The new collection—featuring jewelry and other items—coincided with the occasion, a stark reminder of the history between her and Jonathan. Even though they were divorced, she quickly touched up her lipstick and adjusted her gown. Long legs and confident posture; she looked stunning, exuding an air of self-assurance. As she stepped onto the stage, a feeling of unease darkened her mood. It deepened. Jonathan, successful and ever-the-fashion-conscious man, approached her.

"That gown… it's too revealing," he disapproved, his tone sharp. "Your legs, your neckline… distracting. A suit would be more professional."

"It's none of your business. You're my ex, remember?" Teresa shot back.

Before she could walk past him, Jonathan grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. His lips brushed her neck, leaving a faint trace of his presence. "Then, let everyone see this. It's mine," he murmured.

Teresa's jaw tightened. "You think I won't?" Her resolve flared, and she was ready to take the stage, no matter what. Jonathan grabbed her again. "Legally, I can't control you anymore. But morally? I still have a say. An ex-husband has…" he trailed off.

Teresa was speechless. Jonathan draped his jacket over her shoulders, patting it gently. "Just wear this. You're already stunning as it is—if you dress like this, everyone will focus on you, not the products."

Her expression softened at his words, but she quickly shrugged off the jacket and handed it back. "I have a white blazer. That'll do."

Jonathan nodded, satisfied, and headed back to the venue. Teresa, still adjusting her gown, prepared to take the stage. Her nerves buzzed as she stepped up to the podium and gave her opening speech. That was her first product launch event, and there were companies that had worked with Teresa's Group, as well as new ones eager to partner in the future. But when she saw Jonathan in the audience, dressed in a sharp suit, her nerves steadied. His calm presence and focused gaze gave her a sense of reassurance.

After her speech ended and she started to walk off stage, Jonathan unexpectedly stepped onto the stage and took the microphone. "As Ms. Johnston's special guest…" he said, "She insisted that I perform a song to liven things up. So, here we go."

"Since when did I invite him to sing?" Teresa thought. The crowd erupted into applause, far more enthusiastic than they'd been during Teresa's speech.

Jonathan started singing a few lines from a foreign song. As soon as he hit the first note, the room fell silent, captivated. Teresa couldn’t help but admit, despite herself, that his voice was mesmerizing. Back when they were married, every holiday karaoke night was the same—Jonathan would either sit quietly or, once coaxed, draw a crowd from neighboring rooms with his singing. People would offer him cigarettes, calling him "a singing legend" in admiration.

When the final note faded, the room erupted in applause—louder than anything Teresa had received after her speech. A slight unease blossomed in her chest.

After the event, Teresa wandered the venue with a wine glass in hand, mingling with clients. By the time Jonathan approached, she had already had three glasses. His hand gently closed around her arm, and he guided her to a quieter corner.

Then, she shook off his grip and said coolly, "Thank you for sharing the spotlight, Mr. Lynn." She added, "Half the clients I spoke to mentioned you. Some even came just because of you. So, thanks!" She exhaled softly and turned to leave.