Chapter 97

Lily drew in a slow breath. She rose from the vanity, the midnight-blue gown flowing around her like liquid silk. Claire had chosen perfectly, simple, regal, powerful without being loud. The kind of dress that didn’t beg for attention but commanded it the moment one entered the room. She gathered her small clutch, slipping the invitation inside. Her gaze drifted one last time toward the mirror. For years, she had avoided seeing herself clearly. But tonight, she forced herself to meet her own eyes. There was a quiet strength there. She inhaled deeply, turned, and opened the door. The assistant smiled politely, gesturing toward the waiting car outside the hotel entrance. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stepped out. The black car gleamed under the streetlights, its door held open by the driver. Lily’s heels clicked softly against the pavement. She slid into the back seat, her gown trailing like shadows behind her. The car door shut, cocooning her in silence. As the vehi