Chapter 21

The black-and-gold banner fluttered above the entrance of the Luxe Royale Hotel. Paparazzi clustered at the main gates like a colony of eager bees, camera flashes bursting in rapid succession as each luxury car rolled up to the curb. Laughter, the sharp clink of champagne flutes, and the soft notes of a live string quartet spilled from the open glass doors into the cool evening air. Lily stepped out of the taxi, her heels clicking against the polished stone driveway. The soft fabric of her pale beige dress shifted around her ankles with the breeze—simple, modest, and a far cry from the glittering gowns sweeping across the red carpet nearby. She smoothed her skirt, took a breath, and reminded herself why she was here. This wasn't the first time she had attended such a glittering event. But in the past, she had always walked in David's shadow, introduced as Mr. Cole's secretary while he navigated business deals and she stayed politely in the background. Tonight was different. Tonight, sh