Spotlights lit up the grand hall of the Tokyo International Jewelry Expo. Glass walls reflected the brilliance of thousands of diamonds, yet none shone brighter than the light in Evelyn’s eyes that night.

A classic-cut black gown hugged her figure—elegant, yet commanding. Around her neck hung her newest creation, a diamond necklace named “Resilience”—a symbol of wounds stitched into strength.

“Evelyn-san,” one of the event coordinators called in polite Japanese. “You’ll be on stage in five minutes.”

Evelyn nodded, drawing a deep breath to calm the racing of her heart.

From across the room, William walked toward her. Dressed in a charcoal suit with a silver tie, he looked every...