27 Banquet Glamour and New Beginnings
27 Banquet Glamour and New Beginnings
The fever broke during the night. By morning, Chloe was feeling well enough to sit up in bed and eat a light breakfast.
“Much better,” she said, finishing her toast. “Whatever was in those pills really worked.”
Elara nodded, relief washing over her. She hadn’t mentioned the incident from the previous night, and she had no intention of doing so. Some experiences were better left unshared.
“So,” Chloe said, setting her plate aside. “The banquet is tomorrow night, right? Please tell me we’re going shopping today.”
“We are,” Elara confirmed. “I need something appropriate to wear.”
“You mean something drop-dead gorgeous that will make everyone’s jaws hit the floor,” Chloe corrected with a grin. “It’s your first major public appearance since the separation. We need to make a statement.”
Elara smiled but felt a flutter of nerves. She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight. During her marriage to Damien, she had rarely attended high-profile events. Victoria Sterling had made sure of that, claiming Elara lacked the necessary social graces. And Eleanor Thorne, while fond of Elara, had never been interested in society gatherings herself.
“I’m thinking something elegant but unexpected,” Chloe continued, already scrolling through her phone. “Not black-too predictable. Not red-too obvious.” She glanced up. “Trust me on this. I know exactly where we should go.”
Three hours later, they walked into Enchantment, one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city. The shop was minimalist in design, with only a few carefully selected pieces displayed on mannequins.
A saleswoman approached them immediately, her practiced smile faltering slightly as she assessed their appearance. Elara was dressed simply in dark jeans and a cashmere sweater-elegant but not ostentatious.
“May I help you?” the woman asked, her tone just shy of dismissive.
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27 Banquet Glamour and New Beginnings
Chloe stepped forward. “My friend needs a gown for tomorrow night’s Tech Innovators banquet. Something spectacular.”
At the mention of the prestigious event, the saleswoman’s demeanor changed. “Of course. Right this way, please.”
They were led to a private viewing room with plush seating. Within minutes, a selection of evening gowns was brought in. Elara tried on several-a sleek black column dress, an emerald green silk that complemented her eyes, a midnight blue gown with a dramatic train.
None felt quite right.
As she emerged from the fitting room in a ruby red dress that Chloe had insisted on, Elara caught sight of a mannequin being wheeled past. On it was a light purple chiffon gown that seemed to capture the light, shifting between lavender and silver depending on how it moved.
“That one,” Elara said, pointing. “Could I try that one?”
The shop manager, who had joined them sometime during the process, shook her head regretfully. “I’m so sorry, but that piece is not available. It’s a custom design for another client.”
“Oh,” Elara said, trying to hide her disappointment. “It’s beautiful.”
“It certainly is,” the manager agreed. “But perhaps this ivory silk would suit you? It’s one of our most exclusive pieces.”
The ivory gown was undeniably elegant-a simple, flowing design with delicate beadwork at the shoulders and waist. When Elara tried it on, even Chloe gasped.
“That’s the one,” her friend declared. “You look absolutely stunning.”
Elara turned to examine herself in the three-way mirror. The dress fit perfectly, highlighting her slender figure without being too revealing. There was a timeless quality to it, a quiet confidence that resonated with her.
“Yes,” she agreed. “This is it.”
As they completed the purchase, Elara overheard a conversation between two staff
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27 Banquet Glamour and New Beginnings
members near the stockroom.
“The purple chiffon and the diamond necklace go out for delivery tonight,” one was saying. “The entire ensemble is valued at over thirty million.”
“Thirty million?” the other whispered. “Who on earth-”
“Shh! You know we’re not supposed to discuss client details.”
Elara felt a momentary pang-not of jealousy, but a strange wistfulness. Once, such extravagance had been within her reach, though she’d never exploited it. Now, her life was different. More modest, but also more authentic.
“Earth to Elara,” Chloe teased, waving a hand in front of her face. “Ready to go?”
That evening, Chloe insisted on helping Elara get ready. She arranged Elara’s hair in an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her face.
“Nothing too severe,” she explained. “We want you to look approachable but sophisticated.”
“I feel like I’m preparing for battle,” Elara admitted as Chloe applied a light layer of makeup.
“In a way, you are,” her friend replied. “The business world is a battlefield. But you’ve got the advantage-most of them don’t know how brilliant you really are.”
When Julian arrived to pick her up, his eyes widened appreciatively.
“You look incredible,” he said, his admiration evident. “The ivory was an excellent choice.”
“Thank you,” Elara replied, feeling a blush warm her cheeks. She wasn’t used to such open admiration.
As they settled into the back seat of the car, Julian handed her a small tablet. “I thought you might want to review these profiles before we arrive. Key people who’ll be at the banquet tonight.”
Elara scrolled through the information, grateful for the distraction from her nerves. “This is helpful, thank you.”
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27 Banquet Glamour and New Beginnings
“By the way,” Julian said casually, “I’ve got good news. Everything’s set for your official return to the company tomorrow.”
Elara looked up from the tablet, her eyes bright with anticipation. “Really?”
“Really,” he confirmed with a smile. “Your office is ready, and the team is excited to work with you.”
“I can hardly believe it’s happening,” she admitted. “After all this time…”
“It’s where you belong, Elara. Your talent was wasted all these years.”
She nodded, a mix of emotions washing over her-excitement, nervousness, and a deep sense of coming home to herself.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Julian added. “Remember I mentioned that algorithm genius I’ve been trying to recruit? Vivienne Dubois?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“She’s starting tomorrow too. I’d like to introduce you both. I think you’ll work well together.”
Elara’s fingers tightened slightly on the tablet. “Vivienne Dubois is joining the company?”
“Yes. Brilliant mind, especially in advanced algorithmic patterns. I’ve been after her for months.” Julian glanced at her. “Is there a problem?”
Elara composed her expression, willing her heartbeat to slow. “No, no problem at all. I look forward to meeting her.”
As the car continued toward the banquet venue, Elara gazed out at the passing city lights. Tomorrow would mark not just her return to the professional world she’d abandoned years ago, but also an unexpected collision with her present
circumstances.
Vivienne Dubois. 2
The irony wasn’t lost on her. After years of avoiding Damien’s mistress in her personal life, she would now be working alongside her. The universe, it seemed, had quite a
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