The car rolled to a stop, and the soft murmur of the engine faded into silence. Sofia took a deep breath, though her heart was still pounding like a drum. Through the tinted glass, she could see the flashes of cameras and the swarm of people gathered around the grand building ahead.
The fundraiser was much larger than she had imagined.
When Chad stepped out of the driver's side and came around to open her door, Sofia smoothed her gown with trembling fingers, forcing her expression into calm perfection. The moment she stepped out, the bright lights from the cameras hit her face, making her blink.
The noise was immediate.
Photographers shouted her name, flashes burst from every angle, and murmurs followed her every move. The scent of expensive cologne and blooming roses filled the air. She could feel dozens of eyes watching her, studying her, and hoping for her to notice them.
The venue itself looked like something out of a dream. The wide marble staircase glistened under the soft lights, the walls covered with ivy and golden drapes. Expensive cars lined the entrance, each delivering yet another set of influential guests like politicians, business owners, heirs to family fortunes. Everyone dressed like royalty, as every smile was polished and calculated.
Sofia forced her own smile as she reached for Chad's arm. "Let's get this over with," she murmured.
He chuckled softly, leaning in just enough for only her to hear. "Don't tell me that you're not scared of a little crowd."
She sighed lightly and began walking beside him up the stairs. Every step echoed in her ears. The moment they reached the entrance, a pair of hosts greeted them warmly and guided them inside.
The ballroom was breathtaking, easily the most lavish Sofia had ever seen. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, scattering light across the cream-colored walls. A live orchestra played soft music in the corner while waiters in white gloves moved gracefully between tables. The crowd shimmered with jewels and tailored suits. This was the kind of wealth that didn't need to prove itself.
But even among all that beauty, Sofia felt trapped.
She had been in events like this before, as Elena Grayson. But tonight, the weight of pretending felt heavier. Every smile she gave, every handshake she returned, felt like walking through a minefield.
She kept telling herself to breathe.
She had to stay calm.
Every second she spent in the spotlight increased the risk of someone seeing through her disguise, of someone noticing that the real Sofia Green wasn't quite herself anymore.
"Miss Green, it's wonderful to see you again," a woman said as she approached.
Sofia turned to her. The woman was quite tall and slender, with displays of diamonds that could retire entire families resting on her neck. But of course, Sofia didn't recognize the face at all.
"Mrs White," Chad said with a polite voice, "Incase you didn't notice me also…"
"Come on, a cute face like yours is hard to go unnoticed," Miss White said as she quickly turned her attention to Sofia.
"Oh, of course," Sofia said quickly, offering her hand. "It's lovely to see you again."
The woman smiled in satisfaction, clearly flattered. "Your speech last month at the company's annual gala was inspiring. I told my husband we need more women like you in business."
"Thank you," Sofia replied smoothly, knowing fully well that she doesn't know what speech Miss White was talking about.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, my dear. We both know that most of the people here are present because of you. If you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to," Miss White said with a gracious voice and drifted to other parts of the hall.
"I'm guessing she's the host of this event," Sofia sighed
Hearing that statement from Sofia, Chad wondered if she really didn't know who was hosting the event until now. But he brushed it off, as he thought that maybe Sofia was just being confused or something.
The event continued with donations coming from almost every guest that was present. And as much as Sofia tried to resist, she couldn't get rid of the hordes approaching her, trying to get in favor with her.
Still studying the crowd and taking note of the people that she should see as friends, or as foes, her gaze landed upon a man that immediately ignited her curiosity.
Standing near the far end of the room, talking to a group of older men, was someone she couldn't mistake even in her worst nightmares.
Her breath caught in her throat.
No… it can't be.
Her hand trembled slightly, nearly spilling her drink.
Chad, noticing the change in her expression, frowned. "You okay?"
Sofia quickly nodded, forcing herself to look away. "Y-yeah. Just… dizzy from the lights."
"Want to sit for a while?"
"No. I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
Her mind was spinning, her pulse thundering in her ears. She couldn't take her eyes off him.
The man had aged slightly, with a few more lines around his mouth, a bit more gray in his hair. But his presence was unmistakable. He still carried himself with that same quiet authority, that same warmth in his smile that used to make her feel safe.
Uncle Joe.
He was here.
Her chest tightened painfully. Memories flashed before her. Childhood visits, gifts wrapped in shiny paper, laughter around the Grayson mansion's garden. He was the kind of uncle every little girl adored.
"What are you staring at?" Chad asked quietly, following her gaze.
Sofia forced herself to look away. "Nothing. Just… thought I saw someone I knew."
She set her glass down on a nearby table and took a slow step back, her eyes darting toward the crowd again. Uncle Joe was still there, laughing, completely at ease, as if this was just another social gathering for him.
But what was he doing here?
Why this fundraiser?
Why now?
Her thoughts were all over the place. It didn't make sense. Uncle Joe wasn't supposed to be in Autumn Hill. As far as she knew, he had business overseas, or at least, that's what her parents had told her years ago.
She could feel the air around her growing heavier.
Slowly, she began moving through the crowd, pretending to mingle, as her gaze was fixated on him from a distance.
Her heartbeat thundered in her chest. The walls of the grand ballroom felt as though they were closing in.
She clutched her clutch tightly in one hand, trying to steady her breathing.
Her lips parted slightly as she whispered under her breath with a quiet thought, trembling with shock and disbelief.
"What is Uncle Joe doing in Autumn Hill of all places? And why is he attending this fundraiser event?"