Unexpectedly, the staff was not convinced and firmly replied,


    “Apologies, Miss. Tonight’s event is strictly private. You cannot enter without an invitation.”


    Frustration building within her, Paige stomped her foot in annoyance, but mindful not to draw Loraine’s


    attention, she bit her lip and stepped aside.


    Out of nowhere, Paige spotted a plump elderly man making his way towards her, tenderly holding a


    woman in his arms


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Paige straightened herself, tugged her dress down to her shoulders and sauntered towards them, hips


    swaying.


    Meanwhile, inside the ballroom, Lights sparkled brilliantly. Masked men and women clustered on the


    dance floor, seeking potential dance partners and admirers without a care.


    Loraine donned the voice changer provided by the organizers and positioned herself at the entrance of


    the private room to observe.


    Only upon her arrival did Loraine realize that the partners for the ball were not predetermined. Instead,


    they were drawn to each other based on their individual charm and dancing ability, prompting


    spontaneous invitations


    Those who secured an invite would receive a brooch from their partner and the most sought-after duo


    would be dered king and queen of the evening.


    Then, the dance floor’s focal point burst into vibrant motion. A woman, bold in her revealing dress and


    peacock mask, started swaying seductively. She swiftly became the center of attention, captivating the


    gazes of many who eagerly prepared to approach her


    ninjanovel


    Yet, the peacock-masked woman beat them to the chase, striding up to the most refined gentleman


    present, his face hidden behind a golden knight’s mask. With a drink in hand, the man spun around and


    moved off to a corner, the audience’s gaze trailing him.


    The figure in the corner took everyone’s breath away


    She was a night-blooming rose, radiant yet distant, exuding a chilling elegance. Her fox mask


    entuated her captivating eyes, eliciting a desire in onlookers to bow in reverence before her


    enchanting presence.


    “Here you are, Lorrie,” said the man in the knight’s mask, handing her a drink.


    The voice was distorted by a voice modifier, but Loraine knew it belonged to Cayson. She epted the


    drink reluctantly, “Thanks Cayson but I’m not parched. Perhaps you should offer it to Jennie.”


    Not far away, Paige, under her peacock mask, witnessed the exchange and gnashed her teeth in fury.


    Despite her captivating performance, all eyes were drawn to a woman who remained still. Envy surged


    within her


    She’d charmed an older man to exchange his date and secure an entrance to the ball. She had


    discarded him as soon as she entered; she wouldn’t let anyone else steal her spotlight!


    Recognizing Loraine’s evening dress fueled Paige’s animosity.


    It was Loraine again!


    With a determined grimace, Paige exited the dance floor, swiped a drink from a waiter and marched


    towards Loraine.


    Meanwhile, Loraine politely declined Cayson, relieved to see him head towards Jennie with the drink.


    She was unaware of the iing threat.


    The peacock-masked woman surreptitiously neared Loraine. Just a few steps from her target, she


    feigned a stumble and an exaggerated yelp.


    The wine in her ss tipped precariously towards Loraine.