"So… What's Eden doing at Lucien's award show?" Cendy asked, clearly taken aback. Ella was equally puzzled, but before she could think deeper about it, the staff brought over the crown that Ella had ordered.

Embedded in the crown was the precious sapphire that Eden had spent $30 million to win at the auction. Now, it appeared even more dazzling amidst the backdrop of other clear diamonds.

"Oh my god! It's beautiful!" Cendy was instantly distracted by the dazzling crown.

Ella was also awestruck. Even though she had designed the crown herself on paper and imagined it to be beautiful, seeing the real thing exceeded her expectations.

"I thought the sapphire was already perfect on its own, but I didn't think it would look this amazing," Cendy said, almost drooling. "When are you going to wear it? Don't tell me it's for your wedding day."

"Of course not. I'm giving it to my mom for her birthday party tomorrow," Ella replied. That's why she told Eden that his gift to her was already taken care of.

"Right, Auntie's birthday is tomorrow," Cendy suddenly remembered. "She's usually so plainly dressed, she's definitely going to wow everyone!"

"That's right," Ella said, a smile spreading across her face as she thought about tomorrow's party. She couldn't help but envision how incredible her mom would look.

"Wow, Eden is so handsome!" A subtle exclamation suddenly came from the VIP reception room, catching Ella and Cendy's attention. They turned their heads to see the attendant standing on the side, looking at the TV screen with a flushed face.

It seemed like she was so engrossed in watching that she forgot she was still at work.

"Ahem," one of the other attendants deliberately cleared her throat, reminding the girl to focus.

The first girl quickly snapped back to reality and apologized, "I'm sorry. He's just- wow. I'll get back to work now. Sorry." She blushed a little harder and resumed her professional demeanor.

"I don't blame you. He's hot," Cendy also put her eyes on the TV screen and chatted with the girl instead.

"Everyone says he spends too much time picking up women to actually focus on his work, but look at him! Seeing him standing at the podium in that suit? Hearing him speak so eloquently? It's like he's a totally different person!" The attendant gushed.

"I didn't think he had it in him… He's so beautiful though… Maybe he got a sex change," Cendy wondered aloud. "What do you think, Ella?"

Ella's eyes remained fixated on the crown as she carefully scrutinized it for any flaws. When it came to the people she loved, there was no room for mistakes. Hearing Cendy call her, she responded, "He probably did it just because he could."

Cendy nodded silently, agreeing with Ella's assessment. Eden didn't seem like someone who would go down the political route at first glance, so winning the award might've just been a whimsical way to have some fun. Cendy could see that.

Eden spoke confidently, "Regarding my nomination, I'm sure a lot of you are shocked. You probably think this is just another game to me, and I don't blame you. Believe me, I know better than anyone what the world thinks of me. But let me tell you right away that I take this election very seriously, and I've been preparing for it for a long time. As for why I've had the sudden change of heart…"

Everyone listening was at the edge of their seat. Maybe it was because of his hypnotic voice or enchanting beauty, but regardless, there was a pull to him that demanded the audience's undivided attention.

Even Cendy, as scatterbrained as she was, watched with rapt fascination.

Not to mention the attendant, who immediately forgot about her work as soon as he started speaking.

Ella was watching, too.

She didn't mean to let his figure distract her. In fact, this wasn't the first time she's seen him looking so mature and professional. But still, his words drew her in like a moth to a flame.

Eden continued, "I owe it to a very important person in my life. Someone who changed the way I looked at the world and made me want to be something better than myself."

As he spoke, his eyes flicked directly toward a camera, and it zoomed in on his handsome face. Even in the zoomed-in, filterless live TV broadcast, his skin looked flawless, making everyone envious.

He stared ahead.

It appeared as though he was gazing directly at the person in front of the TV screen. Ella couldn't help but admit that she was captivated by the depth in his eyes and found it hard to look away. It was almost like…

He was looking at her.

A few seconds of silence passed before he smiled and said, "Yes, I'm talking about you."

Ella's heart skipped a beat. Maybe two or three.

At that moment, it felt as though Eden was not just on the TV, but right there in front of her. It was so vivid and real that it seemed as if he was truly speaking to her.

"What the hell?! Is Eden confessing to me?!" Cendy suddenly yelled.

Ella realized that she wasn't the only one experiencing this illusion.

All of the women watching him on TV at that moment must have felt the same way, and that sudden realization brought Ella back to her senses.

Then, the camera angle switched, capturing the full silhouette of Eden. He had finished his speech, bowed deeply, and with a poised and upright posture, left the lectern. The scene resonated with applause for his impactful speech.

Ella refocused her attention and overheard Cendy muttering in her ear, "I finally understand now why Eden has so many women. I grew up surrounded by handsome men, and even I was charmed. All those flirty types out there were probably whipped into a frenzy! This bastard's a demon!"

"I wonder who that special person is in Eden's life. Did he truly find his true love? Someone he's willing to give up everything for and become a better man for?" the attendant said, her words dripping with envy.

"I don't think so," Ella responded with indifference. "It's just a ploy to convince people that he's taking this seriously. Who else in the general public would believe that he suddenly transformed from good to great."

"So you think Eden is making up a heartfelt story to win people over," the girl said.

"Exactly," Ella nodded.

"Is that so…?" The girl nodded back, seemingly convinced.

Instead, it was Cendy who wasn't buying it. She stared hard at Ella. It was kind of creepy, actually.

"Are your eyes stuck like that?" Ella frowned.

"I don't think Eden was lying," Cendy retorted, giving Ella a scrutinizing look. Ella narrowed her eyes in response.

"Come to think of it, I think I remember there was someone he agreed to crash a wedding for. I heard he even bought a precious gemstone for her…" Cendy added.

"Lucien is starting his speech," Ella interrupted Cendy, shushing her.

Cendy held her tongue, but deep down, she knew there was something going on between Eden and Ella, and it was something serious.

There was no other explanation for it.

What she didn't know was that the two of them had already made a private arrangement.