The Billionaire's Ex-Wife (Her Ex-Husband's Regret) novel Chapter 7

Breathe, Cassandra. Just breathe!

I look at my reflection in the mirror. The smokey-eyed girl dressed in glittery red halter top gown is a far cry from the plain-looking girl-next-door that this city had once known.

Tonight, as I march into this extravagant masquerade ball, I am going to embrace the enchanting persona I had crafted for this elusive evening.

Kayden Steele will no longer see Cassie Carlisle. It's time for him to meet Cassandra King.

I hold my mask in place, as I start to descend the steps leading to the ballroom. I can see that almost everybody who is anybody in the city is here.

Well, a masquerade ball is the perfect excuse for the lavish display of opulence, after all.

As I walk down the elegant stairs, I can hear the sound of laughter and music, mixing with the clinking of glasses and hushed conversations.

But suddenly, I hear curious gasps from the crowd and the chattering seems to have stopped. That's when I start to feel dozens of pairs of eyes on me.

The room falls into a hushed silence as I continue my descent, the weight of their stares heavy on my shoulders.

"Who is she?"

"An enchantress?"

"She's mesmerizing?"

"Is she an elite like us?"

It's either I've developed supernatural hearing, or these people just don't care that I can actually hear them.

Shit! I should have asked Ethan to accompany me. If he's not available, then Lyn or Attorney Magnus. Even Alberte will do!

I feel like I'm fresh meat about to enter a den full of hungry wolves.

I can't back out now. I'm not leaving this place without accomplishing what I came here for.

I survey the entire floor for the city's Mayor, whose eyes are also transfixed on me. In spite of his mask, I immediately recognize him with his white beard and bulging belly.

You can do this, Cassie! It's time for introductions since you've achieved your grand entrance.

I quickly make my way towards the mayor, trying my best not to trip on my high heels.

"Mister Mayor. It is indeed an honor." I put down my mask as I greet him.

His smile widens. "You must be Miss King. No one warned us that you are a sight to behold." He shakes my hand. "May I introduce, Cecilia, my lovely wife, who may I say, is just as beautiful as you in her younger years."

I shake Cecilia's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Cecilia."

"The pleasure is all mine," Cecilia smiles.

I've seen both the mayor and Cecilia before, back when I used to be a citizen here. I never remembered them as warm and jolly people. Did they change over the years? Or are they nicer because I am no longer part of the general public?

"Your grandfather and I were very close," the mayor says. "He is such a big loss in the community."

"You are luckier than me, I guess. I never met my grandfather at all."

"It must have been a shock to you to know that he's left his company to your care," Cecilia remarks. "I heard you were also quite successful in Manhattan."

"Well, my own company is indeed flourishing."

"King's Court is one of the city's most prized companies. I hope you are not planning to relocate your grandfather's business to Manhattan." The Mayor laughs nervously.

Great! These people must have done their research on me the moment they heard that I'm attending tonight's festivities.

"King's Court is in a lot of cities. We even have different branches outside the country." I tell him reassuringly.

"But with their centralized financial department being located here, the city greatly benefits from the taxes that it pays here." The Mayor points out.