The grand luxury gala was precisely the kind of high-society spectacle Zeraida had spent three years avoiding. Brilliant crystal chandeliers illuminated the massive ballroom as elite celebrities, corporate executives, and fashion icons gathered beneath the elegant banners of Maison Valerié, one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands.
Tonight, however, Zeraida was not attending as a struggling, unrecognized actress seeking minor industry contacts. She was stepping through the gilded arches as Mrs. Arventine, the center of national media attention.
"Give me your hand," Xaviere murmured smoothly as their sleek black limousine came to a gentle stop before the main entrance red carpet.
Zeraida glanced over at him, her dark eyes evaluating his composed profile. "What about my hand?"
"Take mine when we exit the vehicle," he instructed, adjusting his formal bowtie in the tinted window's reflection.
