Evelyn's POV
The evening continued beneath the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, the ballroom alive with elegant conversation and soft classical music. Guests drifted effortlessly from one group to another, exchanging business cards, sharing laughter, and offering another round of congratulations to the two families at the center of the celebration.
The atmosphere had settled into something comfortable.
Relaxed.
The formal introductions were over, dinner had been served, and the engagement celebration had begun to feel less like an event and more like an evening among distinguished friends.
I stood beside Grace and Liora near one of the tall windows overlooking the gardens, occasionally greeting guests who approached to congratulate me on the Maison Étoile campaign. Every conversation seemed to end the same way.
"We're looking forward to seeing what you do next."
It still felt strange hearing those words.
Only a few months ago, most of these people barely remembered my name.
