The Pearl Hall,
The banquet hall was nothing short of breathtaking. Gone was the candlelit terrace glow. Inside, a warm gold tone embraced every corner, like champagne had seeped into the walls.
Low crystal chandeliers twinkled overhead, catching the light from tall taper candles flickering gently between floral arrangements in pale pink and soft green.
The velvet chairs were arranged around round tables that were draped in ivory linen. Every napkin was silk-folded, every piece of cutlery laid with precision.
"The lighting in here is so flattering," one woman whispered.
"Of course it is," another replied with a sip of wine. "Seraphina knows her angles, and ours."
Seraphina Astor, radiant in emerald satin, gracefully accepted compliments like she was born for it.
Laughter scattered lightly around the room as everyone chatted.
