Chapter 132: The Drive
An hour and a half earlier...
Elmira walked through the long red carpet, her figure accentuated by the white, floor-length gown with a form-fitting silhouette she wore. The asymmetrical neckline with one shoulder strap showed off her fair collarbone and arms, while the subtle shimmer of the fabric caught the dim light of the venue. Her mask, a designed piece of white and silver, concealed the upper half of her face, leaving her eyes visible as they scanned the surroundings.
Beside her, Mariela followed nervously, her black sequined gown contrasting against Elmira’s white ensemble. Her mask was simple but sleek, complementing her short hair and understated makeup. She adjusted the strap of her small bag, muttering under her breath, "This is insane. I can’t believe we’re doing this."
"Calm down," Elmira replied without turning her head. Her tone was sharp but low, meant only for Mariela’s ears. "We’ve made it past security. All we need to do now is blend in and find him."
Mariela glanced around the grand hall, its high ceilings adorned with cascading crystal chandeliers. The room was alive with soft laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of a string quartet playing in the background. Guests moved gracefully, their identities hidden behind elaborate masks, their voices indistinct as they mingled and sipped champagne.
"Blend in?" Mariela whispered, her tone bordering on a hiss. "Have you seen these people? They look like they just stepped out of a royal palace. We stick out like sore thumbs."
Elmira ignored her, her focus shifting to a group of men gathered near the far corner of the room. One of them, a tall figure in a dark navy suit with a gold-trimmed mask, caught her attention. His demeanor was composed, his movements calculated as he engaged in conversation while one of his arms was placed on a younger boy’s lower back.
"That’s him," Elmira said under her breath. She turned to Mariela, her expression serious. "Stay close, but don’t make it obvious. I’ll approach him."
Mariela’s eyes widened. "You’re just going to walk up to him? What if he’s not the one you’re looking for?"
"I’m sure," Elmira said with quiet conviction. She adjusted her posture, her mask hiding the smile in her eyes, and began making her way across the room.
As she approached, the man turned his head slightly, as though sensing her presence. His gaze met hers briefly through the crowd, and she saw the flicker of recognition in his eyes. His lips curled into a faint knowing smile.