Revenge is best served cold

After watching Jack and Elsa put on their little performance, I let out a light chuckle.

"No problem."

"Ms. Elsa, you really are kindhearted. It must be tough on you to drag your slow- witted brother around everywhere."

Jack's expression darkened with rage.

"What did you just say?"

I feigned surprise. "Oh, so you're normal?"

Then, turning to Elsa, I added, "I just assumed a sane person wouldn't block someone's way and try to force them into conversation."

Embarrassment flickered across Elsa's face. After a long hesitation, she finally tugged on Jack's sleeve, pulling him away in defeat.

I didn't bother watching them leave. Without another glance, I made my way deeper into the venue until I reached the three event organizers.

I had originally considered skipping the banquet altogether, but all three of them had personally reached out, requesting my presence. Turning them down outright would have been a little too disrespectful. They were momentarily taken aback when they saw me arrive wearing a mask.

I smiled, offering an easy explanation. "My apologies. I'm not in a position to show my face."

Frederick Hartwell nodded understandingly. "I get it, I get it. Everyone has their own secrets."

He then added, "I just never expected someone of your caliber to participate in a competition like this."

His words made me feel a little guilty.

"To be honest, this wasn't my original intention," I admitted. "There were certain circumstances behind it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done something that affects the fairness of the contest."

I knew full well that my participation had taken away an opportunity from a

newcomer. I wouldn't have entered at all if it weren't for Elsa.

Walter Grant chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "No worries. If anything, your presence brought us a whole lot of publicity."

That was true.

Before this, competition was popular mostly within design circles. But thanks to my involvement, it trended multiple times online.

After some light conversation,

Finally got to the real

reason they had invited me here. "In the near future, we'll be hosting a jewelry design competition..."

I quickly waved my hands. "This time, I promise not to cause any trouble."

Frederick gave me a kind smile. "That's not what this is about."

He explained, "We're getting on in years. Reviewing so many design submissions

can be exhausting. So, we want to invite you to be a judge."

I hesitated for a moment.noveldrama

Walter caught my uncertainty and chuckled. No need to rush your decision. Take your time. Just let us know whenever you've made up your mind. As long as it's before the competition."

After bidding them farewell, I slipped away to the restroom.

Once inside, I removed my mask, pinned up my hair, and swapped out my accessories. A completely different person stared back at me in the mirror.

As for the gown, I reached down, tore off the tasseled trim at the hem, and unfastened a hidden clasp at the chest.

In an instant, the striking red dress transformed into an elegant black one. It was mysterious and refined.

Judging by the time, Liliana should have already found Elsa for their little private chat. Sure enough, when I scanned the venue, I spotted Jack alone.

The moment he saw me, his frustration boiled over. "You're finally here! Ever heard of being on time?"

I shrugged, unfazed. "The main act always arrives fashionably late."

Then, pretending to look around, I asked, "Where's Elsa?"

Jack frowned in confusion and shook his head. "I have no idea. Someone came

up to her earlier, and she left with them. I haven't seen her since."

I gasped dramatically. "And you

didn't follow her? What if something happens? Have you heard about those human traffickers who pretend to be acquaintances? if Elsa was kidnapped? You'd regret it for the rest of your life!"

Jack stiffened, and a flicker of panic flashed across his face.

Momentarily forgetting that we weren't exactly on good terms, he grabbed my arm in alarm. "What do we do now?"