Chapter 185

“Well, I didn’t think it would be this beautiful,” Izzy smiled, admiring her reflection. The black dress suited her, not because of her figure, but because of her pale skin. The matte silk blend hugged her frame perfectly, dipping slightly at the back to reveal just enough skin to enhance the elegant design. A single slit ran up her left leg, stopping just above the knee. The neckline was clean, structured, and minimal—pure tailoring. The contrast against her pale skin made the dress truly striking.

She studied herself a moment longer. Too bad Liam was late, she thought. He’d called earlier, genuinely apologetic, explaining a last-minute investor call. He promised to catch up soon.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that,” Izzy said, realizing Cindy was staring. Cindy had been quiet while helping with the dress, which Izzy appreciated.

“No, it’s fine. The dress looks even more beautiful on you,” Cindy replied.

“Too bad Liam’s late,” Izzy murmured.

Behind her, Cindy leaned against the wall, arms loosely crossed. “You could come with me, if you want,” she offered. “You can’t just sit here all night in a dress like that.”

Izzy turned, meeting her gaze. “Thanks. But I’d rather wait for Liam.”

Cindy stepped forward, adjusted a stray strand of Izzy’s hair, and stepped back to assess her. “It’s a pity if no one sees this. It fits you better than I imagined.”

Izzy glanced at her reflection. “Why are you being so accommodating?” Cindy had already offended a well-known actress, and now wanted Izzy to accompany her. Izzy suspected something else was at play. Did Liam overpay Cindy? “I doubt it’s just because Liam paid for the dress.”

Cindy blinked, then straightened. “Well… he was the first to invest in my early collections. Not just buying dresses—he funded the production. I wouldn’t have made it through my first two shows without him. And you’re the first woman he’s ever brought to an event like this. So… yes, I may have given you a little extra care. It felt right.”

Izzy was quiet for a moment, absorbing this. Then it clicked. She remembered Z’s being listed as a Horvath Industries subsidiary. Liam’s portfolio extended further than she realized.

She smiled faintly. “Alright. I’ll go with you.”

She pulled out her phone and texted Liam: Heading to the venue with Cindy. Will see you there.

Cindy handed her a small clutch to match the dress, then gathered her own things. They exited the studio through the back and climbed into a sleek black car waiting nearby. The venue was only five minutes away.

Soon, the car pulled up to the venue entrance, where photographers were gathered on the red carpet. As soon as Cindy stepped out, flashes erupted. Cameras clicked rapidly, calling her name. When Izzy followed, some photographers turned their attention to her, snapping pictures of them together.

Cindy didn’t slow down. She was accustomed to the attention, walking confidently as if the cameras didn’t exist. Izzy followed suit. She wasn’t used to such media coverage, but she managed to remain calm, maintaining a pleasant smile. Most of the attention was clearly for the designer, but simply standing beside her drew significant notice—and Izzy felt the weight of every gaze.

Inside, the atmosphere was different. The space was sleek, lit with ambient lighting, and filled with the soft hum of conversation. Waitstaff circulated with champagne, and large floral arrangements adorned the main hall entrance. But one thing surprised Izzy: nothing had started yet.

Izzy checked her phone. The event should have begun thirty minutes ago.

Mondo approached, offering a small nod to both women. “Miss Rossi,” he said, “welcome. You’re seated in the VIP section.”

“Why hasn’t it started yet?” Izzy asked.

Mondo kept his voice low. “There’s a minor issue with the launch presentation. Mr. Horvath is still finishing a meeting with the project partners. Since he’s the special guest, they’re holding off until he arrives.”

Cindy raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She glanced around, clearly recognizing many people in the room.

Izzy scanned the space as well. Several well-known actors and actresses were present, including a few she recognized from Cecil’s articles. Near the bar, she noticed familiar faces from the corporate world—executives, investors, and founders she’d seen at past summits. But there was no sign of Calen or Pamella.

Good, Izzy thought, taking a glass of champagne from a passing tray. She turned toward the VIP section Mondo had indicated. Before she could go, Cindy paused beside her.

“I’m going to say hello to a few friends,” Cindy said. “I believe I am seated near you and Mr. Horvath. I’ll see you later.”

Izzy gave a small nod. “Alright.”

She continued on her own, taking her place among the other VIP guests. The ambiance remained calm, almost too polished. Soft instrumental music played, guests chatted in small groups, sipping champagne and occasionally glancing toward the stage.

Izzy sat quietly, phone in hand, about to text Liam. Then she heard it—murmurs, a shift in the crowd’s energy. She looked up.

People near the entrance were moving toward the front doors. Some stood on tiptoe, others leaned sideways for a better view. Phones and cameras were out.

Cindy returned, champagne glass in hand. “Looks like the special guests are just arriving,” she said.

Izzy nodded and stood. “Let’s take a look.”

Together, they moved toward the growing crowd, stopping just before the main entrance where staff were directing people back.

Meanwhile, outside, Liam sat in his car’s backseat, one hand on his knee. “Everything ready?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” the driver replied. “Your team’s already inside. They’re waiting. The launch visuals are ready. Most of the VIPs have arrived. Miss Rossi is already inside as well.”

Liam nodded. The driver exited the car. Moments later, a staff member opened Liam’s door. He stepped out, buttoning his jacket, only to be met with a burst of camera flashes. The media had gathered at the entrance.

He squinted and frowned. This wasn’t the entrance he’d wanted. He’d hoped to enter quietly, find Izzy, and stay close to her. Instead, he was being ushered onto a carpet lined with photographers.

As he was about to step forward, someone spoke behind him. “Mr. Horvath?”

He turned. A woman in a fitted cream dress approached, her heels clicking sharply on the stone floor. She held her chin high and smiled, as if she knew him.

“I’m Cass Sarano,” she said. “I just wanted to thank you personally for choosing me as the face of the hotel launch.”

Liam stared at her. He recognized the name and face from promotional material, but hadn’t paid much attention at the time. He didn’t personally handle that aspect of the campaign.

His driver leaned in, whispering, “She’s a well-known actress. Her last film did really well. The PR team picked her as the spokesperson. Marketing said she was the right fit.”

Liam gave a tight nod, turning to respond to Cass—but Cass suddenly stumbled forward. Her heel caught on the uneven flooring, and she fell into Liam.

Photographers went wild. Flashbulbs lit up the moment. Liam instinctively caught her elbow before she fell completely.

Cindy and Izzy, still near the entrance inside, heard the gasps and stepped closer to the doors, just in time to see the scene unfold.