Chapter 254
Chapter 254:
Rachel’s people had already covered everything—makeup artists, stylists, planners, hotel staff, a fussy old woman who might’ve been a florist or just someone’s aunt with opinions.
We stood there smiling like spare coat racks for about ten minutes before Rachel’s maid of honor gently suggested we head back downstairs.
The banquet hall was almost full when we returned.
Polished floors, crystal glasses, gold trim on everything.
I didn’t even want to guess what the floral arrangements cost.
Yvaine leaned in, scanning the room. “Is Ashton not coming p>
“He is. Just running late.” I checked my phone. “Had a meeting this morning. Said he’ll be here right after p>
Rachel’s father had some minor deals with LGH last year.
Add to that my friendship with Rachel, and of course, Ashton was going to show his face.
Yvaine and I wandered near the bar, trying not to stare at the cocktails. I turned and spotted Octavia Grey walking in through the front entrance—heels sharp, dress silver, hair slicked into a low knot.
Phones went up instantly.
Half the room swiveled toward her.
I stepped away from Yvaine. “Miss Grey, I didn’t know you were coming p>
She lit up when she saw me. “How many times do I have to tell you, call me Octavia? Rachel and I went to school together. I’m giving a speech later, actually p>
A crowd had formed.
Everyone who wasn’t already filming her looked like they were about to crawl across the carpet for a selfie.
Ļ∆ťèśţ ¢♄ΔÞţεЯŠ ¡η Ġałиoνєļş.çø₥
I tilted my head toward the back. “You’d better get moving. You’re causing traffic p>
She grinned. “Right. I’ll go catch up with Rachel first. See you later p>
She turned to go, then pivoted back and lowered her voice. “Wait. Got some good news for you p>
She grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward a corner behind the flower wall, where no one was hanging around with a camera. “I heard about what happened with the Aureate Awards p>
I winced. “Yeah. How do you know that p>
And how could me getting disqualified count as good news?
She gave a short laugh through her nose. “The sponsors are European. One of their sub-brands wants me as a spokesperson. I was on a call with them yesterday. It came up p>
“Oh p>
Just hearing it brought back the whole mess.