Chapter 77: The Gala Intrusion

Katelyn’s POV The ballroom shimmered with elegance, golden chandeliers, champagne flutes catching the light, and a string quartet humming in the background. I moved through the crowd with a practiced smile, scanning the sea of gowns and tailored suits for the client I had come here to meet. But as the minutes stretched on, I realized he was nowhere in sight. I circled the venue twice, checking the bar, the registration table, even near the auction display, but no luck. With each step, the sting in my foot worsened. The pointed heels I had chosen, though stunning, were quickly becoming my worst enemy. I paused near one of the tall window alcoves and leaned on the sill briefly, stretching my toes inside the shoes to ease the tension. Matthew appeared beside me, his expression light but attentive. “Still nothing?” he asked. I shook my head. “It’s like he vanished.” Matthew’s eyes dropped to my posture. “You’re limping a little. Do you want to take a break? I can come with you.” I smiled s