?Chapter 281:


    The voice on the other end grew immediately more courteous upon hearing her affiliation.


    “Ms. Gilbert, I apologize for the dy. Our general manager is at a banquet this evening and won’t be avable for a meeting.”


    A faint crease formed between Ste’s brows as confusion flickered in her eyes.


    Ste pressed on, her voice polite but probing. “Could you tell me what kind of banquet it is tonight?”


    “Yes, it’s a charity banquet in Choria,” the receptionist replied warmly. “Didn’t you receive an invitation, Ms. Gilbert?”


    That jogged Ste’s memory—she had, in fact, noticed an invitation in her email days ago but hadn’t paid it any mind, assuming she’d skip the event.


    Now, with her pulse quickening, she quickly opened her email app and found the digital invitation waiting for her.


    “Thank you for your help. I won’t keep you any longer,” Ste said, her tone brisk but grateful.


    “My pleasure, Ms. Gilbert. Have a wonderful evening.”


    After hanging up, Ste dashed back to her apartment, mentally ticking through what needed to be done before the evening’s event.


    With no evening gown in her closet, she touched up her makeup, smoothed her hair into a stylish updo, and snatched up her purse before hurrying out.


    The banquet would begin at 7:30 PM, and the clock was already creeping toward 6:30 PM.


    Every second felt like it was slipping through her fingers.


    She stopped short in front of the nearest boutique, then hurried inside, eyes scanning the racks for the perfect dress as the minutes ticked away.


    Choria’srgest boutique boasted an array of elegant gowns, from thetest celebrity designs to rare vintage finds.


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    Ste gravitated toward a delicatevender gown and slipped into the fitting room.


    When she stepped out, she gave herself a small twirl in front of the full-length mirror, a hint of satisfaction brightening her features. She’d nearly decided to buy it when a familiar presence caught her eye.


    William stood at the far end of the boutique, striking in a deep green suit, a single red lily pinned neatly to his pocket. For a split second, Ste was too stunned to react—how many times could fate throw them together in this city?


    William’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Ms. Gilbert, are we really calling this another coincidence?” His tone carried a teasing undercurrent.


    Ste almost insisted it was pure chance, but the frequency of their run-ins made her question reality itself.


    She parted her lips to reply, but he jumped in before a single word could escape. “You’re keeping things subtle tonight. I almost didn’t recognize you without that unforgettable red dress.”


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