Chapter 4 Charity Gala

Three months later

A sleek black Maybach rolled to a stop outside the glittering club, its polished surface catching every shard of neon light.

When Brinley stepped gracefully from the car, her eyes lingered on the grand entrance, ablaze with chandeliers and flashing lights.

Tonight, the Knight family's annual charity gala was underway, drawing in the wealthiest and most influential figures in Bleron.

Old memories pressed in, bitter and sharp, tugging a sarcastic curve at Brinley's lips.

"Ms. Shaw, you've finally arrived." Ryan Bailey, the Knight family's longtime butler, hurried forward with quick precision, flanked on both sides by two lines of imposing bodyguards. Every gesture radiated deference.

Brinley tilted her chin and gave him a faint, cold nod in acknowledgment.

Ryan gestured politely. "This way, please," he said, moving ahead while those bodyguards followed, their presence alone drawing stares.

Because of Brinley's identity, they bypassed the main hall and slipped through a private passage.

At her quiet request, Ryan waved off the bodyguards, but their absence did little to lessen the attention she attracted. Her arrival still turned heads.

Draped in a bold crimson gown with her hair swept into a sleek ponytail, Brinley radiated confidence-elegant and arresting in her simplicity.

Recognition rippled through the crowd.

"Isn't that Brinley?" someone whispered, awe and curiosity threading through their tone.

"Oh my, what is she doing here? Since when did the Knight family's gatherings become open to just anyone?"

"I heard Colin tossed her aside after catching her cheating. It was a whole spectacle. How does she still have the audacity to show up tonight?"

"Shh, keep your voice down. She used to be the apple of the Shaw family's eye, but they've cut her off completely... Look at her, still carrying herself as if she matters."

The sharp whispers rippled through the hall and drifted to Brinley, yet she remained unfazed.

Settling elegantly into a quiet corner, she sampled the appetizers with calm detachment. Her serene poise only made the gossipers more irritated.

At the front of their little pack was Renee Dale, daughter of Dale Group's CEO.

With a sly smile curving her lips and a glass of wine poised in her hand, she swept toward Brinley, her companions trailing behind.

Renee's voice carried deliberately, her smile sharp as glass. "Well, if it isn't Miss Shaw. All by yourself tonight? Where's Mr. Palmer? Oh, that's right-I heard the two of you split. Hardly shocking. A man like him could not tolerate a partner who was unfaithful."

Before Brinley could answer, one of Renee's companions leaned in eagerly. "Renee's right. No offense, Brinley, but do you really think showing up here will win Mr. Palmer back? That ship has sailed. Milly's the one by his side now-she's carrying his child."

The sharp exchange only stirred the crowd further, hungry for drama.

Brinley tilted her head just enough to meet Renee and her entourage with a cold glance.

"You all seem awfully fascinated with my personal life," she said, her tone deceptively gentle but edged with steel. "My affairs, however, aren't open for your judgment. And as for why I'm here..." Her lips curved into a wry smile. "Does the Knight family need your permission before extending an invitation?"

Renee faltered, her face reddening with fury. "Brinley, get off your high horse! Everyone knows about your scandal. How dare you show your face here? What, are you desperate? No man would ever want you now!"

Brinley's eyes hardened, her voice cool and measured. "It's none of your business, Miss Dale." She tilted her chin ever so slightly, her tone laced with irony. "Instead of wasting your time on me, perhaps you should pay attention to Dale Group's stock. Word is, it's been plummeting thanks to some very poor decisions."

The color drained from Renee's cheeks. "What are you talking about? That's complete nonsense!"

Brinley arched a brow, and replied evenly, "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean."

She brushed Renee off with effortless grace, lifting a delicate pastry from the tray and taking a slow, unhurried bite as if savoring the sweetness more than the conversation.

Across the hall, Colin was in conversation with a man, one arm draped possessively around Milly's waist.

He turned instinctively at the sound of the commotion, his gaze locking on a figure he could never mistake. A jolt ran through him, his chest tightening at the sight of Brinley.

Without sparing Milly a glance, he strode straight toward Brinley despite the surprised onlookers.

"Colin?" Milly's voice faltered, her smile freezing.

Her expression soured as her eyes landed on Brinley not far away, and she hastily hurried after Colin.