Evelyn's POV
The conversations continued for another several minutes.
One guest introduced me to another, who introduced me to someone else, and before I realized it, I had shaken more hands than I could possibly remember. Some congratulated me on the Maison Étoile campaign, while others simply wished me well for whatever came next.
It was strangely exhausting.
Not because I disliked it.
Because I still wasn't completely used to being recognized.
Eventually, the crowd around us began to thin.
Several guests excused themselves to greet new arrivals, while others drifted toward the orchestra as another piece of music filled the ballroom.
The brief moment of quiet felt... welcome.
Dad smiled as he looked at me.
"You've handled tonight remarkably well."
I laughed softly.
"I've mostly been smiling and saying thank you."
"You make it sound easy."
"It isn't."
"I know."
His smile widened slightly.
"But you make it look that way."
I shook my head with a quiet laugh.
