Chapter 6: The Charity Dinner

At 8:30 in the morning, Miranda had just finished breakfast when her phone buzzed. Picking it up, she saw a message from Eric: “Don’t forget about tonight’s charity dinner. See you there!”

Miranda read the message and quickly typed a response: “I’ll be there on time.”

After setting the phone down, she walked over to the mirror and studied her reflection. The woman staring back at her looked a little worn, a little tired.

It struck her then—she couldn’t remember the last time she had truly dressed up. Five years of marriage had consumed her energy, all of it poured into her family. She had almost forgotten the confident, magnetic woman she used to be. But tonight would mark a new beginning, a chance to rediscover herself.

With that thought, Miranda picked up the phone and booked an appointment at a top styling studio. She was determined to make tonight her moment.

By 8 p.m., guests were arriving at the charity dinner. The red carpet stretched toward the grand marble entrance, where luxury cars pulled up one after another. Attendees stepped out in elegant attire, each more dazzling than the last.

Just then, a sleek black Maybach rolled to a stop, drawing everyone’s attention.

The car door opened, and Broad stepped out first, dressed in a sharp black suit. His expression was calm and confident. Following him, Vivienne emerged, her hand resting on his arm. She wore high heels and a proud, radiant smile, exuding elegance.

“The organizers of tonight’s event,” Broad said in a low voice, “are from the Wilson family.” A flicker of caution passed through his eyes. “The Wilson family is powerful enough, with interests in multiple industries. Even the old titans of business have to show them respect.”

Vivienne’s eyes gleamed with excitement. There was a hint of ambition in her voice as she replied, “If we could connect with the Wilsons, that would be incredible…”

Broad nodded slightly, a faint smile of satisfaction on his face. Tonight, he intended to solidify his standing in the business world.

The two walked down the red carpet, and all eyes immediately turned to them. Vivienne straightened her back and wore a confident smile. She had carefully chosen a deep red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, complemented by flawless makeup, and she was certain she would be the center of attention tonight. As expected, murmurs of admiration followed her as she passed.

But just as she began to savor the attention, the crowd’s focus suddenly shifted. The air seemed to still for a moment before a wave of astonished whispers rippled through the room.

“Who is that?”

“She’s stunning…”

“Could she be a celebrity?”

“Wait a second—I think I recognize her. Isn’t she…”

Vivienne’s brows furrowed as she instinctively followed their gaze.

At the end of the red carpet, Miranda appeared. She walked with deliberate grace, her presence commanding the room. She wore a black evening gown, simple yet elegant, perfectly accentuating her curves.

Her hair was swept into an updo, revealing her delicate neck, and her flawless features seemed sculpted by an artist’s hand. She looked like royalty, as if she had stepped out of a masterpiece.

Her movements were poised and regal, exuding an air of effortless sophistication. There were no extravagant jewels adorning her, yet her presence alone was enough to capture every gaze in the room. Guests began whispering among themselves, with some quickly recognizing her.

“Isn’t that Broad’s wife?”

“Soon-to-be ex-wife, I heard. They’re getting divorced…”

“My God, what was Broad thinking? Why would he leave a woman this stunning?”

In the crowd, Broad’s breath caught. His eyes fixed on Miranda, unable to look away. His previously composed expression began to falter.

Was this really Miranda, his wife? The same woman he had once taken for granted? Tonight, she was so radiant, so breathtaking, that it seemed impossible to tear his gaze from her.