Chapter 61

Christians’s POV,

I stood frozen in place, my heart nearly stopping as the grand double doors of the banquet hall swung open, revealing a stream of luxurious cars pulling up outside. The kind of cars that screamed old money and power, each with their own fleet of security detail.

1 blinked in disbelief as one by one, men and women in finely tailored suits and gowns stepped out. These weren’t just ordinary guests, these were the top elite, the kind of people you saw in Forbes or the evening news, shaking hands with world leaders or running multi–billion–dollar companies.

What_what was happening?

“Christiana,” Grace whispered urgently at my side, tugging at my arm as if she could sense the sheer panic threatening to take over my mind. “That’s Alexander Graham, the oil magnate, and behind him–oh my God, that’s Senator Martinez! I’ve only ever seen her in interviews. How did they

1 swallowed hard, trying to steady my breathing. Senator Martinez Alexander Graham? What on earth were they doing here? And why were they flooding into my exhibition?

For a second, I couldn’t move. I stood there, paralyzed by the sight of these high–profile guests who hadn’t been on my list. The same list that, just an hour ago, seemed to have been stolen night from under my nose. And now now it felt like the universe was playing some twisted joke on me. But this? This was no joke.

Ma’am Christiana, we need to move,” Grace urged again, her tone gentle but firm, pulling the out of my daze. “They’re here to see you. You’ve got this.”

I nodded, pulling myself together. Grace was right. These people were here, and they weren’t just any guests–they were the kind of clientele that could change everything for my business. Istraightened my posture, smoothed down the front of my dress, and took a deep breath. Professional. Calm. In control

Starling, the top investor in tech. Her company just closed a deal with the government last month. And that man over there? That’s

pointed out and felt my stomach do a flip. These were not the kinds of people who just showed up to random exhibitions. Someone had invited them. But who? And how did they know to come here? My mind flashed to Alex, but I shook it off. There was no time to wonder. Right now, I

“Senator, what a pleasure to have you here,” I said,

her eyes sharp and appraising as she shook my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about your

I felt a surge of pride and relief rush through me. This was it–twasn’t

the collection of jewelry displayed elegantly under

pieces, about the craftsmanship and the artisans I employed. My nerves started

who was eyeing a necklace designed with diamonds and sapphires. “This one was inspired by the

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18:06 Fr, UCT 18

Chapter 60

to spend–invite them to the exhibition at Parkside. Don’t mention

sir. I’ll get on

tight with determination. My mind was already moving to the next step. Christiana didn’t need to know what was going on behind the

some second–rate businessman. I had built an empire, and I knew how to wield power when necessary. The people I was calling–these weren’t just casual acquaintances. These were some

arriving at Parkside, Wilkes‘ little stunt would be a distant memory. Christiana’s exhibition was going to be the talk of the city by the end of

already feel the satisfaction creeping in, but I pushed it aside. There was

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