Matthew hadn’t anticipated this question.


    He looked away and responded, “She isn’t particrly fond of such asions.


    ”


    Ste nodded, understanding the situation.


    She offered a friendly smile.


    “Mr.


    rk, please go ahead and attend to your business.


    I’ll wait here for my husband.


    ”


    Just as Matthew was about to reply, Neville approached, casually draping an arm around Matthew’s shoulder.


    When he noticed Ste, he raised an eyebrow and quipped, “Ste’s here too.


    May I borrow Matthew for a while?”


    Ste found herself feeling awkward.


    “Go ahead.


    ” She nodded, making her position clear.


    “I’ll wait here for my husband.


    ”


    She disliked the way Neville ambiguously described her rtionship with Matthew.


    “Husband… Neville yfully continued the jest, but a stern gaze from Matthew silenced him.


    Neville shrugged and shed a smile at Ste.


    “We won’t disturb you, then.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    See youter.


    ”


    Ste nodded, and as she watched them leave, her tense nerves slowly rxed.


    She adjusted her mask and gracefully entered the banquet halt.


    Her entrance immediately captured the attention of all attendees.


    Since she arrived alone, many men approached her, extending invitations to dance.


    Ste, however, politely declined, saying, “I’m sorry.


    I already have a partner.


    ”


    Her eyes scanned the ballroom, hoping to spot a man in a ck suit, but her search proved fruitless.


    Ste began to feel a sense of disappointment, thinking that perhaps Maverick had yet to arrive.


    Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a bright spotlight illuminated the stage’s center.


    A woman in an elegant dress gracefully ascended the stage.


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    “Hello, everyone! Wee to the ssicLuxe dinner party…” After her opening speech, the host proceeded to outline the evening’s agenda.


    “Next up is the masquerade ball.


    Following the ball, the designpetition contestants will draw lots to determine the sequence for the formalpetition.


    ”


    Following this announcement, over a dozen dancers in splendid attire took the stage, captivating the attention of the attendees.


    The masquerade ball was now officially underway.


    Yet Ste continued to anxiously search for Maverick, her heart sinking as she failed to find him.