At 7:00 PM, inside the Crystal Banquet Hall of the Pearl Hotel.
In the center of the main hall, a champagne tower dozens of tiers high reflected countless diamond-like points of light. Amid the mingling of guests, the jewelry worn by high-society elites vied with the crystal chandeliers for brilliance.
Champagne bubbles rose and burst continuously in flute glasses, while well-trained waiters carrying drinks wove through the crowd.
Chapter 57