Chapter 206

Evelyn's breath caught as she admired the exquisite garment before her.

Harrison had specifically brought her here for this moment.

"This vintage bodycon gown is currently part of the National Museum's collection," he explained smoothly. "But it's being auctioned tonight at the charity gala."

Olivia nearly squealed with excitement. "We have to get it! Price is no object."

Natalie nodded in agreement. "If this dress can make such an impact on your fashion show, it's worth any bid."

Evelyn couldn't tear her gaze away from the delicate embroidery.

After a long pause, she turned to Harrison with determination. "Let's go."

"Of course," he replied with an amused smile.

"We're coming too!" Olivia and Natalie declared simultaneously.

At precisely seven that evening, their group arrived at the prestigious Sterling Grand Ballroom. The venue buzzed with New York's elite society.

Olivia and Natalie made a striking pair in their coordinated designer outfits. Heads turned as they entered, whispers following them through the crowd.

"Isn't that Ms. Sinclair from Vogue's top boutique?"

"And that's Natalie Reeves - chief editor of GEM Magazine!"

"Their friendship is legendary. Absolutely stunning together."

"We should introduce ourselves."

Their reputations preceded them, and soon they were surrounded by eager socialites exchanging business cards with practiced ease.

When Evelyn entered on Harrison's arm, the entire room seemed to hold its breath.

She'd never looked more radiant.

Her flowing gown seemed to shimmer with every step, accentuating her natural elegance. Beside her, Harrison cut a dashing figure in his tailored tuxedo. Together, they looked like something out of a fairy tale.

Even those who remembered her brief marriage to Nathan Sterling couldn't deny the chemistry between Evelyn and Harrison tonight.

"Ms. Carter, what an honor to have you here," the event coordinator gushed as she approached.

Evelyn offered a polite smile. "Charitable causes are always worth supporting."

"We hope you find something special tonight."

The crowd took this as their cue. Well-dressed guests immediately began vying for Evelyn's attention.

"Ms. Carter, I'm Cassandra Lambert from Brisco Group. Such a pleasure."

"Naomi Whitaker here. Perhaps we could collaborate sometime?"

"My company has been following Kingsley Industries' new projects with great interest..."

Evelyn handled the attention with perfect poise - warm enough to be approachable, but reserved enough to maintain her mystique.

"Mr. Whitmore, it's been too long."

The sultry voice came from a woman in a couture gown that probably cost more than most cars. Evelyn recognized her immediately - pop diva Bianca Delacroix.

Bianca was beautiful in that carefully sculpted way that suggested multiple cosmetic enhancements. Right now, her surgically enhanced lips were curved in a smile directed solely at Harrison.

"Have we met?" Harrison asked politely.