Chapter 298

Chapter 298

On the Monaco royal family's official website, two design proposals were generating massive buzz that just wouldn't die down.

On one side was Vivienne's "Silent Fireworks." With its overwhelming early publicity and that touching, bittersweet story behind it, it had already grabbed everyone's attention. Countless media outlets were calling it the strongest contender for the queen's crown.

On the other side, a designer named "Phoenix" had burst onto the scene with a brand new design called "Divine Radiance."

In the image, countless tiny diamonds and sapphires weren't set traditionally. Instead, through an incredibly ingenious suspended structure, they formed an ethereal yet magnificent palace in the air. It didn't chase after the fleeting brilliance of fireworks, but exuded a timeless, serene, and boundless beauty.

These two completely different styles ignited fierce debates online. One side believed "Silent Fireworks" had more emotional impact, while the other insisted that "Divine Radiance's" scope and boldness truly matched a monarch's bearing.

Just as this wave of excitement was reaching its peak, gold-embossed royal invitations were delivered to Vivienne and Sophie's hotels.

The soon-to-be-crowned heir was inviting Vivienne and Sophie to the palace's back garden for a private afternoon tea.

"The invitation says each designer can bring one accompanying person," Steve said, waving the elegant card as his eyes swept across everyone's faces in the living room.

"I'll go," Simon and Benjamin said almost in unison.

The air in the living room turned tense in an instant.

Simon frowned, looking Benjamin up and down with an assessing gaze. "This is a royal invitation—it's a big deal. We need someone who can handle unexpected situations. You're not even fully healed yet, so don't make a scene."

"Precisely because it's a big deal, I must go," Benjamin didn't budge.

Simon's expression darkened, and he was about to continue when—

"The accompanying person's role is listed as 'servant,'" Steve slowly read out the fine print on the invitation, verbatim.

Then he looked up at Simon with a hint of mockery in his eyes. "Simon, are you sure you want Sophie to point at you and introduce you to Ms. Pearl as 'this is my servant'? Even if you could accept it, Sophie probably couldn't even say it."

Simon's face visibly darkened.

He imagined that scene—Sophie standing before the noble heir, awkwardly pointing at him and saying "servant"... it would be a fate worse than death.

Steve ignored Simon's sour expression and rubbed salt in the wound. "Mr. Brown is different. He's already Sophie's 'personal servant' right now. This identity transition is seamless—not awkward at all."

Not only was Benjamin not upset, but he cooperatively nodded with a humble attitude. "Steve's right. I'll do my duty and take good care of Sophie."

Simon had a breath stuck in his chest, unable to go up or down. Finally, he could only glare hard at Benjamin, a sign of his begrudging consent.

Sophie watched Simon's defeated look and struggled to keep a straight face.

She walked over, hooked her arm through Simon's, and gently shook it, softening her voice to comfort him. "Come on, Simon, this is just a temporary measure. Once I win this project and become the royal family's exclusive designer,I'll make sure to give you all a full tour of the palace!"

This promise finallyeased the tension on Simon's face slightly.

...

The Monaco Palace truly lived up to its reputation.

Past the magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens, a huge glass conservatory appeared before them.

Inside the conservatory weren't exotic flowers and plants, but a temperature-controlled pool built with running water. The pool water was crystal clear, and several massive saltwater crocodiles were lazily lurking underwater, occasionally swishing their tails covered in menacing scales, enough to make anyone's blood run cold.

Crown Princess Arabella Pearl was in a white pavilion by the pool.

She looked even younger than in photos, her brilliant blonde hair casually pinned up, wearing a simple white dress. Her demeanor was gentle and noble, without the usual pretension of royalty.

"Phoenix, Ms. Ember, welcome," Arabella smiled as she stood, her gaze lingering on Sophie and Vivienne for a moment before finally resting on Sophie with an appreciative look.

"Your 'Divine Radiance' showed me the order and eternity of the universe. Very... stunning."

Vivienne's smile froze for a moment. She had dressed carefully and prepared countless talking points, never expecting to be at a disadvantage from the start.

Unwilling to accept this, she spoke up in a sweet voice. "Ms. Pearl! Actually, my 'Silent Fireworks' was also inspired by my admiration for the royal family. Though fireworks are brief, the moment they burn is their entire life, just like..."

"Stolen glory never lasts," a cold voice cut her off.

It was Sophie.

Vivienne's expression changed, and she was about to snap back when Arabella looked with interest at the "servants" behind Sophie and Vivienne.

"And who might this be?"

Vivienne rushed to introduce him. "This is my security personnel, Vance. He was burned in a fire before, so... please excuse his appearance, Ms. Pearl." The "Vance" behind her nodded slightly in greeting.

Arabella nodded in understanding, then shifted her attention to Benjamin.

Benjamin bowed slightly, his posture respectful yet possessing an unmistakable aura.

Sophie was about to introduce him when Benjamin stepped forward first, walking to the edge of the pavilion, his gaze crossing the still water to look at the lurking beasts.

"Ms. Pearl, before introducing my identity, I'd like to first introduce Ms. Ember's 'servant' to you."

His voice was incredibly piercing, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Benjamin slowly turned around, his gaze sharp, fixed directly on the man wearing a baseball cap and mask.

"This man! His claim of being disfigured is nothing but a lie. The reason he's hiding his face is that once it's exposed, Interpol will come after him."

The smile on Arabella's face vanished for the first time.

Benjamin ignored Vivienne's suddenly pale face, his voice turning ice-cold.

"After all, over the years, he's personally killed several innocent people, including the business tycoons Lester and Thalia! A fugitive with multiple murders on his hands wouldn't exactly be comfortable out in the open."