Isabella’s breath caught in her throat.

His eyes never left Ashley.

Biting the inside of her cheek to keep herself from laughing, Ashley leaned closer into him, silently reassuring him before turning back to June.

"I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening," she said. "I’ll see you around."

She glanced at Lucian, expecting him to lead her away.

Instead, his gaze lingered on June.

His sharp, deadly stare alone was enough to make half of Dominion hold its breath.

Then, almost instantly, he smiled again and looked back at Ashley.

"Of course." He withdrew his arm from around her waist and offered it to her properly.

Together, they walked away.

As they did, Isabella quietly seethed with jealousy.

June...

He simply stood there.

Watching Ashley and Lucian disappear into the crowd.

The faint smile on his face slowly faded... until nothing but a brief coldness remained.