Chapter133:

Chapter 133 CELESTE The charity gala was exactly the kind of event I used to dread—excessive opulence disguised as philanthropy, where the wealthy gathered to see and be seen while writing checks that would earn them tax deductions and social capital. But Miranda's friend Elena Whitmore was hosting it to benefit children's literacy programs, which was a cause I actually cared about, so I'd agreed to attend. Xenois had offered to come with me, but I'd insisted he stay home with the boys. He'd been working long hours since the acquisition deal closed last week, and I could see the strain in his face, the exhaustion that came from constantly monitoring himself for signs of reverting to old patterns. He needed rest more than he needed another social obligation. So I'd come alone, wearing a navy blue gown that Alina had helped me select—elegant without being flashy, expensive enough to fit in with this crowd but not so ostentatious that it drew unwanted attention. My goal was to make a dona