Chapter 137 Chapter 137

Chapter 137 Chapter 137
Greer’s POV 

Calder ignored the question smoothly, offering a polite smile and moving forward. I heard every word from inside the limousine. Cassey squeezed my hand tighter. A small, private smile touched my lips. He had done it. He had publicly confirmed the divorce. Our future felt a little more possible, even if we still had to be careful.

The moment the limousine door opened, unknown security guards, clearly sent discreetly by Calder, moved into position around us. They were professional and unobtrusive, blending into the background while staying close enough to protect us. Their presence gave me a much-needed sense of safety.

“Greer! Over here!”

“Cassey! Look this way!”

The crowd called our names enthusiastically as we stepped onto the red carpet. Cameras flashed rapidly, creating a storm of light. Cassey stayed slightly behind me, supporting me as my manager and best friend. I smiled confidently, waving gracefully as we walked forward, the royal blue silk of my dress flowing perfectly with each step.

A well-known reporter approached with a bright smile and a microphone. “Greer! How does it feel to be nominated for three major titles tonight; Best Rookie CEO, Most Innovative Beauty Brand, and Rising Entrepreneur of the Decade?”

I took a steadying breath, my red lips curving into a genuine, warm smile. “It feels incredibly humbling and exciting. Lumina Bloom started from a very difficult place, and to be recognized like this means the world to me. I’m grateful to every person who has supported my journey from the beginning until now. This is proof that resilience and authenticity can truly win.”

More questions followed, and I answered them with poise and passion, speaking about building from nothing, the importance of real beauty, and the power of perseverance. Cassey stood proudly beside me, occasionally adding a supportive comment as my manager. The media seemed genuinely impressed.

Just as we were about to move further down the red carpet, a dramatic arrival caught everyone’s attention. Veda stepped out of a luxury car in a striking black gown, looking every bit the elegant and powerful socialite she had always portrayed herself to be. Her eyes scanned the crowd and landed directly on me. For a brief, charged second, our gazes locked across the red carpet.

The night had truly begun.

Cassey and I were gracefully ushered into the Grand Royal Hall after the intense red carpet experience. The interior was absolutely breathtaking, massive crystal chandeliers hung from the high, ornate ceilings, casting a soft golden glow over everything. Round tables were dressed in pristine white linens with gold accents, fresh floral centerpieces, and fine china. Soft classical music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and prestige. Waiters moved seamlessly between tables, offering champagne flutes and delicate hors d'oeuvres. Everything about the night screamed luxury, power, and exclusivity.

We were led to our assigned table near the front, and I felt a flutter of nervous excitement as we settled into our seats. Cassey squeezed my hand under the table for support. For a moment, things felt smooth. The energy in the room was electric but refined, with powerful CEOs, investors, celebrities, and influential figures mingling gracefully. I allowed myself a small, genuine smile. This was a celebration of success, and after everything I had endured, I had earned my place here.

Then Indira arrived.

She walked in with her head held high, wearing a striking, fiery red gown that turned many heads. The dress hugged her figure boldly, with a plunging neckline and a dramatic slit. She scanned the room with sharp eyes and was seated at a table with other celebrities not far from us. Our gazes met briefly across the hall. A cold chill ran down my spine, but I kept my expression calm and polite.

Ten minutes later, Wells arrived. He looked composed in a sharp black tuxedo, but there was a visible tiredness in his posture. To my surprise and discomfort, he was seated at the same table as Cassey and me. The tension between us was immediate and thick, but we exchanged only polite, stiff nods. No one spoke much. Indira remained at her own table, though I could feel her watching our table intently.

Then Veda made her entrance.

She swept into the hall like she owned it, wearing a striking black gown that exuded old money elegance. Without hesitation, she walked straight to Calder’s table and forcefully sat down beside him. Calder shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his jaw tightening, but Veda ignored his clear displeasure. She still refused to accept the reality that Calder wanted nothing to do with her anymore. She even tried to converse with him, leaning close and speaking softly with a fake smile on her face. But Calder publicly ignored her, turning his attention to other guests at the table and engaging them in conversation instead. The snub was obvious to everyone around them.

Veda’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. For a split second, her mask slipped, and she shot me a death glare from across the room — her eyes filled with pure, venomous hatred. But the moment she sensed people watching, she quickly recovered, plastering on a graceful, elegant smile as if nothing was wrong. She played the part of the dignified ex-wife perfectly for the audience.

Soon, the main program began, and things continued relatively smoothly on the surface. The host took the stage with charisma, welcoming everyone and highlighting the achievements that would be celebrated tonight. The atmosphere remained refined, but I could feel the undercurrents of family tension crackling in the air.

Calder was called to the stage to give a speech. He spoke with confidence, authority, and quiet charisma about innovation, ethical leadership, and resilience in business. The audience listened intently. He won four major awards — well-deserved recognitions as the legend he was in the industry. Each time his name was called, the room erupted in applause. He accepted them with grace and humility, thanking his team and mentors. I felt a swell of pride watching him.

Wells also won two awards, which he accepted with a modest smile and brief thank you. Indira won one award, but she clearly wasn’t satisfied. She scoffed lightly as she walked back to her seat, covering it with a tight, forced smile for the cameras.

I sat there, taking it all in. The glamour, the awards, the hidden family drama unfolding around me. My own nominations would come later, and I felt both excited and anxious about standing on that stage. The night was far from over, and I could sense that the tensions between us were only beginning to surface beneath the polished surface of the Royal Business Ball.