Chapter 6

The Arrival of the Guests

After ensuring every worker was stationed where they needed to be, the staff assigned to welcoming guests began their duties. The event was in full motion.

Soon, it was time for the main guests to arrive. Since Iris was in charge, she had to be at the entrance to greet them.

Just as she was about to step outside, a strange feeling washed over her.

It felt like someone was watching her.

She turned her head quickly—but saw nothing.

Frowning slightly, she pushed the thought aside and continued toward the entrance.

---

Unbeknownst to her, at a dimly lit corner of the hall, the man from earlier stood silently, his gaze fixed on her.

The moment she started to turn in his direction, he swiftly stepped back into the shadows.

As soon as Iris walked away, he emerged once more, a small smile playing on his lips.

There was something about her.

Something that felt oddly familiar.

And he liked it.

He was still lost in thought when his phone buzzed.

The caller ID flashed: Mr. Scott McCall.

His casual demeanor vanished instantly as he answered without hesitation.

"Hello, good evening, boss."

A cold voice responded from the other end.

"Where the hell are you?"

The sharp tone made him straighten.

"I'm so sorry, sir. I'll be there soon. Just give me thirty minutes."

Before he could say more, the call ended abruptly.

With a frustrated sigh, he hurried toward his car.

In his rush, he accidentally brushed past Iris.

She stumbled slightly, turning around to see who it was—

But all she caught was the back of a retreating figure.

A familiar sensation crept up her spine.

Was that… him?

She shook her head, dismissing the thought, and refocused on her responsibilities.

---

By now, almost all the distinguished guests had arrived.

But one person was missing—Emily.

Iris hadn't seen her since earlier, and with the event about to start, she decided to give her a quick call.

As soon as the phone rang, Emily picked up immediately.

"Hello?"

"Hey, girl! What's up?" Iris asked.

"I'm good! I've been outside—haven't seen you yet. You're still coming, right?"

"Yeah, almost there," Emily assured her.

"Okay then, I'll wait for you."

As soon as the call ended, Iris turned back toward the entrance.

Just in time to see a sleek car pulling up.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

What is she doing here?

Everyone watched in shock as Emily stepped out of the car.

The mysterious designer from France—someone who wasn't even on the guest list—was now attending the McCall family's grand event.

The question on everyone's mind:

How did she have such an exclusive connection to the McCall family?

A Shocking Arrival

One of the guards hurried off to inform Mr. and Mrs. McCall about the unexpected surprise.

Upon reaching their chamber, he knocked firmly.

"Who is it?" Mr. McCall's voice rang out from inside.

"Sir, I came to inform you—there's a strong possibility that the mysterious designer from France has arrived."

Joe and his wife exchanged stunned glances.

"How is that possible?" Joe muttered, still in shock. "We couldn't even get her contact information!"

At that moment, a realization dawned on Joe.

He suddenly remembered Iris.

Could it be…?

Was she the reason the mysterious designer had shown up?

His lips pressed into a firm line before he gave his orders.

"Alright. Escort her to the VIP table immediately."

"Understood, sir. I'll inform the staff right away," the guard responded before swiftly leaving.

---

Mrs. McCall, on the other hand, was buzzing with excitement.

"She's really here?" she gasped. "Let's hurry! I want to meet her!"

Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she whispered, "I hope she'll design something for me one day."

She smiled at the thought.

If only she knew the real reason behind the designer's presence.

It wasn't because of them—but because of her dear friend, Iris.

If she found out the truth, she would be utterly shocked.

---

Meanwhile, at the Entrance…

As soon as Emily stepped out of her car, flashes of cameras erupted in every direction.

Photographers scrambled, eager to capture her presence.

But unluckily for them, she had come prepared.

She wore a sleek mask—concealing her face from the prying lenses.

At the same time, Iris discreetly signaled her.

A silent warning.

Don't draw too much attention.

Emily understood instantly and moved with quiet elegance, avoiding the reporters as she made her way inside.

The Celebration Begins

As soon as Emily stepped inside, a staff member escorted her to the VIP table.

All eyes immediately turned to her.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

No one could believe it.

The mysterious designer—the one countless elite families had tried and failed to contact—was actually here.

With her unexpected presence, respect for the McCall family skyrocketed.

However, what no one realized was that her presence had nothing to do with them.

She was here for Iris.

---

The Party Begins

As the clock struck the designated hour, the music swelled, signaling the official start of the celebration.

Servants moved swiftly, gracefully serving guests their preferred meals and drinks.

Others carried trays of fine wine and champagne, ready to accommodate anyone who wished for a refill.

The grand hall buzzed with life.

Guests danced.

Business partners huddled in quiet discussions, exchanging deals and secrets.

Laughter and murmurs mingled with the soft tunes playing in the background.

Yet amidst all the excitement, Iris remained focused.

She scanned the room with precision, ensuring everything was running smoothly.

Emily, on the other hand, sat quietly at the VIP table, keeping her face unreadable, not sparing anyone a glance.

---

A Familiar Voice

Just as Iris turned to inspect another section of the hall, a voice called her name.

She whipped around—

And her heart swelled with warmth.

"Dad! You made it!"

A bright smile broke across her face as she hurried into his embrace.

It had been a while since she last saw him, and for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the comfort of his presence.

But then—

She remembered where she was.

Straightening quickly, she stepped back, regaining her professional composure.

"Dad, we'll have to talk later. I'm still on duty."

Her father chuckled, understanding her predicament.

"No problem, dear. I just wanted to see you."

He patted her shoulder affectionately before stepping away.

---

A Disappointment

As Iris watched him disappear into the crowd, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her.

A thought crossed her mind.

She turned, scanning the room—

Searching.

For him.

The mysterious stranger from earlier.

The man who caught her when she fell.

But—

He was nowhere to be found.

A small frown crept onto her lips.

Did he leave?

For some reason, the idea left a strange pang of disappointment in her chest.

But with a soft sigh, she pushed the thought aside.

There were more important matters to handle tonight.

With that she went back to work.