42:Beneath the Crystal Lights

Chapter 42: Beneath the Crystal Lights

The Children's Art Foundation Gala was the most anticipated charity event of the season.

Luxury cars lined the entrance as photographers captured the arrival of politicians, celebrities, philanthropists, and business tycoons.

Inside, crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the magnificent ballroom, where priceless works of art were displayed to raise funds for children's education.

Ophelia stood before the mirror in her apartment, adjusting the sleeve of her midnight-blue gown.

Vivian Sterling smiled proudly as she circled her.

"I knew this was the perfect choice."

Ophelia looked at her reflection.

"You always know."

Vivian grinned.

"That's why people hire me."

She picked up a pair of silver earrings and gently placed them in Ophelia's hand.

"Wear these."

"They're beautiful."

"They're also my lucky earrings."

Ophelia looked at her.

"What if you need them?"

Vivian smiled warmly.

"I have a feeling you'll need the luck more than I do tonight."

Before leaving, Vivian hugged her tightly.

"Have fun."

"I'll try."

"And don't spend the whole night analyzing everyone in the room."

Ophelia laughed.

"No promises."

A few minutes later...

Ethan's car stopped outside her apartment.

When Ophelia stepped outside, Ethan forgot every word he had planned to say.

She looked breathtaking.

The evening breeze gently lifted a few strands of her hair as she walked toward him.

"You've been staring for almost ten seconds," she teased.

He blinked and laughed.

"I'm sorry."

"I wasn't expecting..."

He shook his head.

"You look incredible."

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

"Thank you."

He opened the car door for her.

"Shall we?"

The ballroom came alive as they entered together.

Several guests greeted Ethan immediately.

Many of them turned curious eyes toward Ophelia.

"Who's the young woman with Ethan Ashford?"

"They look good together."

"I've never seen him bring anyone before."

The whispers spread quietly through the room.

Ophelia pretended not to notice.

She had learned long ago that sometimes pretending was the safest option.

Near the center of the ballroom stood Elena Ashford.

The moment she saw them, her face brightened.

"There you are!"

She embraced Ophelia affectionately.

"My dear, you look absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you, Elena."

Elena looked from Ophelia to Ethan and smiled knowingly.

"You two make a handsome pair."

Ethan cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Grandmother..."

"What?"

She laughed.

"I'm only telling the truth."

Ophelia couldn't help smiling.

Not far away...

Nathan watched the exchange from across the room.

His expression remained unreadable.

Daniel stepped beside him.

"Sir?"

Nathan didn't take his eyes off Ophelia.

"She's more comfortable now."

"Do you still think she's hiding something?"

Nathan answered without hesitation.

"Yes."

Daniel lowered his voice.

"Should we continue looking into her?"

Nathan finally looked away.

"For now..."

"Just observe."

The charity auction began.

One masterpiece after another was presented as guests raised their bidding paddles.

Ethan leaned toward Ophelia.

"Bored?"

She smiled.

"Not at all."

"Good."

"Because there's someone I'd like you to meet."

He led her toward an elderly gentleman standing near one of the paintings.

"Professor Harold Bennett."

The professor smiled kindly.

"So this is the young lady Ethan has been telling us about."

Ophelia greeted him politely.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Professor."

The professor studied her for a brief moment.

His smile slowly faded.

He adjusted his glasses.

"I'm sorry..."

He said quietly.

"Have we met before?"

Ophelia's heartbeat skipped.

"No."

"I don't believe so."

The professor frowned.

"That's strange."

"You remind me of someone."

Before anyone could speak again, another guest called the professor away.

He apologized and excused himself.

But as he walked away...

He glanced back at Ophelia twice.

Across the ballroom...

Nathan had witnessed the entire exchange.

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

He whispered to himself,

"So..."

"I'm not the only one who recognizes that something doesn't fit."

Ophelia remained unaware.

She smiled politely as Ethan continued introducing her to guests.

Yet deep inside...

A single question echoed in her mind.

Who did Professor Bennett think she was?