By evening, guests began arriving. Billie welcomed them warmly, directing early arrivals to the garden, where they enjoyed tea amidst a stunning floral display.
Hundreds of pots of rare and exotic orchids, specially imported for the occasion, adorned the lawn.
While compliments for her efforts poured in, Melany pulled Billie aside, her expression tinged with concern. “Where’s Elijah?”
Billie, basking in the accolades, brushed off the question lightly. “He’s likely at the office. Don’t worry; he’ll be here in time for your birthday.”
Melany’s face darkened. “Why is he still at the office? I told him days ago to bring Elizabeth along.”
Billie’s earlier pride gave way to irritation. Despite her meticulous planning, Melany’s first concern was Elizabeth.
Irritated, Billie replied, “They’re finalizing a major contract with a European corporation today. Isn’t a hundred-million-dollar deal more important than Elizabeth?”
Since the last family gathering, Billie had been waiting for the right moment to address Elizabeth’s impending divorce from Elijah. To her, Elizabeth was a perpetual irritant—a poor match for the James family—and she yearned to see her replaced with someone “more suitable.”
Melany, unwilling to argue further, sighed and waved dismissively. “Fine. You keep entertaining the guests. I’ll call Elijah myself.”
At the design center, Elizabeth walked briskly down the corridor, Oliver trailing behind.
“Mr. James will join you after the contract is signed,” Oliver explained. “For now, you should start preparing.”
Elizabeth nodded silently, her thoughts elsewhere. Deep down, she hoped Elijah wouldn’t attend at all.
The director greeted her warmly upon arrival. “Ms. Elizabeth, today’s gown was custom-designed for you by Mr. James. He commissioned it a month ago, and it was just flown in from Paris. It’s crafted from vintage lace and embellished with Akoya baby pearls, all sewn by hand.”
As they approached the main hall, Elizabeth spotted the gown displayed prominently at the center. Its elegance was breathtaking—an embodiment of sophistication and grace.
Before she could comment, a voice rang out from the fitting room. “This dress is gorgeous! Why wasn’t it brought out earlier? I want to try it on!” Emerging from the fitting room was Sandra, exuding her usual poise and authority.
What a small world. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly. “Is Elijah planning to take both of us to Melany’s birthday celebration?”
