The crowded ballroom shimmered with crystal chandeliers and buzzed with the murmur of excited conversations. Champagne flowed freely, and the air thrummed with the energy of celebration. Brandon's CEO appointment party was in full swing, a testament to his newfound status and power. He moved through the crowd with Lily, accepting congratulations with a practiced smile, the image of Lyse lingering in the back of his mind.
He had decided against inviting her to the party. He felt like it was not the right time to be seen with her and he knew that the paparazzi would be out in force, eager to capture every detail of the event. He did not want to subject Lyse to their intrusive questions, especially given her fragile state and the sensitive nature of her separation from Levi.
