Chapter 27

A Few Days Later: The Banquet Gala

Lawrence Grand Hotel

The Lawrence Grand Hotel shimmered like a jewel, its opulent façade illuminated by a sea of flashbulbs. A parade of sleek, rare luxury cars glided into the entrance, each vehicle a statement of status and power.The gala was Aurora City's most exclusive event of the year, attracting the crème de la crème of society. Celebrities, moguls, and aristocrats graced the crimson carpet, their polished images immortalized by relentless photographers.

"Who will steal the show this year?” a reporter whispered, her eyes scanning the sea of arrivals.

Suddenly, gasps rippled through the crowd as a glossy black limousine slid to a halt. The air buzzed with anticipation, cameras poised for the grand reveal. As the door opened, Kate Blake stepped out,her gown glittering like starlight under the flashes. She carried herself with the poise of someone born to dominate a room, her every step calculated to perfection.

“Ms. Blake, over here! Tell us about your recent promotion!” a reporter called out, his microphone thrust forward. Kate turned, her polished smile masking the flutter of nerves beneath.“It's an incredible honor to lead Blake Real Estate Management. Tonight,though, I'm just here to enjoy the celebration.” As the media devoured her every word, Kate's gaze flitted toward the hotel entrance, Her heart raced, though not from the attention lavished upon her. She wasn't here to bask in the spotlight. Tonight, her eyes were set on one man-Alexander Kane.

“Still dreaming about him?" Amanda, a close friend, teased as Kate joined their group inside the grand hall.

Kate's smile tightened. "Dreaming? No. Tonight, he'll finally notice me."

Before Amanda could retort, a hush fell over the crowd outside. Every head turned as the unmistakable growl of a custom Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero sliced through the murmurs. The car's arrival was a statement: only one man in Aurora City commanded such presence.

“Alexander Kane," someone breathed, the name rolling like thunder through the crowd.

The car door opened, and his aide, James, stepped out first, scanning the scene with precision. Then came Alexander himself, stepping into the limelight with effortless command. Dressed in a tailored midnight-black suit, his sharp features exuded power. The mere sight of him was enough to silence the chaos, every camera trained on his every move.

But it wasn't just Alexander who stole the night. He turned back toward the car, extending his hand. A collective gasp echoed as a woman emerged, her presence radiant and arresting. Lilly Kane stepped into view, her gown an ethereal masterpiece that clung to her figure with elegant precision. The intricately beaded bodice shimmered under the soft glow, and her poise rivaled even the most seasoned socialites. The crowd froze. "Who is she?" whispers spread like wildfire. "She's breathtaking.. but I've never seen her before."

Reporters clamored to break the silence. "Mr. Kane, is she your date?"

Alexander's lips curved into a faint smile, his voice a smooth enigma.“You'll know soon enough.”

With Lily's hand in his, he strode toward the entrance, their presence leaving an indelible mark.

Inside, the gala hall buzzed with anticipation. Conversations stilled as eyes turned to the grand doors. Kate's breath caught in her throat as the announcer stepped forward, his expression betraying a flicker of disbelief.

“Presenting... Mr. Alexander Kane and Mrs. Lilly Kane."

The declaration hit the room like a lightning strike. The name reverberated through the hall,leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

Kate's glass slipped from her fingers, shattering against the marble floor.Her world tilted as the name echoed in her ears: Mrs. Lilly Kane.

"No,” Kate whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her eyes locked on the woman by Alexander's side, her composure crumbling.

Bella's lips pressed into a thin line, her grip tightening around her champagne flute. "It can't be," she muttered under her breath. “She's supposed to be dead."

All eyes were on Lilly as she glided into the room, Alexander's arm wrapped around her possessively. Her heart pounded, but her expression remained serene, the perfect mask of confidence.

Kate's mind raced. Lilly? Alive? Married to Alexander? How?

Alexander, sensing the stir he'd created, leaned toward Lilly.“Enjoying the attention?"

Lilly's voice was steady, though her pulse thundered in her ears. “I think you enjoy it more."

He smirked, his gaze sweeping the room like a predator assessing its prey."Let them wonder. It's more entertaining that way."

Kate couldn't tear her eyes away. Every dream, every plan she had crafted for this night unraveled before her. Lilly's return wasn't just a disruption-it was a reckoning.

As the couple made their way further into the room, the whispers grew louder. The Blake family's faces were masks of barely concealed shock and anger. Kate clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

“This isn't over," she vowed under her breath, her eyes burning with unbridled determination.

Alexander's voice broke through Lilly's thoughts as they approached the center of the room. "Ready to meet the lions?"

Lilly lifted her chin, her resolve hardening. “I've been ready my whole life.

The tension was palpable, the air electric with unanswered questions. Lilly could feel the weight of every gaze on her, but she refused to falter. As Alexander led her into the heart of the lion's den, a storm brewed-one that would shatter the fragile facades of power,secrets, and deceit. Bella's eyes darted around the room. Too many were already watching.With a forced smile, she tugged Kate into a secluded corner, her voice a low but firm warning.