Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 165: Seeing Things

The sleek black car slowed to a graceful stop in front of the grand event hall, where a red carpet was already unfurled and flashing lights from cameras danced across the exterior.

People in elegant gowns and tuxedos milled about, laughter and champagne flowing freely under the bright chandeliers spilling light from the glass doors.

Thanks to Mr Rogers, who’d taken extreme measures not to cause issues for Stefan, paparazzies weren’t trying to approach Stefan or Ruby to ask about anything.

Ruby stepped out first, holding Stefan’s hand for balance. Her emerald green gown shimmered with every step, hugging her figure delicately while flattering her growing, yet unnoticeable bump.

Rayna followed closely behind, stunning in her sun kissed beige dress with delicate beadwork around the neckline and a daring slit. Ethan, dressed sharply in a tailored black suit with a matching tie, looked as if he belonged on the cover of a magazine.

"I’ll admit," Rayna said, glancing around the magnificent scene, "this place looks like a movie set."

"It’s their thirtieth anniversary," Ethan said, smiling with approval. "From what I know, Mr Rogers doesn’t do anything halfway."

"No kidding," Rayna murmured, taking in the gold-trimmed marble columns, the glimmering crystal chandeliers, and the soft classical music floating through the air. "This is beyond gorgeous."

Ruby looked up at Stefan, her voice low. "I hope he is convinced today, otherwise the board wouldn’t be happy if we lose Mr Rogers."

"I’ll do what I can and hope for the best result but if things really don’t turn out well, then there’s nothing else I can do."

They stepped inside, welcomed with flutes of champagne and warm greetings from the hosts. The hall was massive, with intricate floral arrangements on every table, soft lighting that made the air feel magical, and waiters gliding across the room like trained dancers.

"I need to go find Mr. Rogers," Stefan whispered to Ruby as a waiter passed with appetizers. "I need to get this over with before the event starts."

Ruby nodded, her face suddenly serious. "Okay. Should I come with you now?"

"I’ll go check in first," Stefan replied. "Wait here, I’ll come get you."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and walked off into the crowd, weaving through clusters of well-dressed guests until he spotted a familiar face.

Mr. Rogers’s secretary, dressed in a sleek dark blue suit, was speaking to someone near the buffet table. Stefan approached her.

"Excuse me—Ms. Clark?"

She turned and gave him a professional smile. "Mr. Winters. Mr. Rogers has been expecting you. He specifically asked to speak with you and your date as soon as you arrived."

now," Stefan said, inclining

her arm looped through Ethan’s and

on, he’s

"Go charm your

lightly, adjusting her purse. She gave Rayna a knowing glance

was smiling, trying to hold herself together, deep down,

this goes well. Mr. Rogers isn’t just any investor. He’s probably the most important

She wasn’t even looking at him. Her gaze had shifted across the hall, eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. Her

asked, noticing the way

toward one of the far hallways, just off the edge of the grand dining room. A woman in a silvery

asked, her voice barely

line of sight, but whoever she’d seen was gone. "See

"She looked just like Ruby... same face, same hair... but it wasn’t the same dress. Ruby’s wearing green. This

Ethan blinked, confused but Rayna just kept staring at the hallway like it might offer some

gently. "Babe, are you sure? This place is packed. Maybe you just saw someone who looked like

her lip. "I don’t know. It looked exactly like her. And I know

get into an event like this?

Then she slowly exhaled.

hesitated but nodded. "Alright. Let’s

where she thought she’d seen the woman go. It was quieter here, with fewer people around—mostly

toward the side exit, glancing down the branching corridors and checking

But there was nothing.

No silver dress. No familiar face.

a moment, scanning the space,

think you did.

not quite convinced. "I know what I

Ethan said softly. "But there’s no one here now. Maybe

type to imagine things, and her gut told her something strange was going on. But

said after a pause. "Let’s go back before

back, guiding her back toward the event hall. "Come on. Let’s find some drinks and pretend

lingered on what

Ruby and Stefan sat across from the older man,

studied them with an unreadable expression. His fingers drummed thoughtfully against the armrest of