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."

go get her now," Stefan

Rayna had her arm looped through Ethan’s and

on, he’s ready

"Go charm your

lightly, adjusting her purse. She gave

hold herself together, deep down, she was just scared

with a lighthearted sigh. "I really hope this goes well. Mr. Rogers isn’t just any investor. He’s probably

at him. Her gaze had shifted across the

the way her

hallways, just off the edge of the grand dining room. A woman in a silvery dress had just turned the corner,

see that?" Rayna asked, her voice

sight, but whoever

saw someone who looked like Ivy," Rayna said slowly, her brows still drawn together. "She looked just like Ruby... same face, same

kept staring at the hallway like it might offer some confirmation

place is packed. Maybe

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

even get into an

moment longer. Then she slowly exhaled.

but nodded. "Alright. Let’s go take a

figure. Rayna led them down the hallway where she thought she’d seen the woman go. It was quieter here,

exit, glancing down

But there was nothing.

No silver dress. No familiar

a moment, scanning the space, trying to shake the

touched her chin lightly. "I believe that you think you did. But maybe it was someone who just

exhaled heavily, not quite convinced.

don’t doubt you," Ethan said softly. "But there’s no one

though the unease remained. She wasn’t the type to imagine things, and her gut told her something strange was going on. But she also

she said after a pause. "Let’s go back before Ruby and Stefan

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

her thoughts lingered on what she’d seen.

in Mr. Rogers’ office was almost stifling. The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound as Ruby and Stefan sat across from the older man, their expressions solemn, their backs straight, and their hands lightly clasped under the table, waiting

eyes that missed nothing, studied them with an unreadable expression. His fingers drummed thoughtfully against the armrest of his leather chair before he finally leaned forward, voice quiet