Chapter 7

"So Carter Financial Holdings was invited as well?" Cara asked, swirling the champagne in her glass. "Noah must have worked incredibly hard."

Mia responded with a polite smile. She had no intention of discussing Noah or her personal life with Cara.

"Where is he?"

"He's not here."

"Oh." Cara dragged out the single word before looking Mia over again. "Well, he certainly changed your life. Looking at you now, no one would have guessed where you started."

"And where exactly was that?" Mia asked.

"Come on, Mia. We were coursemates." Cara laughed softly. "I remember that little apartment of yours and you running to work after classes. Honestly, seeing you here is surprising."

Mia remained silent.

"Don't misunderstand me," Cara continued.

"I'm actually impressed. This summit isn't for ordinary people. The guest list alone is terrifying."

This place is filled with people who move markets." Her eyes swept across the room. "My husband and I practically live on airplanes now. We have penthouses and villas in different countries , and a house on the coast that we barely even use.

Sometimes I forget which city I'm waking up in."

"Interesting," Mia replied.

Cara missed the dryness in her tone and laughed. “My husband's company is launching its biggest expansion yet. Everyone wants to be involved. Investors have been calling nonstop, and companies are practically competing for the opportunity to participate in the project. Even Scott Financial Group."

She said the last sentence with particular pride, as though merely being associated with the Scotts elevated her above everyone around her.

"Congratulations," Mia said.

"Thank you. It wasn't easy getting here." Cara adjusted the diamond bracelet on her wrist. "Sometimes I think about university and laugh. Back then everyone thought grades were everything. Turns out connections, influence, and marrying the right person matter a lot more."

Her gaze settled on Mia again. "Actually, I understand why you're standing here all by yourself."

"Do you?"

"Of course. I know you don't know anybody here. That's why you're standing alone by the window." She smiled sympathetically.

"Honestly, you should have stayed home and relaxed instead of coming somewhere you don't belong. These events can be overwhelming if you're not used to them."

She set her coffee down carefully and met

Cara's eyes.

"That's an interesting thing to say."

"I'm only being honest."

“How have you contributed to the success of your husband's company?”

The fake smile on Cara’s face disappeared. She was not expecting such a random question.

“I do not need to stress myself doing that.”

Across the hall, Ethan Brooks was discussing with a group of investors. In the middle of the conversation, his gaze drifted briefly toward the women standing by the window. 

He simply returned his attention to his discussion.

Cara straightened her shoulders and recovered her practiced smile. "Well, we'll catch up some other time."

"Perhaps," Mia said.

With one last practiced smile, Cara disappeared into the crowd, completely unaware that the woman she had just looked down on was connected to the very family whose approval her husband's company was desperately waiting for.

"I saw you speaking with Mrs. Hender. I hope everything's alright," Mason said as he stopped beside her.

Mia glanced at him. "Who is that?"

"Cara Hender," he replied. "The lady you were talking to a few minutes ago."

"Oh. Yes, everything is fine."

Mason nodded. "Mr Hender spoke with me earlier. He's seeking Scott Financial Group's support for their new expansion project." Mia lifted a brow slightly. "Really? Is it something the company would be interested in?"

"Possibly," Mason said. "The proposal is ambitious, but Father will want to review it himself. It may take some time before we give them an answer."

"I see."

"We'll discuss it when we get back," he said before excusing himself to greet another executive.

Mia watched him disappear into the crowd, then turned her attention back to the room.

She went back to her sir to enjoy the rest of the program.