Chapter 12: The Gala Where Everything Changed

Two weeks later, Hill Corporation hosted its annual Charity Business Gala.

The event gathered the city's most influential entrepreneurs, investors, and designers.

For Catherine, it would be her first public appearance as Mrs. Shaun Hill.

Standing before the mirror, she adjusted the silver evening gown the stylist had prepared.

"Are you nervous?" Shaun asked as he walked into the dressing room.

"A little," Catherine admitted.

"Everyone there knows who you are."

"Hardly anyone knows me."

Shaun walked over and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Tonight... they will."

His calm confidence somehow eased her anxiety.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Ready."

Half an hour later, their Rolls-Royce arrived outside the Grand Royal Hotel.

Camera flashes instantly illuminated the entrance.

"Mr. Hill is here!"

"Who's the woman beside him?"

"Is that really his wife?"

As Shaun stepped out of the car, he naturally extended his hand toward Catherine.

She accepted it without hesitation.

Together, they walked across the red carpet.

Every reporter present hurried forward.

"Mr. Hill!"

"Is this your first public appearance as a married couple?"

"Mrs. Hill, how does it feel marrying the country's youngest business legend?"

Shaun stopped walking.

Instead of answering questions about himself, he looked toward Catherine.

"Tonight isn't about me," he said calmly.

"It's about my wife and the future of her company."

"From today onward, Hill Interior Design becomes Hill Corporation's exclusive interior design partner."

Gasps echoed through the crowd.

One sentence...

And Catherine's company had instantly become one of the most valuable design firms in the country.

Inside the ballroom, whispers spread rapidly.

"Mr. Hill personally announced the partnership?"

"That company was established less than a month ago!"

"She's incredibly lucky."

Catherine heard every comment.

She smiled politely but remained silent.

Shaun leaned closer.

"Don't let them bother you."

"Soon they'll understand you earned everything yourself."

She nodded.

"I'll prove it."

Across the ballroom, Rebecca watched the couple with jealousy burning in her eyes.

"Why does Catherine always get everything?" she muttered.

Mrs. Jones sighed.

"Let's not cause trouble tonight."

"Trouble always seems to find her," Rebecca replied coldly.

Meanwhile, Ethan stood alone near the balcony.

Watching Catherine smile beside Shaun felt like watching a dream disappear forever.

She looked happier than he had ever seen her.

For the first time, he accepted the painful truth.

She had truly moved on.

The charity auction soon began.

Rare artwork, luxury jewelry, and historical collections were displayed one after another.

When a vintage diamond necklace appeared, several wealthy businessmen immediately started bidding.

"One million."

"One point five million."

"Two million."

Rebecca quietly admired the necklace.

"It's beautiful..."

Ethan noticed her interest and raised his bidding paddle.

"Three million."

The crowd applauded.

Rebecca smiled happily.

"Thank you, Ethan."

Before the auctioneer could continue, another calm voice echoed through the ballroom.

"Five million."

Everyone turned toward Shaun.

Even Catherine looked surprised.

"Shaun?"

"You like it?" he asked softly.

"It's beautiful... but it's too expensive."

"Then it's worth buying."

Another businessman attempted to compete.

"Six million."

"Eight million," Shaun answered immediately.

Silence.

No one dared continue.

"Sold!"

The auctioneer smiled brightly.

"Congratulations, Mr. Hill."

Minutes later, the necklace was placed inside an elegant velvet box.

Shaun accepted it before turning toward Catherine.

"Happy first month of marriage."

Her eyes widened.

"You remembered?"

"Of course."

"Every milestone with you deserves celebrating."

He personally fastened the necklace around her neck.

Camera flashes filled the ballroom once again.

Rebecca looked away, unable to hide the bitterness in her eyes.

She had spent years trying to win admiration.

Yet Catherine had effortlessly become the center of attention.

Not because of wealth.

Not because of status.

But because of the way Shaun looked at her.

It was impossible to fake.

Late that evening, after the gala ended, Shaun and Catherine stood together on the hotel's rooftop terrace.

The city lights stretched endlessly beneath them.

"Thank you," Catherine whispered.

"For what?"

"For believing in me before I believed in myself."

Shaun smiled softly.

"That's what husbands are supposed to do."

She looked into his eyes.

This time, there was no hesitation.

No confusion.

Only certainty.

"Shaun..."

"Hmm?"

"I think..."

"I've finally fallen in love with you."

For the first time since they met, Shaun was completely speechless.

Then, slowly, a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Mrs. Hill..."

"I've been waiting to hear those words for a very long time."