20 Party Preparations
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CHAPTER 120
~Author’s POV~
The evening was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of wind outside the massive windows of Andrew Blake’s
study.
He leaned over his polished mahogany desk, the light from his sleek desk lamp casting a warm glow over the pile of papers and open laptop.
The faint scent of leather and aged books filled the room, grounding him as he sifted through the latest financial reports for the upcoming partnership launch.
His phone buzzed on the desk. Frowning, he picked it up, noting the unknown number. With a swipe of his finger, he opened the message and read aloud:
‘t wait to see you during your business party,
Drew. It’s been forever.”
A small smile crept across his face. His fingers flew across the screen as he typed a response. “Can’t wait
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either to see you, bro.”
As he hit send, he leaned back in his leather chair, his gaze drifting to the ceiling for a moment. His smile lingered and a rare flicker of warmth in an otherwise calculated man.
“And when you come,” Andrew murmured to himself, his voice tinged with mischief, “I’ll have a special gift for you. Someone special.”
Before his thoughts could wander further, a chime from his laptop drew his attention. An email notification popped up in the corner of the screen. He straightened, navigating to his inbox with a few quick
taps.
As the email loaded, his eyes narrowed, scanning the contents. Then, a sharp glint of satisfaction flashed in his gaze.
“Bingo,” he muttered, a slow, predatory smile curving his lips. “Got you, bro. You’ve found them all.”
The room fell silent again as Andrew leaned forward, steepling his fingers. Whatever he had just uncovered, it was clearly another step in his secret plans. 2
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120 Party Preparations
~Zara’s POV~
**Snow’s Mansion**
The golden rays of the setting sun poured through my bedroom windows as I stood in front of the mirror,
half–done styling my hair.
Tonight was Andrew’s business dinner, and though I was nervous, I was also eager to attend.
I was midway through curling a strand when a knock interrupted me. “Come in,” I called, setting down the curling iron.
The door creaked open, and two maids entered, each holding shopping bags in both hands. They walked briskly toward the bed, dipping their heads politely before speaking in unison. “Ma’am Zara, the master sent these.”
Curious, I turned to watch them place the bags neatly on the bed before excusing themselves. As soon as they left, I approached the bed and began peeking into the bags.
Inside the first, I found a breathtaking onion–coloured bodycon gown with a high slit running up the right
thigh and an anon–hook dosirn that made it look hoth
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daring and elegant.
The material shimmered faintly under the light, its
beauty almost unreal. Before I could examine it
further, another knock landed on the door. “Come in,” I called again.
Aira stepped inside, her rich purple ensemble hugging her figure perfectly. She looked radiant, her confident smile,adding to the elegance of her outfit.
Her sharp gaze immediately caught sight of the gown in my hands. “Wow,” she exclaimed, walking closer to inspect it. “Snow has impeccable taste. This is stunning, Zara. You have to try it on. Now!”
Laughing at her enthusiasm, I grabbed the gown and retreated to my closet. Aira’s voice followed me, teasing and encouraging me to hurry.
Moments later, I stepped out, the dress clinging to me like a second skin. Aira’s eyes widened as she took me in. “You look… absolutely divine,” she said, walking a circle around me to take in every detail.
We quickly rummaged through the other bags, finding exquisite jewellery to complement the outfit, a selection of shoes, and even a delicate ankle chain that
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added a subtle touch of elegance.
With Aira’s help, I finished dressing, adding the final touches to my makeup. As I adjusted the diamond bracelet on my wrist, another knock landed on the
door.
“That must be Snow,” I said, half–smiling as I moved toward the door. But when I opened it, I froze.
Theré, dressed in a striking black and orange ensemble, stood Tempest. Her dyed orange–and–red hair framed her face, though her expression was hesitant, almost awkward.
“Hello, sister,” Tempest greeted softly. “Hello, Zara.”
Aira appeared behind me, her eyes widening in surprise. “Hello, twin,” she said, her voice sharper than usual. “Nice of you to show after what? A week of ghosting me?”
Tempest’s gaze dropped, guilt flickering in her eyes. “I know I should have called…”
“You think?” Aira crossed her arms, her expression a mix of hurt and irritation.
I stepped back, allowing Tempest inside, sensing this
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120 Party Preparations
was a conversation that needed to happen. But even as they exchanged words, I couldn’t help but wonder why Tempest had chosen now to return.
Tempest stepped inside, glancing around briefly before her gaze landed on Aira. “Let’s save the scolding for after the party,” she said, her voice calm yet firm. “I’m here to help with Zara before we leave.”
Aira narrowed her eyes, clearly ready to argue. “I’ve got it covered, Tempest.”
Tempest’s response was a soft smile, one that carried enough confidence to make Aira pause. Her eyes flickered to me, scanning from head to toe, a mischievous glint forming.
“She’s missing something,” Tempest said thoughtfully, stepping closer. “A touch of a fashionista blend. Zara, dear, let me work a little magic.”
I raised an eyebrow at her, but Aira sighed, biting back whatever retort she had. “Fine. Do what you want,” she muttered, folding her arms.
Tempest wasted no time. She walked over to my vanity, scanning through the makeup collection and
accessories like an artist surveying their tools.
120 Party Preparations
Picking out a soft, pearlescent highlighter, she dabbed it lightly on my cheekbones and down the bridge of my
nose.
“Glow without overdoing it,” she said with a grin, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Next, she adjusted the shoulder straps of my gown slightly, angling them for a more symmetrical look.
Then, she reached for a delicate gold waist chain she’d spotted among the jewellery and clasped it around me, letting it sit just above my hips, adding an understated elegance to the outfit.
Finally, she picked out a pair of emerald drop earrings, their subtle shimmer adding a pop of colour against the onion–hued gown.
“There,” Tempest said with satisfaction, stepping back. “Now you’re perfect. A little edge, a lot of grace.”
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