Chapter 83


    This gathering was orchestrated by Catherine, and hosted by the chairwoman of Goldenvale Town''s


    Business Council. The attendees were the wives of Goldenvale Town''s business moguls, otherwise


    known as the town''s ''elite circle''.


    Such private gatherings weremon in this social circle.


    One could say it was a way to foster rtionships among the entrepreneurs, promoting a more


    harmonious business environment in Goldenvale Town. But in reality, it was more of a show-off fest,


    where theypared businesses, husbands, children, cars, houses, fashion, beauty, weight... anything


    that could bepared was unted.


    Such gatherings were often the envy of women outside the circle. Any whisper of an uing event


    would have them scrambling to get in, as if entering this ''circle'' would elevate them to Goldenvale


    Town''s so-called upper ss.


    I used to attend asionally, and to be honest, it was quite dull.


    The true colors of these women were rather unattractive. Cliques were formed, and they constantly


    tried to gain favor from those above while stepping on those below. Still, there were some women who


    seemed to thrive in this environment.


    I had been ill for a while and thus had been absent from this circle for some time.


    On the day of the gathering, I went to the salon for a facial. When I was done, Catherine was


    astounded, eximing how gorgeous I looked!


    Looking at myself in the mirror, my skin was glowing and healthy due to the makeup. The light-colored,


    fitted Chanel suit perfectly matched my style. I wore no jewelry, and the high-end, understated design


    was clearly not cheap.


    Catherine circled me, expressing her satisfaction andplimented me for a while, but didn''t leave.


    She chatted with the designer for a bit, emphasizing the importance of making ate entrance.


    The chairwoman of the Business Council was named Gevena. She was generous, extravagant, and


    always willing to lend a hand. But anyone with a keen eye would know that she gained more than she


    gave. These women, eager to win her favor, would go to great lengths to present her withvish gifts.


    But she was Catherine''s close friend, and she would lead today''s gathering. so I trusted her judgement


    and was happy to follow her lead.


    Just as I was about to doze off on the sofa in the salon''s VIP room, Gevena sent Catherine a message,


    "It''s time to make an entrance!"


    Catherine quickly woke me up, and we confidently stepped into the Illusion Paradiso Club.


    The ce was packed with morous women, a veritable army of societydies.


    We were probably thest to arrive. The attendees, already warmed up, were taken aback as we


    entered.


    Gevena, in particr, put on quite a show. Seeing us at the entrance, she let out an exaggerated gasp


    and quickly came over, "My goodness, Aaliyah, it''s been ages! I thought you weren''t going to show up!"


    Caught off guard by her warm wee, I felt grateful. Even though we were not that close, she had


    gone to great lengths to arrange this gathering for me.


    She gave me a bear hug and whispered in my ear, "Your mother-inw is here too! She''s over by the


    window."


    Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hazel by the window. She was chatting with a group of wealthy


    Marissa.


    Jan''s mother loved these kinds of events, and she was one of those people who reveled in them,


    despite the fact that there were rarely any women her age.


    Gevena let go of me and asked, "How have you been? I''ve been wondering why you haven''t shown


    your face at our gatheringstely! I had no idea you were sick!"


    She then stepped back to get a good look at me, "Let me look at you!"


    I smiled confidently and replied, "I''m fine! Death couldn''t take me yet!"


    "My goodness... You look like a new woman! You''ve managed to stay humble while radiating the


    elegance of luxury!" Gevena was certainly a smooth talker. She had set the stage for me, and all I had


    to do was y my part.


    "Yes, I feel reborn," I said sincerely.


    "Well said!"


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Gevena immediately ordered a few drinks and handed them to us. As the hostess, she called


    everyone''s attention, "Let me introduce my good friend, Aaliyah Wilburn! She is the founder of Medsafe


    Liyah Inc., Goldenvale Town''s leading medical equipmentpany, and a role model for women in


    business. She''s been ill recently but is now back in full swing. I propose a toast to Aaliyah''seback!


    Here''s to her oveing adversity and a bright future!"


    Her proposal was met with enthusiastic agreement, and everyone raised their sses.


    As we toasted, I noticed my mother-inw Hazel looking shocked as her gazended on me. Marissa,


    standing next to her, visibly stepped back, putting some distance between them.