THE NECKLACE OF FIRE
The grand ballroom hushed the moment Adrian and Janis entered. Whispers spread like wildfire as eyes followed them—Tybis's elusive second young master, hand-in-hand with his enigmatic wife.
Most had only seen Janis once—on her wedding day. After that, she seemed to vanish from society altogether. Yet here she was again, breathtaking, her beauty even more radiant under the chandeliers.
"His wife is beautiful," a young lady whispered.
"Don't say that again!" her friend snapped, jealousy flaring.
"They say her wedding gown was designed by Mrs. Eugene herself. It cost twenty million," another girl gushed, drawing gasps.
"He spoils her so much… right, Catherine?"
But Catherine Moore's lips curled in disdain. "Rosetta, you should know better. I don't waste time gossiping about unimportant people." She rose gracefully from her seat and swept toward the caviar table, though her chest burned with silent rage.
Catherine—heiress of the prestigious Moore family, adored only daughter of Eric and Elizabeth Moore—had loved Adrian for years. She'd told herself he preferred older women, which explained his relationship with Vivian. But when Vivian left the country and Catherine thought she had her chance, Adrian shocked everyone by marrying Janis Wyatt.
A Wyatt. A family with nowhere near the Moore prestige. To Catherine, it was a humiliation. And she would not forgive it.
Meanwhile, Janis faced her own battles. A pot-bellied businessman tried to greet her, extending his hand, but Adrian swiftly intercepted.
"My husband isn't himself today," Janis said coolly, glaring at him. The man stammered an apology and fled.
Moments later, Timothy arrived—tall, charismatic, and far too familiar. "Brother," he said, clapping Adrian's back before turning his attention to Janis. "So this is the beauty you've been hiding? No wonder you've been ignoring me." He kissed Janis's hand, making her blush, and Adrian's jaw tightened.
Adrian pulled her away before Timothy could speak further, but Catherine intercepted them.
"Mr. Pedro," she said sweetly, as though they were old acquaintances. "It's been such a long time."
Adrian frowned. "We've never spoken before."
"You must have forgotten. We met at the Golden Ball. You attended with Lady Vivian—you two looked stunning together that night." Catherine's eyes flicked toward Janis, her words a dagger meant to draw blood.
Janis smirked. "Cassandra—"
"It's Catherine," the girl corrected sharply.
"I don't care if it's Cassandra or Cassie. Step aside. I have something important to do with my husband." Janis winked at Adrian and shoved Catherine out of her way, leaving the heiress fuming.
But once they were alone, Janis slipped from Adrian's grasp. "I thought we were doing something important?"
Adrian leaned closer, his voice low. "Important things take time."
"Stop wasting mine. I need to use the restroom."
"Call me Adrian once more and I'll let you go."
"Why?" she asked, exasperated.
"Say it." His breath ghosted over her skin, dangerously close.
Janis's pulse quickened. "Adrian…"
"Again."
She clenched her fists. "Adrian."
Satisfied, he finally let her go, though Catherine, lurking nearby, nearly collapsed at the sight. Adrian Pedro—romantic, attentive—in public. He had never been that way with Vivian. Was he truly falling for Janis?
Janis, however, was shaken. She pushed into a side room to gather herself—and froze. Inside was a collection of exquisite garments and jewelry, masterpieces of the Eugene legacy. Her eyes caught on a necklace displayed beneath glass.
She stepped closer, breath hitching. A cascade of red diamonds, glowing like embers: Aeries.
Her mother's necklace.
She reached for the glass when a voice startled her. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
An elderly woman stood by the door, smiling gently. Janis recognized her instantly—Arielle Eugene.
"I'm sorry for intruding," Janis murmured.
"It's fine," Arielle said, lifting the case. "You may touch it."
Janis's fingers trembled as she caressed the diamonds. Her heart stopped when she saw it—an "L" engraved in the center.
Her mother's initial. Lesley.
"How… how do you have this?"
"I made it for my friend," Arielle said softly. "Your mother."
Janis's eyes widened. Her pulse thundered in her ears. "You… you knew her?"
Arielle's eyes glistened with something unspoken. "We'll talk after the event." She turned as a servant called her away, leaving Janis reeling.
The necklace of fire had found its way back to her. And with it, the past she thought was lost.