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At 5:59 pm, Jane knocked on Lydia's door. "Come on, Lid!" Lydia opened the door, embracing her children and giving her husband a quick kiss goodbye as she stepped out. Jane couldn't help but notice how stunning her sister looked in a blue dress, radiating happiness. Jane smiled warmly.

"Let's get going before we're late. I love the red-let me guess, 'Woman in Red'?"

"Yes, you got it," Jane replied. "I assume you're the main character, the first

mistress?" They both laughed.

Jane parked behind Tyler Brown and Vincent Trunchbull. "Hello, ladies! You look absolutely ravishing tonight," Tyler remarked, to which Vincent added, "Yes, very nice indeed." They entered the venue one by one, greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Thornhill. As Lydia and Jane were welcomed, Mrs. Thornhill noticed that both women were wearing the same style of dress in different colors. She wore a purple dress, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Green, who had been unfaithful. Mrs. Thornhill dismissed the coincidence with a smile, saying, "Great minds think alike." "Please, come in; we are expecting you," she continued.

The door shut firmly behind them, the sound echoing in the lavishly decorated hall. Jane leaned in closer to Lydia, her voice barely above a whisper, "They must have invested a significant amount in this venue; I am convinced they only have four chandeliers because they have money to spare. Just look at the intricate designs and the way the light dances off the crystal. It's almost shocking."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Please, sister, do this for me. I require this promotion. You know how much it means to me." Her eyes sparkled with determination, but Jane could see the underlying anxiety that accompanied her sister's ambition.

Jane sighed, her resolve wavering for a moment. "Very well, I am only agreeing to this for your sake," she replied, her tone softening. She knew how hard Lydia had worked and how much this opportunity could change her life.

"Great! Let us engage in some board games," Lydia suggested, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she clapped her hands together. The mention of games marked the conclusion of their side discussions, and they both turned their attention toward the gathering that was beginning to unfold around them.

As they made their way through the crowd, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, the clinking of glasses punctuating the air. The maid, dressed in a crisp black uniform, guided everyone to their designated seats with practiced grace. She moved with an air of authority, ensuring that each guest felt welcomed and attended to.

Once seated, the maid began serving champagne, the golden liquid sparkling in the crystal flutes. Jane took a moment to appreciate the elegance of the event-the way the light reflected off the polished surfaces, the soft strains of music playing in the background, and the scent of fresh flowers that filled the room.

Lydia leaned in again, her voice low but filled with excitement. "This is our chance, Jane. If we can impress the right people tonight, everything could change for us."

Jane nodded, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She raised her glass, the bubbles dancing to the surface, and offered a toast. "To new beginnings and the courage to seize them," she declared, her eyes locking with Lydia's.

With a shared smile, they clinked their glasses together