Chapter 10: The Rivalry Heat-Up
The Camellia Ballroom buzzed with anticipation as Ava strode through the grand double doors, clipboard in hand. This matchmaking event was the biggest she had organized yet: an elegant evening mixer for high-profile clients, complete with a live jazz band and an extravagant buffet. Tall candelabras adorned each table, their soft glow casting flickering shadows across the polished floors, while crystal chandeliers added an air of opulence.
Ava felt a surge of pride as she surveyed the room. This was her domain—a perfectly curated setting for her clients to meet, mingle, and, ideally, fall in love.
"Ava," came a familiar, too-cheerful voice behind her.
She turned to see Ryan entering the ballroom, his expression infuriatingly smug. Dressed in a dark suit with a silk pocket square that screamed "effortlessly charming," he looked like he belonged on a magazine cover, not at her matchmaking event.
"What are you doing here?" Ava asked, narrowing her eyes.
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Mei invited me. Said I could learn something about human connection."
Ava pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is a professional event, not one of your courtroom dramas."
"Relax, Matchmaker," Ryan said, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I’m here as an observer. Think of me as... quality control."
"More like chaos control," Ava muttered under her breath.
Ryan smirked but said nothing, instead glancing around the room. His gaze lingered on the jazz band, the carefully arranged seating, and the clusters of well-dressed clients chatting over champagne.
"You’ve outdone yourself," he admitted. "It’s impressive."