𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 15 ~𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭~

The grand hotel entrance shimmered with luxury. Cars eased along the red carpet, polished metal reflecting the bursts of camera flashes. Guests stepped out in flowing gowns and finely cut suits, laughter and polite greetings mixing with the soft notes of the live orchestra drifting from inside.

The ballroom glowed with soft golden light, crystal chandeliers scattering brightness across the polished marble floor. A string quartet played gently in the corner, their music weaving into the low hum of conversation as guests mingled, glasses of champagne in hand.

Hayden Foreman led his staff inside first, Cassandra keeping close at his side. Their entrance drew polite acknowledgement, a few handshakes, a few nods from acquaintances who respected Hayden’s reputation in the business world. Cassandra’s colleagues trailed behind, whispering among themselves about the grandeur of the hall and the faces they recognized.

They found their designated table, set slightly off-center but still close