Andrew nodded. “Of course, Ms. Rhodes. Don’t keep me.”

Some time remained before the fundraiser’s official start. More influential figures, all eyeing the orphanage’s valuable property, continued to arrive, soon filling the parking lot with luxury cars.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce drew everyone’s attention. A stunning woman in a pure white cocktail dress emerged, her legs as fair as snow, eliciting gasps of admiration.

“What a beauty! Unparalleled grace!”

“I’d risk jail for a moment with her!”

“That’s Stevens Corporation’s CEO. Gorgeous and extraordinarily insightful. She’ll likely secure this prime real estate tonight.”

Another luxury car pulled up behind the Rolls-Royce. Shawn eagerly approached Christina, the center of attention.

“Christie, you know how to make an entrance! You’d be a top celebrity even without Stevens Corporation!”

His admiration was evident. Christina, however, seemed uncomfortable.

“Let’s focus on business, and maintain some distance in public.”

Shawn dismissed her concern. “What’s to worry? Everyone knows how I feel. Besides, you’re single now. You dumped that loser, so no one can say anything.”

Irene supported him. “Right, Christie. Andrew’s out of the picture. And Shawn’s our ally; we need his support tonight.”

From a distance, Andrew watched Christina and Shawn. He hadn't expected to encounter his almost-wife here. He turned to leave.

However, Christina spotted him. “Andrew… is that you? Wait!”

The click of high heels echoed as she approached, uncertainty in her steps.

Andrew cursed his luck, facing her with a cold expression. “What can I do for you, Ms. Stevens?”

Her smile faltered. “Andrew, it’s you. A-Are you still angry?”

He took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. “You jest, Ms. Stevens. A nobody like me has no right to be angry. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you in peace.”

“Wait, don’t go!” she stepped forward, her tone serious. “Even though our relationship is over, I’ve always thought you were a good person. Please, listen—why don’t you turn yourself in?”

Andrew laughed coldly, amused by her cluelessness. She remained unaware of the true situation.

“Why don’t you call the police and have them arrest me, Ms. Stevens?”

Christina recoiled, her face flushing. “Andrew, why are you so stubborn? Even if I wronged you, that’s no excuse! Return the King of Diamonds and face the consequences.”

Irene and Shawn approached, their faces unfriendly.

“Christie, why bother with him?” Shawn sneered, turning to Andrew. “A shameless thief at a high-class event! Where’s your nerve?”

Irene added, dripping sarcasm, “Andrew, did you follow Christie like a lost puppy? It’s pathetic.”

Andrew glanced at Shawn. “Didn’t that slap teach you how to behave?”

Shawn’s face darkened. “Christie’s not here to protect you. I’ll cripple you!”

He signaled, and the Fields family’s bodyguards moved toward Andrew.

Then, a cold voice cut through the tension. “My, what a temper. What an impressive show of force. How dare you threaten my man.”

Lauren approached, imposing in an exquisite red gown, accompanied by Eunice and the Rhodes family’s top bodyguards. Her elegant updo accentuated her beauty. She was breathtaking.

Shawn stared, mesmerized. Another gorgeous woman.

“Miss, w-what did you say?” he stammered.

Lauren linked her arm with Andrew’s and smiled sweetly. “I said, he’s my man. Is that clear enough?”

Shawn snapped out of his trance, burning with jealousy. He couldn’t believe Andrew had already secured such a beauty.

It seemed unfair.

“Beautiful lady, he’s a deadbeat, a gold-digger. With your looks, he’s not even fit to run errands!”

Irene chimed in, “Sweetie, I don’t know who you are, but be careful. He used to mooch off my daughter. Stay away before he tricks you!”

Lauren ignored them, turning to Christina with a seductive smile. Her sharp intuition sensed Andrew’s history with this woman.

Christina met Lauren’s gaze with an icy stare. The tension was palpable.

“Andy, aren’t you going to introduce me to this lovely lady who seems to know you so well?” Lauren asked teasingly, her tone provocative.

Andrew felt a headache coming on. He hadn’t expected this meeting, or Lauren’s casual use of “Andy.” She was clearly stirring up trouble.

“This is the famous Ice Queen of Stevens Corporation,” Andrew said sarcastically. “Ms. Christina Stevens, the one everyone’s talking about—the woman who dumped me.”

Lauren laughed dramatically. “Oh, so you’re Ms. Stevens! No wonder you’re so beautiful. I must thank you. If you hadn’t let Andy go, he and I might never have found happiness together!”

Her words ignited Christina’s fury.