Chapter 78
Chapter 78:
“Ms. Green, everything is ready p>
At those words, the people surrounding her stepped aside, and her full reflection was revealed in the mirror.
For a moment, Kristine did not recognize herself.
A sleek black gown traced her figure perfectly, and the open back highlighted the graceful lines of her shoulders. The makeup was gentle and precise, enhancing her natural beauty until she looked almost unreal — striking enough to steal the breath from the room.
Even the experienced team leader paused, momentarily caught by the sight. They worked with celebrated performers and industry names every day, yet someone with Kristine’s untouched, effortless beauty was genuinely rare.
“Whenever you’re ready, Ms. Green p>
𝘈𝖽d𝘪𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗏𝘦 𝗌𝘁𝘰𝗋𝗂𝗲𝘀 𝗈𝗻 g𝗮𝘭ո𝗼𝘷𝗲𝗅ѕ.𝗰о𝗆
Her gaze lingered for just a second longer before stepping aside.
With the team’s assistance, Kristine was finally settled into the back of the luxury sedan. As the vehicle glided forward, tension coiled quietly in her chest, and her hands curled into tight fists.
The Yates Group evening banquet unfolded inside Skyline Pinnacle, the most opulent hotel in all of Gridron.
Rising above the city skyline, the structure had long been recognized as Gridron’s defining landmark. Its architects had given it a bold silhouette — broad at the foundation and crown, sharply constricted at the center — making it impossible to mistake for anything else. It reached two thousand feet into the sky, and its upper levels offered an uninterrupted panorama that stretched across the city in every direction. With that level of grandeur, the pricing came as no surprise. Booking the entire venue for a single night required a staggering sum.
Even so, every employee invited by the Yates Group was present.
What stirred the most excitement was the quiet talk that Colton intended to reveal something significant.
“Do you think he’s finally announcing the new VP p>
“I doubt it. Mr. Yates usually leaves promotions to Bobby. My guess is this is personal — an engagement sounds more likely p>
“That would track. Everyone’s noticed how openly he’s been shielding Elyse lately p>
“Still, I heard Kristine was on the guest list. Maybe she’s the real reason p>
At that exact moment, the massive double doors at the entrance swung wide.
A ripple of attention swept through the ballroom the instant Kristine appeared, her gown commanding the space around her. Recognition set in a second later, and shock quickly followed, plain on several faces. Even though Kristine rarely appeared at Yates Group events, her name was familiar to everyone present.
Gone was the timid figure who used to linger quietly in the background. In her place stood a poised woman moving forward with unmistakable composure.
Could this truly be the same person?
Without acknowledging the attention, Kristine continued across the floor, her steps steady and controlled despite the heels.
In a venue this large and packed, escape routes were easy to find. Unfortunately, the dress she wore made any quick exit unrealistic. She would need to change into something more practical soon.