Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 83

This gathering was orchestrated by Catherine, and hosted by the chairwoman of Goldenvale Town's Business Council. The attendees were the wives of Goldenvale Town's business moguls, otherwise known as the town's 'elite circle'.

Such private gatherings were common in this social circle.

One could say it was a way to foster relationships among the entrepreneurs, promoting a more harmonious business environment in Goldenvale Town. But in reality, it was more of a show-off fest, where they compared businesses, husbands, children, cars, houses, fashion, beauty, weight... anything that could be compared was flaunted.

Such gatherings were often the envy of women outside the circle. Any whisper of an upcoming event would have them scrambling to get in, as if entering this 'circle' would elevate them to Goldenvale Town's so-called upper class.

I used to attend occasionally, and to be honest, it was quite dull.

The true colors of these women were rather unattractive. Cliques were formed, and they constantly tried to gain favor from those above while stepping on those below. Still, there were some women who seemed to thrive in this environment.

I had been ill for a while and thus had been absent from this circle for some time.

On the day of the gathering, I went to the salon for a facial. When I was done, Catherine was astounded, exclaiming how gorgeous I looked!

Looking at myself in the mirror, my skin was glowing and healthy due to the makeup. The light-colored, fitted Chanel suit perfectly matched my style. I wore no jewelry, and the high-end, understated design was clearly not cheap.

Catherine circled me, expressing her satisfaction and complimented me for a while, but didn't leave. She chatted with the designer for a bit, emphasizing the importance of making a late entrance.

The chairwoman of the Business Council was named Gevena. She was generous, extravagant, and always willing to lend a hand. But anyone with a keen eye would know that she gained more than she gave. These women, eager to win her favor, would go to great lengths to present her with lavish gifts.

But she was Catherine's close friend, and she would lead today's gathering. so I trusted her judgement and was happy to follow her lead.

Just as I was about to doze off on the sofa in the salon's VIP room, Gevena sent Catherine a message, "It's time to make an entrance!"

Catherine quickly woke me up, and we confidently stepped into the Illusion Paradiso Club.

The place was packed with glamorous women, a veritable army of society ladies.

We were probably the last to arrive. The attendees, already warmed up, were taken aback as we entered.

Gevena, in particular, put on quite a show. Seeing us at the entrance, she let out an exaggerated gasp and quickly came over, "My goodness, Aaliyah, it's been ages! I thought you weren't going to show up!" Caught off guard by her warm welcome, I felt grateful. Even though we were not that close, she had gone to great lengths to arrange this gathering for me.

She gave me a bear hug and whispered in my ear, "Your mother-in-law is here too! She's over by the window."

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hazel by the window. She was chatting with a group of wealthy ladies her age, looking radiant with her expensive jewelry. Standing next to her was the elegant Marissa. Jaylan's mother loved these kinds of events, and she was one of those people who reveled in them, despite the fact that there were rarely any women her age.

Gevena let go of me and asked, "How have you been? I've been wondering why you haven't shown your face at our gatherings lately! I had no idea you were sick!"

She then stepped back to get a good look at me, "Let me look at you!"

I smiled confidently and replied, "I'm fine! Death couldn't take me yet!"

"My goodness... You look like a new woman! You've managed to stay humble while radiating the elegance of luxury!" Gevena was certainly a smooth talker. She had set the stage for me, and all I had to do was play my part.

"Yes, I feel reborn," I said sincerely.

"Well said!"

Gevena immediately ordered a few drinks and handed them to us. As the hostess, she called everyone's attention, "Let me introduce my good friend, Aaliyah Wilburn! She is the founder of Medsafe Liyah Inc., Goldenvale Town's leading medical equipment company, and a role model for women in business. She's been ill recently but is now back in full swing. I propose a toast to Aaliyah's comeback! Here's to her overcoming adversity and a bright future!"

Her proposal was met with enthusiastic agreement, and everyone raised their glasses.

As we toasted, I noticed my mother-in-law Hazel looking shocked as her gaze landed on me. Marissa, standing next to her, visibly stepped back, putting some distance between them.