Chapter 7 - Arrival at the MansionThe evening of the gala arrived. The Beverly Hills mansion was transformed into a glowing palace of light and music. A soft jazz quartet played near the entrance, and waiters in tailored tuxedos glided through the crowd carrying trays of vintage champagne and caviar.
Mary arrived shortly after the party began. True to her nature, she refused to let Ethan buy her an expensive designer gown. Instead, she wore a simple, elegant navy blue dress she had purchased from a local department store. It was neat, clean, and modest, accessorized only by a small faux-pearl necklace Ethan had given her when he was a teenager.
When Ethan saw her, his face lit up. He left a group of prominent venture capitalists to embrace her. "You look beautiful, Mom."
"Look at all this, Ethan," Mary murmured, looking around the breathtaking estate. "You’ve done so well."
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Ethan introduced her to several of his close business partners, who treated her with respect. However, as the night went on, Ethan was repeatedly pulled away by international investors and foreign ministers who required his undivided attention.
Left alone for a moment, Mary wandered toward the beautiful terrace, admiring the lights of Los Angeles stretching out into the horizon. She didn't notice Vanessa watching her from across the lawn, her eyes narrowed in cold calculation.
