It was Rowan.
He had arrived without a date.
"Your husband is here..." Maddie muttered as she caught sight of him.
Lyra shot her a scathing glare.
Maddie giggled. "Hey, if you're gonna have a husband, he might as well be hot. Waking up to that face every morning? I'd say you should just give in."
At that moment, Rowan spotted Lyra from across the room and started walking toward them. Fortunately, he was intercepted by a relentless stream of guests eager to network.
Even Zane was heading in his direction.
"I'm leaving. I have to go out of the country for a bit. Let's catch up when I'm back." Lyra was already backing away, practically fleeing the scene as she spoke.
By the time Rowan broke free from the crowd, Lyra had completely vanished.
Only Maddie remained.
As Rowan scanned the room, Mr. Yarrow noticed his gaze lingering on Maddie. Sensing an opportunity, the businessman approached her. "Miss Vance, I'm quite interested in the property development you mentioned earlier."
Maddie mentally rolled her eyes—he definitely hadn't said that five minutes ago—but she was thrilled by the sudden change of heart. She whipped out her tablet and launched into a pitch about how perfect her family's buildings would be for his corporate housing.
When Zane and Lena finally made their way over to greet Rowan, Lyra was nowhere to be seen.
She was already safely tucked inside Mr. Lawrence's car.
"Step on it, Mr. Lawrence!"
Lyra urged, only exhaling once the vehicle merged onto the main road.
"Was the party that boring, Miss Lyra?" the butler asked, noting she had barely lasted thirty minutes.
Lyra stared blankly out the window. "Worse than boring. It was filled with insufferable people."
Mr. Lawrence smiled warmly. "You should have at least grabbed a bite to eat. You haven't even had dinner yet."
That reminded her of her empty stomach.

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