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Chapter 90: The Gala Part 2

Author: Avvi Keller
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-15 20:51:43

Our family scattered like well-rehearsed performers, each drawn into conversations with different groups of guests. Regan and I found ourselves in the center of the room, surrounded by a cluster of people who seemed more interested in gushing praise than having a genuine conversation. I forced smiles, answering their questions with as much grace as I could muster.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight, Anastasia," a woman with elaborately styled copper hair and a dress dripping with diamonds fawned over me. "And so radiant together! A Montreal and a Del Valle, a match made in business heaven, some might say."

"Thank you," I replied, my smile strained but practiced. The woman, whose name I couldn't recall, continued to chatter, but my attention had drifted. Dread dropped on my stomach as I spotted a familiar blonde head making its way through the crowd.

Zarina, her blonde hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, approached our group, a smug smile plastered on her face. Beside h
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