Jasper's face contorted with disbelief as he stared at the VIP invitation on Lyra's phone. His mouth opened and closed, reminding her of a goldfish gasping for water.
"This must be some mistake," he finally managed, his voice tight.
Lyra smiled, the curve of her lips barely noticeable. "No mistake. Now, if you'll excuse me." She stepped past the security checkpoint, leaving a stunned Jasper in her wake.
"Mrs. Covington!" the guard called after her. "Would you like me to arrange an escort to the VIP lounge?"
"That won't be necessary, thank you," Lyra replied, aware of the eyes now fixed on her retreating form.
The grand ballroom of the Oceanion hotel sparkled with crystal chandeliers and the jewelry of the elite. Energy industry executives, investors, and tech innovators mingled among white-clothed tables laden with champagne flutes. Lyra scanned the room, mentally cataloging the potential connections she could make tonight without drawing too much attention to herself.
