A soft, almost dreamy expression appeared on Elena's face as she glanced down at the diamond ring on her finger. Under the studio lights, it looked like a captured star resting on her skin.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
The female host smiled, her eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity. "Can you tell us more about it? I really like it. I'd love to buy something similar for myself."
In her earpiece, Director He's voice snapped like a whip.
"What are you doing? Move on!"
But the host ignored him. She had been in this industry long enough to recognize when the air changed, when a harmless detail suddenly became a doorway into something explosive. Even the audience's breathing sounded different now, as if everyone instinctively leaned closer.
"Hm…" Elena replied, her voice calm. "I didn't buy it."
The host's smile widened, sensing blood in the water. "Oh? Then where did you get it? Was it given to you as a gift?"
"Yes," Elena said. "Something like that."
