Chapter 27

Serena's POV A flash of something—regret? recognition?—crossed Ryan's face. Ivy sensed her advantage slipping. "Ryan, she's twisting everything! You know I'm the victim here. She—" "That's enough, Ivy," Ryan snapped, his voice cutting through her whining like a blade. "You're embarrassing yourself. We're leaving. Now." Ivy's mouth fell open in shock, but Ryan had already grabbed her elbow, steering her toward the exit. She twisted back toward me, her face contorted with rage. "This isn't over!" she hissed, stumbling in her ridiculous heels as Ryan practically dragged her away. I watched them go, keeping my expression neutral despite the triumph bubbling inside me. The crowd immediately erupted into hushed whispers, phones still recording every delicious moment of Ivy's humiliation. "Well," Maya whispered beside me, "that was certainly dramatic." A subtle smile playing at Julian's lips. "Nothing sells jewelry quite like a public meltdown from the competition." He was right. After the sp