Chapter 36 A Risky Public Meeting

• The grand ballroom glittered with opulence, from the crystal chandeliers to the polished marble floors that reflected the light in a soft, golden glow. Celia smoothed her dress for the third time, a stunning deep green gown that hugged her figure in all the right places. She had chosen it deliberately, knowing Alexander would be there.
• Alexander had insisted they meet here, at this charity gala, to keep up appearances and maintain a safe distance from one another. Yet Celia couldn’t ignore the fire in her chest at the thought of seeing him again, even if it had to be in a crowded room full of strangers.
• As she walked into the ballroom, her heels clicking softly on the floor, her eyes immediately scanned the crowd. The room was alive with chatter and laughter, waiters weaving through the clusters of guests with trays of champagne. Then she saw him.