Gasps rippled through the crowd as Nicholas’s words were captured in full by the rolling cameras.

The red-hatted reporter’s excited voice rang out,

"Our Best Actor fiercely defending his woman. This is sensational! A guaranteed headline!"

Before I could respond, a rough grip yanked my wrist.

"Isla Vasquez, who gave you permission to be here?"

That familiar voice. It was my half-brother, Matteo.

His grip was painfully tight, his expression dark with fury.

"This isn’t a place for you to stir up trouble. Come with me!"

A sharp pain shot through my wrist as I instinctively struggled.

"I'm here for business. Let go of me!"

My resistance only fueled his anger.

"Do you think I don’t know what you're up to? I've warned you before that love isn’t something you can buy! Are you really going to repeat the same mistake? Stop disgracing the Vasquez Family!"

He did not care that my strapless gown had been torn, leaving me on the verge of exposure. He did not care that countless cameras were fixated on me, recording every humiliating second.

"If you had caused a scene in the past, I might have let it slide. But not today."

"This moment… this award is something Alessia fought hard to achieve. I won’t let anyone ruin it. Isla, for once, be reasonable. Stop making trouble."

Looking into his bloodshot eyes, a dull ache spread through my chest.

He was my brother. And yet, in this moment, he cast aside all dignity, leaving me humiliated in front of the world.

All for Alessia Bellucci.

On the other side, Nicholas stood with his hands in his pockets, watching me like I was nothing more than an amusing spectacle.

"Why do this to yourself? No matter how pitiful you are, I’ll never fall for you."

"If you can't have my love, that doesn’t mean you should throw yourself away. Causing a scene in public, heh, do you really think any man will take you seriously after this?"

The fabric of my dress had been yanked so high it was nearly at my chest, yet my brother still refused to let go.

Instead of backing down, Nicholas’s words only seemed to fuel his aggression.

"If you don’t want to embarrass yourself any further, then get out."

Clutching my torn neckline, I rasped out in defiance.

"As a family member of the event’s organizer, I was personally invited to attend this dinner. None of you have the right to throw me out!"

After saying this, a stunned silence fell over the crowd.

"Family of the organizer? But the organizer of this ceremony is the legendary Rosendale tycoon, Victor Lexington. His cross-border trade empire spans the globe and his wealth is immeasurable. He’s a true powerhouse."

"But isn’t Mr. Lexington an orphan with no known relatives? Wait… could she be his wife?"

The red-hatted reporter’s eyes widened in excitement while my brother, who had been gripping my arm, suddenly froze.

Before he could react, Nicholas, who had been watching the spectacle unfold, abruptly stood up. He strode toward me, towering over me with a sharp, scrutinizing gaze.

His brows furrowed, his voice laced with an unexplainable anger.

"Isla, what exactly do you mean by that?"

"In the years you’ve been away from me, have you been fooling around with other men?"

His tone dripped with jealousy, coated in biting sarcasm.

In my past life, I had stepped into the entertainment industry without hesitation just for him. I struggled relentlessly just to keep up with his footsteps.

When he suffered a major financial loss on an investment, I sold the shares my parents had left me, doing everything in my power to help him.

In return, he finally accepted my affection and agreed to an engagement.

I had naively believed my sincerity had moved him. I never expected he had only used me, tricking me out of my fortune to finance a film for Alessia.

A million-dollar production tailored entirely for her. When I finally uncovered the truth, he looked me in the eye and said, without a shred of guilt.

"She has potential, she just needs an opportunity. Someone as privileged as you wouldn’t understand the struggles of a rising actress. I had to help her."

My brother and I sat together, pouring out our grievances and venting our frustrations. But in my sorrow, I failed to notice how his expression grew darker by the second.

It turned out that Alessia was a student he had personally sponsored. Struck by her remarkable beauty, my brother had taken it upon himself to send her to film school.

Upon hearing my complaints, his only thought was the possibility of losing the woman he cherished.

With a sigh, he tried to reason with me. "No matter what happens between you and Nicholas, don’t drag Alessia into it."

Fury burned inside me. I confronted Alessia, demanding that she stay away from my fiancé.

Unexpectedly, she wept and slapped herself as she kept saying that she was sorry and that she wanted to make amends for her sins. Then, without warning, she bolted toward the street.

Panicked, my brother and Nicholas chased after her. I followed close behind.

Just as she reached the road, the accident happened. My brother and Nicholas instinctively shielded her with their bodies.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the night before my debut.

That same night, my brother ordered the staff to change my debut press conference to Alessia’s.

Nicholas even went out of his way to attend just to support her.

They both believed they had failed Alessia in the past life. And if they were given a second chance, they would do everything in their power to make it up to her.

Disillusioned and heartbroken, I made a decision. I would leave.

The night I packed my bags, my brother dismissed my departure as nothing more than a childish tantrum.

"The world outside isn’t as gentle as you imagine. You were raised too sheltered, too naive. Maybe it’s time for you to experience hardship."

"Only then will you understand how difficult life was for Alessia. Only then will you stop seeing her as your enemy."

It had been three years since that night.

And now, today, I had returned only to find myself face-to-face with them once more.

I never imagined our reunion would unfold in such a humiliating way.

"Nicholas, Matteo, you’re both here! Having you both by my side makes me feel so much safer."

"It’s overwhelming to be at such a grand event… I just hope I don’t make any mistakes. Will you lend me some strength?"

Alessia’s voice rang out, light and sweet. She stood before them in a black floor-length gown, still carrying traces of her youthful innocence, her tone playful and coy.

She lifted her delicate hand, making a small, encouraging gesture toward them.

The moment she did, both men’s eyes lit up.

Nicholas, who had been interrogating me just moments ago, suddenly put distance between us. His voice softened.

"You’re already a movie queen, yet you’re still this nervous? Don’t worry, no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you."

As he spoke, he reached out and placed his hand lightly over the back of Alessia’s.

"Matteo, why are you just standing there? Come on!"

The moment her touch landed, my brother’s face flushed an unnatural shade of red. He fumbled with his words. "Co–coming…"

The way he looked at Alessia was filled with pure admiration.

I recalled a moment from my past life when I once saw the name he had saved her under in his phone. Beautiful Flower.

I had asked him in confusion why he would use such a simple and unremarkable nickname.

He had merely chuckled and said nothing.

But now, I finally understood.

Alessia Bellucci was a flower he had nurtured with unwavering care.

He had watched over her as she grew. He had witnessed her bloom into brilliance and watched her become a dazzling star.

His gaze was so radiant, so full of devotion, that I had to look away.

Alessia, seemingly oblivious to my presence, continued speaking as if the world revolved around her.

"I accidentally sprained my foot backstage just now. Luckily, someone caught me in time."

She deliberately exposed her delicate side face to the reporter's camera.

"And when I turned to thank him, I found out that he was none other than Victor Lexington, the mysterious investor from Rosendale! He even said that I was the star of his dinner party tonight."

She lowered her head with a shy smile, drawing a wave of cheers from the crowd.

"As expected of our superstar! Winning over the boss of Rosendale so effortlessly. Looks like another man is about to fall under Alessia Bellucci's spell! Now the actor and CEO should be worried!"

"That’s right! If Mr. Lexington joins the competition, I doubt the other two even stand a chance. After all, Rosendale is an international powerhouse, far bigger than the Vasquez Family. If he decides to make a move, the entire entertainment industry will feel the tremors!"

The murmurs spread like wildfire, but the faces of the two men standing beside her darkened with every word.

"Alessia, has he done anything inappropriate? You need to be careful and recognize who truly has your best interests at heart."

Nicholas interjected impatiently.

Meanwhile, Matteo stood a little farther away, his expression shadowed with loneliness.

"I just want you to be happy."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Alessia’s eyes flickered with something unreadable and she waved her hands dismissively, feigning frustration.

"What are you all saying? You’re making too much of this! He just did me a small favor. How could he possibly fall for me so suddenly?"

But even as she spoke, her gaze shifted through the crowd until it landed directly on me.

"I overheard someone spreading rumors about Mr. Lexington. Since he helped me, it’s only right that I repay the favor."

"After all, someone of Mr. Lexington’s stature isn’t someone just any random person can take advantage of… wouldn’t you agree, Isla Vasquez?"

With a poised elegance, she stepped toward me and as she moved, the sea of cameras turned, following her every step.

"Long time no see, Isla. I’ve been so worried about you ever since you ran away from home three years ago. I even blame myself. If Nicholas hadn’t fallen in love with me and broken your heart, you wouldn’t have left so quietly. That’s why… I haven’t dared to accept their feelings all this time."

"But it’s fine now! I heard you’ve found someone new. That really puts my heart at ease."

As she spoke, she gave me a playful wink. Just then, a card slipped from the hem of her dress and fluttered to the ground.

She bent down gracefully to retrieve it, making sure the cameras captured every detail.

It was Victor’s business card.

She flashed an apologetic smile at the cameras.

"Victor just reminded me that I’m welcome to contact him anytime to discuss future collaborations."

"Oh, right! Isla, whose family did you say you belonged to again?"

All eyes snapped to me and in the next second, the crowd erupted into laughter.

"I didn’t expect the slap to come this fast! She tried to act all high and mighty, but in the end, she completely embarrassed herself. How hilarious!"

"Exactly! If Mr. Lexington had any sense, he wouldn’t spare her a second glance. How could she ever compare to our beautiful goddess?"

"You’re all laughing at the pretentious one, but I’m the only one who actually feels bad for Mr. Dumont and Mr. Vasquez. Suddenly, they have such a powerful rival. I can’t even imagine how devastated they must be!"

Under Alessia’s mocking gaze, I remained unfazed and spoke calmly.

"I was clear enough the first time. I’m attending this dinner as a family member of the organizer."

I met her gaze head-on, unshaken. For a moment, she seemed unable to control herself and burst into laughter.

"Isla, you should be careful with your words. Tonight’s host isn’t someone you can just name-drop for fun."

Nicholas stepped forward then, his face twisted with contempt.

"Isla Vasquez, I’ve told you before. I hate liars. Do you think acting indifferent will change the way I see you? If anything, it only makes me hate you even more!"

Matteo, my brother, turned to me with helpless exasperation.

"If you don’t want the Vasquez Family to lose face, you’d better leave as soon as possible."

I ignored their ridicule and contempt, remaining seated with an air of indifference.

Soon, the staff arrived to disperse the crowd as the awards ceremony was about to begin.

The host took the stage, his tone lively as he introduced tonight’s esteemed guests. Then, suddenly, his demeanor shifted.

"Tonight’s ceremony has a special surprise! There is a mysterious guest joining us."

Excited murmurs spread through the audience and those privy to the inside story erupted in cheers.

"I’m sure many of you have already heard the rumors. He is none other than tonight’s organizer, the elusive and rarely-seen business tycoon, Victor Lexington!"

The moment his name was announced, deafening screams filled the venue. Everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic mogul.

The host chuckled but quickly changed his tone.

"Unfortunately, our Mr. Lexington is quite the eccentric. No matter how much I pleaded, he refused to make an appearance."

"However, I eventually discovered that there’s only one person who can persuade Mr. Lexington to grace us with his presence, his future wife."

The playful warm-up was followed by an excited uproar from the audience.

"Alessia! Alessia!"

Immediately afterward, many people shouted.

"Mr. Lexington’s way of confessing is so unique!"

"The future Mrs. Lexington must be our Alessia. It’s love at first sight!"

"Alessia! Alessia!"

The cheers were deafening, drowning out even the host’s voice. Yet, amidst the enthusiasm, his expression turned slightly awkward.

"Please, everyone, let’s settle down for a moment!"

He double-checked the card in his hand over and over again as if making sure he was not mistaken.

Finally, with a trace of hesitation, he cleared his throat and announced, "And now, I’d like to invite Mr. Lexington’s future wife, Miss Isla Vasquez, to the stage."