CHAPTER 7

Elowen slammed the car door shut and trudged into the house, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor. Her phone buzzed just as she sank onto the plush sofa.

“How did the meeting go?” Seraphina’s voice came through the line, light but curious.

Elowen groaned, rubbing her temples. “Horribly. Imagine planning a wedding for two people who can’t decide what they want. And the fiancée” her voice sharpened “she thinks she can boss me around. If it weren’t for my revenge, I’d never have set foot in this cursed city again.”

Seraphina sighed on the other end. “Elowen, this is Lysander Caius we’re talking about. You know how powerful he is.”

Elowen’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “I don’t care about his power. All I care about is settling the score.”

“Fine. But speaking of settling, there’s a party tonight a big one. Hosted by Aurelia, the top fashion designer in Apex Grove. She sent an invitation to the office this morning.”

Elowen arched a brow, intrigued. “Why would she invite me?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Seraphina chuckled. “You’re one of the best wedding planners out there. Alphacrest City practically worships your work. And you’re planning Lysander Caius’s wedding. Of course, word spreads.”

A slow smirk spread across Elowen’s face. “When is this party?”

“Tonight,” Seraphina said, the excitement in her voice palpable. “Oh, and guess who else is on the guest list?”

“Let me guess. My ex-husband?” Elowen asked, her tone laced with mock amusement.

“Bingo! Caspian is attending, probably to grovel at Lysander’s feet for some business deal. Isn’t that ironic, considering they despise each other?”

Elowen leaned back, her gaze darkening. “Caspian can grovel all he wants. He saw me yesterday and didn’t even recognize me. The man is as clueless as ever.”

“Wait what? How did you run into him?” Seraphina’s voice climbed an octave.

Elowen sighed, the memory flashing in her mind. “I went to my father’s house, staying out of sight. He caught me off guard. But that’s not the interesting part.”

“Spill it already,” Seraphina urged.

“I saw how Mrs. Thalassa treats Caspian’s new wife. It’s appalling. I don’t think he treats her well either.”

Seraphina hummed thoughtfully. “Weird. I thought she came from a wealthy family. What happened to her parents’ fortune?”

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” Elowen said, her tone sharpening. “I’ll find out. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll use her to bring Caspian down.”

“That’s my girl!” Seraphina said with a laugh. “But be careful. Apex Grove is dangerous. Don’t trust anyone. Two months, and you’re out. If you need backup, you know I’ve got you. My money’s your money.”

“Thanks, Seraphina,” Elowen said, her voice softening. “I need to get ready. Aurelia might be useful; she has a stake in my father’s company and hates Caspian for some reason. I’ll figure it out tonight.”

The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint hum of city life as Elowen stepped out in her black diamond gown. It hugged her figure perfectly, a masterpiece of understated elegance. She twisted her long, dark hair into a sleek updo, leaving a few strands to frame her face. The mirror reflected her smirk as she reached for a noise mask that covered half her face in intricate detail.

“Let’s see how the game begins,” she murmured.

The ballroom buzzed with life, a kaleidoscope of glittering dresses, tailored suits, and sparkling chandeliers. Elowen walked in, the subtle sway of her hips commanding attention as all eyes turned to the masked beauty who had just arrived.

“Miss Elowen, I presume?” a smooth, confident voice cut through the noise. Aurelia, the renowned fashion designer, approached her with a warm smile.

Elowen stiffened slightly. How did Aurelia recognize her? She had gone to great lengths to remain unseen for years. “Yes, I am,” she replied, her curiosity barely veiled.

“I have my ways,” Aurelia said with a knowing grin. “When I heard you were in Apex Grove to plan Lysander Caius’s wedding, I knew I had to meet you. Your reputation precedes you.”

“I’m flattered, Miss Aurelia,” Elowen said, keeping her tone neutral.

Aurelia's gaze darkened as she lifted her champagne glass, the rim brushing her lips but not taking a sip. "We should talk more. I have... information that might interest you."

Elowen arched a brow beneath her mask. "Information? About him?" Her tone was steady, but her pulse quickened.

"Let’s just say," Aurelia whispered, leaning in close enough for Elowen to catch the faintest whiff of expensive perfume, "Caspian’s skeletons aren’t as buried as he thinks."

Elowen’s smirk grew sharper, her fingers tightening around the stem of her glass. “I think I’m going to enjoy this party after all.”

From across the room, Caspian’s gaze swept over the crowd and paused. Even through the mask, Elowen felt the intensity of his stare. Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to stay still.

Could he recognize her?

The corners of his mouth twitched, but then he turned away, leaving Elowen wondering if the game she was playing had just gotten more dangerous.