“How come Oscar’s here, too?” Susan was surprised. Hannah was equally surprised.

The attendant delivered a custom-made crown Hannah had ordered. Embedded within it was the sapphire Oscar had purchased for thirty million. At that moment, it shimmered even more brilliantly against the other clear diamonds.

“Oh my god, this is breathtaking!” Susan was instantly captivated. Hannah was equally stunned. Though she'd designed the crown and envisioned its beauty, seeing it in person exceeded her expectations.

“I thought the sapphire was lovely, but I didn't expect it to be this lovely,” Susan exclaimed, almost drooling. “When are you planning to wear it? Don't tell me it's for your wedding day?”

“You have quite the imagination. It’s for my mother’s birthday banquet tomorrow,” Hannah replied, explaining Oscar’s prior birthday gift mention.

“Oh, I almost forgot! Your mom’s usual style is so understated; she’ll be stunning tomorrow!” Susan remembered.

“Yeah,” Hannah smiled, already picturing her mother's radiant appearance.

“Wow! Mr. Wells is so handsome!” A hushed exclamation echoed through the VIP room. Hannah and Susan turned to see the attendant, captivated by the television screen. Lost in her admiration, she seemed to forget her duties.

“Ahem,” another attendant discreetly reminded her.

The first attendant quickly recovered, apologizing, “I couldn't help myself… I’m so sorry.”

“He is handsome,” Susan agreed, gazing at the screen.

“The rumors about him always portrayed him as lazy and only interested in women,” the attendant confided. “Seeing him in a suit, giving a formal speech… it’s completely changed my perception.”

“I didn’t know he was so articulate! Has he really changed?” Susan wondered. “Hannah, what do you think?”

Hannah, meticulously examining the crown for any flaws – it was for someone important – responded, “Maybe he’s gone mad.”

Susan agreed. Oscar seemed utterly unlike someone entering politics. Perhaps this was all a whimsical game.

Just as Susan settled on this thought, Oscar’s voice filled the room. “My participation today might lead many to believe I'm just here for fun. I won't deny my past reputation. But I assure you, I take this selection seriously and have prepared extensively. As for my transformation…”

Anticipation filled the room. His voice, perhaps combined with his striking appearance, held a captivating power. Even Susan, usually easily distracted, found herself completely engrossed. The attendant, clearly smitten, again seemed to forget her work.

Hannah, already familiar with Oscar’s transformed appearance, was less interested initially. Yet, the suspense in his words drew her attention.

“My significant change is due to an important person in my life. They influenced me, and I decided to become a more outstanding person for…” Oscar paused, gazing directly into the camera.

The camera zoomed in on his face. Even on live television, without filters, his complexion was flawless. His gaze seemed to meet the eyes of every viewer.

Hannah found herself captivated, as if his gaze was directed solely at her.

He paused, then spoke again, “You should know I’m talking about you.”

Hannah's heart pounded. It felt as if Oscar wasn't on television, but standing before her. The reality of his words was intensely personal.

“Jeez! Is Oscar confessing to me?” Susan exclaimed, not alone in her assumption.

Hannah regained her composure as the scene shifted, showing Oscar’s full figure. He finished his speech, bowed deeply, and left the lectern to a round of applause.

Hannah turned back to Susan, who murmured, “I understand why Oscar has so many admirers. Having met countless handsome men since childhood, I find this man incredibly captivating!”

“Who’s this important person Mr. Wells mentioned?” the attendant wondered enviously. “Has Mr. Wells found true love?”

“I doubt it,” Hannah replied indifferently. “It’s a calculated strategy to gain credibility. Otherwise, who would believe his sudden turnaround?”

“So, it's a carefully crafted image?” the attendant clarified.

“I suppose so,” Hannah replied flatly.

The attendant remained unconvinced. Susan gave Hannah a penetrating stare, filled with suspicion.

“Do you have an eye twitch?” Hannah asked, bewildered.

“Why do I feel Oscar isn’t lying?” Susan insisted, searching Hannah's eyes. “He gave you the sapphire, agreed to help you…”

“Charles is beginning his speech,” Hannah interrupted, diverting Susan.

Susan remained suspicious, sensing something unspoken between Hannah and Oscar. The events felt too convenient, too perfectly orchestrated. Were they secretly involved?