An hour later, in the grand hall on the seventh floor.
The ball had just begun, and there were already a large number of guests.
Young girls in various dresses were chatting in pairs and trios, but their eyes frequently shifted to the men entering the venue, dreaming of encountering a handsome and wealthy man for a romantic boat trip.
The men, too, in their suits and formal attire, were sizing up their potential prey for the night.
Ivana Bennett was standing in a corner of the hall, clad in a well-fitted white dress. Her long hair, dyed black, was casually piled on top of her head, and a black-and-white butterfly mask covered her face.
Around her neck hung a black gemstone necklace. To prevent Lucas Walker from recognizing her, she had even removed the small red earring she usually wore, replacing it with a diamond earring with a long tassel.
She pretended to play with the necklace, using a cup to cover her mouth.
"Has Lucas Walker shown up yet?"
