The Party


    Ava shouted, “Mommy, no phone calls at the dining table. Grandma says we aren’t supposed to talk so


    much while eating.


    I giggled and quickly put down my phone. I kissed her and said, “You’re right. Let’s eat.”


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    As’s call had put my mind at ease. I was sure he had a n in ce.


    The next day, Grayson walked into my office holding arge bag. “Ms. Chloe, your gown.”


    I didn’t think As was being serious. Grayson ced the bag on the coffee table and left.


    Curious, I hurried over to inspect its contents. I pulled out a box and inside was a stunning white gown


    with exquisite jewels.


    It was the kind of dress that reminded me of something Show White might wear. I was eager to put it on


    immediately. Matthew had never bought me any nice clothing, let alone a gown. I had never attended.


    important events before and was unaware of the dress code.


    I called Ivanna to tell her about the party. She agreed to pick up Ava and even arranged for a makeup


    artist for me. Ivanna was a great help.


    Lauren also called to see if I was going to the party. She said she would, so I told her we should meet


    there. As the invitation was extended to the higher–ups from eachpany, Ryan became my escort


    for


    the evening.


    The party was hosted in the grand banquet hall of Echelon Towers.


    Echelon Group had a long history in the real estate industry. Mercer, Atticus’s father, started as a


    subcontractor before taking over thepany at 26. He transformed it into the leading real estate


    developer in Foswood.


    They had countless projects, including their very own Echelon Towers. One tower housed their offices,


    while the other was the Echelon Hotel.


    Ryan and I arrived at Echelon Towers on time, and I underestimated how grand the event was. It felt


    like a film festival, with everyone making their entrance on the red carpet. The atmosphere was even


    livelier at the venue, with people chatting over their drinks.


    Tanum Corporation was a smallerpany, so our presence was mostly courtesy. Frankly, I wasn’t


    particrly eager to be there. Since my divorce wasmon knowledge, the situation was somewhat


    awkward.


    tapotted Matthew in the crowd He appeared surprisingly well–dressed for the asion. When our eyes


    met, he stared at me like some idiot. Something about the way he looked at me felt odd. I chose to


    Ignore him.


    I wasn’t one to wear heavy makeup, but a professional had worked her magic on me today. I managed


    to turn heads, and I guessed Matthew couldn’t believe it was me.


    Many people were curious about us because Ryan was new to the industry. People were whispering,


    “Who are those two? They aren’t in real estate, are they? That girl looks rather pretty!”


    “She’s hot. Why haven’t I seen them before in Foswood?”


    “She looks familiar, but I can’t recall ever seeing such a beautiful woman.”


    I was secretly pleased. It seemed that the right outfit and makeup had made me unrecognizable. I


    scanned the room and spotted Atticus conversing with someone in the distance. I had to admit that he


    had a certain charm about him.


    I nced at Ryan. “Let’s go say hello to Atticus.”


    He nodded, and we walked toward him.