Chapter 4 A Night To Remember

"Nora, darling, you look absolutely stunning in that dress," Mrs. Ryan said warmly as she straightened up, her eyes lighting with pride as she took a better look at her beautiful daughter.

Nora gracefully descended the staircase, the soft shimmer of her designer short gown catching the light and accentuating her elegant curves. The subtle glow of her expertly applied makeup highlighted her natural beauty, making her look more radiant than ever. With each click of her high-heeled shoes on the polished floor, she moved with poise and confidence.

She approached her mother with a gentle, serene smile that never left her lips. Leaning in, she placed a soft kiss on her mother's cheek.

"Thank you, Mother, for letting me take the new car tonight," Nora said softly. "I'll be off soon. Hopefully, I'll see you later."

Mrs. Ryan smiled, adjusting the delicate necklace around Nora's neck. "You'll make a fantastic impression tonight. Just be yourself."

"I will," Nora replied, her smile brightening. "I plan to mingle and build some new connections."

With that, she turned and walked out of the living room, her steps steady and full of purpose. In the garage, James was already waiting beside her sleek Lamborghini, greeting her with a warm smile.

"Welcome, Miss Nora. You look stunning tonight," he said, opening the back door for her.

Nora returned the smile, feeling a surge of happiness and pride. It was the first time she'd driven her new car, and the experience filled her with quiet satisfaction.

James started the engine smoothly, the car's purr filling the space as they pulled away. The cool evening breeze brushed against Nora's face, mingling with the flutter of nerves and anticipation inside her.

Tonight was important. She was meeting a new business partner, but was he just that, or something more? A part of her wondered if this encounter could blur the lines between business and something personal.

She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, scrolling through her emails as the city lights began to sparkle outside.

Soon, they arrived. James stepped out and opened the door for her. Nora stepped out gracefully, her gaze sweeping across the grand event hall. The streetlights illuminated a sprawling array of luxury cars, each gleaming like a trophy, hers among the latest and most admired.

Inside the ballroom, Nora's entrance turned heads. Wealthy men and influential women alike admired her stunning gown and the effortless way she carried herself. Her steps moved rhythmically with the music as she scanned the room, noting the familiar faces of billionaires, celebrities, and socialites.

She had attended countless events like this, but tonight felt different, electric, almost charged. Maybe it was the shimmering chandeliers, or the way the lights played off the diamonds scattered through the crowd. Whatever it was, it filled her with an intoxicating sense of excitement.

"Nora, darling!" a familiar voice called out. Turning, Nora spotted her friend Sophia waving eagerly.

Navigating through the crowd, Nora exchanged warm greetings and air kisses. Sophia was already sipping champagne, her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight.

"So, what's the plan tonight?" Sophia whispered, a teasing grin tugging at her lips. "Are you going to charm the pants off some unsuspecting billionaire?"

Nora chuckled softly. "I don't know, Soph. I'm not really looking for anything serious right now."

Sophia raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief. "You're not? Nora, you're 25, time to enjoy yourself!"

Nora's smile softened, tinged with a touch of weariness. "I know, but my mother's been pushing me about marriage and family lately. I just need some space to breathe."

Sophia nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. Let's just have fun tonight. You never know who you'll meet."

As they chatted, Nora's gaze drifted around the room, drinking in the opulent decor and the glittering elite. A sense of belonging mingled with a strange feeling of detachment. Was this the life she truly wanted?

Suddenly, her eyes locked onto a tall, dark-haired man standing across the room. He sipped a glass of scotch, but his gaze was fixed firmly on her. An electric jolt shot through her, quickening her heartbeat.

Collins smiled and began making his way toward them. Nora's pulse quickened.

"Who's that coming our way?" she whispered to Sophia, nodding discreetly.

Sophia followed her gaze, eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, that's Mr. Handsome. No one knows his name for sure, but he's a billionaire and rumored to be scouting new investments. And from what I hear, quite the charmer."

Nora's eyes remained locked on Collins as he approached, her heart fluttering with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Hi Nora, I'm Collins Walter. It's a pleasure to meet you tonight," he said smoothly, a confident smile playing on his lips.

Nora and Sophia exchanged surprised glances. How did he know her name?

"Thank you, Collins. The pleasure is mine," Nora said, offering her hand with a composed smile.

"I'm a bit tied up right now, but I'd love to talk later. Can we exchange contacts?" Collins asked, his eyes twinkling with charm.

Nora smiled, her heart betraying her calm exterior. "Of course."

They exchanged contacts seamlessly.

"I'll see you later," Collins said, his gaze lingering on her.

"Looking forward to it," Nora replied.

As he slipped back into the crowd, Sophia grinned. "Sounds like a promising business partner."

Nora exhaled slowly, a hint of a smile curling her lips. "I'm eager to get to know him better."

As the evening wore on, Nora found herself drawn to Collins. Their conversations flowed with ease, each moment revealing new layers of intrigue.

"So, Collins," she said with a warm smile, "what brings you to events like this? Are you here purely for business?"

Collins returned her smile, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe. But I'm more interested in getting to know the people behind the proposals."