Isla POV

Every eye in the room was on me as I walked toward the stage.

My heels clicked against the floor as I stepped up. I felt Mr Vale following close behind me.

I turned to him, whispering. "Sir you don't have to come up here."

"It wouldn't be fair to leave you up here alone," he whispered back. "Who knows what this man will pull." He held my gaze steadily. "Don't worry. If you get nervous just look at me."

I smiled, genuinely relieved by the support.

Right. I couldn't embarrass Mr Vale. He had been nothing but good to me.

I turned toward the necklace.

It sat...