Chapter 343

Her pulse raced wildly despite her attempts to appear composed. The sheer joy bubbling inside her was nearly impossible to suppress.

"You're my hero, Lila. Words can't express my gratitude. This decision is final—don't even think about refusing!" Olivia's voice held finality before the line went dead.

The moment the call ended, Lila let out an unrestrained squeal of delight. A gala—an entire gala dedicated to celebrating her!

This surpassed even her wildest fantasies.

When Olivia's security team had whisked the assailant away, Lila had been terrified they might uncover the truth. The constant anxiety had gnawed at her for days. Never in her wildest dreams had she anticipated this phone call.

The Caldwells suspected nothing. Instead, they were honoring her as their savior! The thrill of it made her lightheaded.

This gamble had paid off spectacularly. Now she had her golden ticket into the Caldwell inner circle. With Marcus and Olivia childless, their affection for Evelyn ran deep—and soon, she'd make sure they felt the same about her.

If she played this right, Evelyn's privileged position could soon be hers. The mere thought sent delicious shivers down her spine.

Victor reacted with equal enthusiasm when she shared the news. "Magnificent! You brilliant girl!" He clasped her shoulders, beaming with paternal pride. "I always knew you'd make us proud!"

Diana, however, frowned skeptically. "An entire gala? Isn't that rather... excessive? And so sudden?"

"Nonsense!" Victor waved away her concerns. "Our Lila took a knife for Olivia Sinclair! Who knows what might've happened otherwise? In Olivia's eyes, she's nothing short of a miracle! This extravagant gesture proves how deeply grateful they are." He rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Mark my words—this is just the beginning. With Lila as our connection, the Sterlings' standing will reach unprecedented heights!"

By morning, news of the gala had electrified Owathe's elite circles.

Lila's phone began buzzing at dawn with calls from envious acquaintances. Their thinly veiled jealousy was almost palpable through the receiver.

"Lila darling, you've outdone yourself! The Caldwells hosting a gala in your honor? This isn't just appreciation—it's adoption by another name! Your social stock just skyrocketed overnight. I'm positively green!"

Lila's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Oh please, I never expected anything like this. The Caldwells simply value gratitude above all else."

Her friend's voice turned conspiratorial. "With their backing, you'll be untouchable! Even that precious sister of yours will have to watch her step now. After all..." A meaningful pause. "She didn't save Olivia's life, did she?"

The barb struck its mark perfectly. Lila's chest swelled with vindictive pleasure.

"Promise you won't forget us little people when you're dining with Owathe's royalty?" her friend teased.

"Darling," Lila laughed airily, "you'll always have a seat at my table."