Chapter 27

A Few Days Later: The Banquet Gala

The Lawrence Grand Hotel was ablaze with activity as a parade of limited-edition luxury vehicles glided into its expansive entrance. The gala was one of the year’s most prestigious events, drawing the crème de la crème of Aurora City’s elite. Camera flashes erupted, capturing the grandeur of the evening as attendees, dressed in their finest, made their way into the hotel.

Outside, media outlets buzzed with excitement, reporters vying for a glimpse of the notable figures arriving at the event. Among the crowd were legendary celebrities, business tycoons, and socialites, each adding to the night’s allure.

A sleek black limousine rolled up, instantly capturing everyone’s attention. The air crackled with anticipation as the door opened, revealing a distinguished couple and their daughter. Camera flashes intensified as they posed for a family portrait, their elegant demeanor captivating the crowd.

Kate Blake, the newly appointed CEO of Blake Real Estate Management, had been eagerly awaiting this night. It wasn’t just another social event; it was her chance to reconnect with Alexander Kane, the man she had admired from afar since high school. He had been a senior then, untouchable in his perfection, while she, just a junior, had never mustered the courage to speak to him. Tonight, that would change.

As Kate posed for the cameras, she exuded confidence. The reporters were quick to notice.

“Congratulations on your new position, Ms. Blake. How does it feel to be at the helm of such a significant subsidiary?” a reporter asked.

Kate smiled, her expression poised. “It’s an honor and a responsibility that I’ve prepared for my entire life. I’m grateful for my family’s unwavering support.”

“And your dress—an exquisite choice. Who’s the designer?” another reporter inquired.

“Thank you. It’s a custom piece by one of the world’s top designers,” Kate replied, her eyes briefly flicking to her mother, Bella, who stood proudly beside her.

After a brief exchange with the press, the Blake family entered the opulent gala hall. Kate’s heart raced with anticipation as she mingled with friends from equally wealthy families. Despite engaging in conversation, her eyes continually darted toward the entrance, hoping for a glimpse of Alexander.

“Are you looking for him?” Amanda, a close friend, asked, noticing Kate’s distraction.

Kate sighed, unable to hide her eagerness. “Who else?”

“You do realize he doesn’t even know who you are, right?” Amanda teased.

“Not yet,” Kate replied, a determined smile playing on her lips. “But by the end of tonight, he will.”

“No need to keep staring at the door,” Clare, another friend, chimed in. “His arrival will be announced.”

Kate nodded, though her thoughts were already spinning with possible scenarios for their first conversation. She planned to use a potential business partnership as an icebreaker—anything to get closer to him.

Outside the gala hall, the steady stream of guests continued to arrive. The photographers and reporters were in full swing when suddenly, all attention shifted to a sleek, one-of-a-kind car pulling up to the entrance. The crowd hushed, eyes glued to the rare Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero. Everyone knew who owned this exclusive model—Alexander Kane.

As the car door opened, a hush fell over the crowd. James, Alexander’s trusted aide, stepped out first, then reached back to assist his boss. Alexander emerged, looking every bit the powerful mogul, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around. The reporters surged forward, desperate for a soundbite.

“Mr. Kane, Mr. Kane!” they shouted, hoping for a word. But Alexander’s bodyguards swiftly formed a barrier, keeping the crowd at bay.

Then, in a move that left everyone breathless, Alexander turned back to the car and extended his hand inside. A collective gasp rose from the crowd as a slender, feminine hand emerged, followed by a stunning woman who took Alexander’s hand.

“Does Mr. Kane have a date?” a reporter whispered, the question hanging in the air like a challenge.

This was unprecedented—Alexander Kane had never been seen with a woman at such events. The speculation was immediate. Who was she? Which powerful family did she belong to?

Lilly stepped out of the car, her hand in Alexander’s, and the world seemed to hold its breath. Her gown, a masterpiece of design, shimmered under the soft lights, the luxurious silk hugging her figure with elegance. The bodice, adorned with hand-sewn crystals and pearls, sparkled with every movement she made, drawing all eyes to her.

The elite guests outside murmured among themselves, their curiosity piqued.

“Who is she?”

“She’s stunning… but I’ve never seen her before.”

Lilly glanced up at Alexander, whose expression was unreadable. They began their walk toward the entrance, and a brave reporter managed to get close enough to ask the burning question on everyone’s mind.

“Mr. Kane, is she your date?”

Alexander paused, his grip on Lilly’s hand tightening slightly. Lilly’s heart raced as she anticipated the revelation that would change her life.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Alexander said, his tone laced with a hint of amusement, before leading Lilly inside.

The reporters, though kept at bay, could only speculate as they watched the couple disappear into the hotel.

Inside, Lilly whispered to Alexander, “I thought you planned to announce our marriage tonight.”

“I like keeping people on their toes,” Alexander replied, a glint of excitement in his eyes. Lilly couldn’t help but wonder—what game was he playing? Was this all part of some master plan, or had he begun to develop genuine feelings for her?

As they approached the entrance to the grand hall, the murmur of voices grew louder. Lilly soon realized why—they were about to be formally announced. The idea hadn’t crossed her mind, but now it seemed inevitable. She straightened her shoulders, preparing herself for whatever lay ahead.

The announcer, perched at the entrance, took one look at them and froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Do you realize who you’re keeping waiting?” his assistant hissed, snapping him out of his daze.

The announcer quickly composed himself and read the names aloud.

“NEXT TO ARRIVE: MR. ALEXANDER KANE AND…” he faltered again, barely believing his eyes, “MRS. LILLY KANE.”

The announcement sent shockwaves through the hall. Heads turned, conversations ceased, and the room fell into a stunned silence. Kate, who had been eagerly awaiting Alexander’s arrival, felt her world tilt at the words “Mrs. Lilly Kane.” Her smile faded, her mind struggling to process what she had just heard.

“Mrs. Kane?” murmurs rippled through the crowd, the name on everyone’s lips.

Alexander walked in, his hand still firmly holding Lilly’s. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she maintained her composure, her head held high.

Kate, now pale, watched in disbelief as the couple made their grand entrance. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. Lilly? But how…?

Bella’s grip tightened around her glass, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the woman beside Alexander. “It can’t be… she’s supposed to be dead,” she whispered under her breath.

As Lilly and Alexander made their way further into the room, the whispers grew louder, the shock of their appearance setting the room abuzz with speculation. Lilly could feel the weight of their stares, the curiosity, the envy, and the disbelief all directed at her.

Kate’s hands trembled as she placed her glass down, her eyes never leaving Lilly. This was not the reunion she had envisioned. Everything she had planned, every hope she had held onto, was unraveling before her eyes.

How could this be happening? Kate thought, her mind racing. how is it possible for liLy? And what does this mean for everything I’ve worked for?

Alexander glanced down at Lilly, a small, knowing smile on his lips as if he could sense the turmoil he had just unleashed.

“Shall we?” he whispered, leading her deeper into the lion’s den.

Lilly nodded, her resolve hardening. Whatever lay ahead, she was ready to face it—no matter the cost.