Then, she slipped into the silver strapless mermaid dress she had bought yesterday and checked herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her reflection, she grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.
Keith was already waiting in the car for her, looking sharp in his silver-gray suit paired with a crisp white shirt. They made quite the striking pair.
Tonight, it was Keith's turn to drive, while Amara sat in the passenger seat chatting with him. Despite the rush-hour traffic, they managed to arrive at the hotel just before the cocktail hour began.
The Cooper family, known for their renowned pharmaceutical company in Wye, had a relationship with the Everly family that was neither too close nor too distant. They exchanged visits during holidays and special occasions.
Patrick, the patriarch of the Cooper family, was celebrating his eightieth birthday. Despite his age, he was remarkably spry, capable of walking for two hours without tiring. He wore a bright red suit and personally greeted guests at the door. Inside, the hall was abuzz with clinking glasses and lively conversation.
Soon, the door swung open to reveal Finnian, clad in a sleek black suit with a bow tie, entering with calm composure. Beside him was Liliana, radiant in a red dress, her arm linked with his. The couple, handsome and elegant, drew the attention of many, especially given Finnian's prominent status.
"Finn, you've made it! Come on in."
Though Finnian was a younger man, his influence in the Wye business circle stood the greatest, and Patrick welcomed him without any airs. Finnian wished Patrick well and had Will present the birthday gift. They exchanged brief pleasantries at the entrance as onlookers cast curious glances their way.
The surprise was palpable when Finnian arrived with Liliana. Though he and Amara had been privately married for these years, in public, he maintained the image of a bachelor, which made his arrival with Liliana unremarkable to those unaware.
The man was tall and handsome, wearing a well-tailored suit. He was Keith, the heir to the West Group's fortune and a rising star in showbiz. Keith, having grown up in these circles, was familiar to many even before his fame.
The woman on his arm wore a delicate silver mask over her face, her eyes captivating. Her silver strapless mermaid dress highlighted her perfect figure, and she looked ethereal under the chandeliers.
But everyone knew this was a facade. Beneath her mask lay a gruesome scar on her face, and this woman was none other than Finnian's elusive wife, Amara.
The room buzzed with questions. Why was Amara here with Keith and not with Finnian?
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