Falling for the Goddess

Attending the Banquet

Life for Sara Hart and Adrian Blake resumed its usual rhythm - early mornings and late nights. They barely saw each other except for brief moments in the evenings when they exchanged a few words in a warm, familiar manner.

On Thursday, Sara received a call from Sam Lewis.

"Hello, Sam..."

Hearing her voice, Sam Lewis couldn't help but smile. "Are you free on Saturday?"

"Do you need something?" Sara paused her work, intrigued.

"There's a banquet on Saturday, and I'd like to invite you to attend," he said.

Sara hesitated, remembering that Ella Duvall had also mentioned a banquet on Saturday.

"It's my grandfather's birthday, and I'm also celebrating my official takeover of the clinic. You wouldn't turn down this invitation, would you?" Sam Lewis's warm voice was tinged with gentle persuasion.

Considering how kind Sam Lewis had always been to her, plus that she'd recently troubled him and even promised to treat him to a meal, she couldn't refuse this event, marking such a significant milestone for him.

"Alright, send me the address," she agreed.

"Are you at the lab? I'll have someone deliver the invitation," he offered.

Sara paused for a second, surprised by his thoughtfulness. "Yes, I'm at the lab."

"Alright then. See you on Saturday."

"See you then."

After receiving the invitation, Sara messaged Ella to confirm the banquet's time and venue. It was the same as the one on the invitation.

*What a coincidence,* she thought. Then again, it made sense—this way, she wouldn't have to shuttle between two places.

---

Saturday arrived quickly, and Ella insisted Sara join her for a pre-event shopping trip and some pampering.

"You're always saying you don't want to go," Sara teased as Ella sat down to style her hair.

"Just because I don't want to go doesn't mean I can't look my best. If I have to attend, I'll do it with full flair!" Ella replied, her tone dripping with confidence.

The stylist chimed in with a smile, "Miss Su, you're naturally beautiful. You're already stunning."

Ella was pleased by the compliment and even topped up her payment. In fairness, it wasn't just flattery - Ella was a classic beauty with a strong presence and a natural allure.

She turned to Sara. "Why don't you get a makeover, too?"

"I don't need one," Sara declined.

Ella, however, wasn't taking no for an answer. "Do something nice for her, too," she told the stylist. "With a little touch-up, she's bound to be breathtaking."

The stylist, intrigued by Sara's quiet elegance, nodded eagerly. "Of course!"

While waiting, Ella continued her teasing. "Did you try out any of those tips I sent you?"

Sara's cheeks flushed, and she mumbled, "Don't ask."

That response was enough confirmation for Ella, who grinned. "Did it work?"

Sara shook her head.

Ella frowned, puzzled. "Really? Is Adrian Blake truly as immune to desire as a saint?"

She looked Sara over again, skeptical. "With your looks? That doesn't add up. Did he help you at all?"

Sara nodded shyly. He did help.

"See? I knew it! Keep at it!" Ella said enthusiastically. "Even if he's got a heart of stone, he cannot stay indifferent to our beautiful Sara."

Sara blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and helplessness.

Once Ella's styling was complete, she dragged the stylist over to help Sara pick a look. Sara's natural beauty was incredible and soft, with an academic air, so anything too elaborate would be excessive.

The stylist decided to give her a simple updo. Her long black hair was gathered at the back with a hairpin, with a few loose curls framing her face. She added small pearl earrings, making Sara resemble a refined young lady from a classic novel.

When it came time to choose an outfit, Ella initially picked a light-colored qipao. As soon as Sara tried it on, both Ella and the stylist were stunned.

"Have you ever worn a qipao before? You look absolutely stunning," Ella said, unable to take her eyes off her friend. "Even I can't stop staring."

Sara's small frame made her look delicate, but her figure was graceful, with soft curves in all the right places. The qipao's slit reached her thigh, adding a hint of allure, yet Sara carried it with serene elegance, like a moonlit goddess.

Sara, however, felt a pang of sorrow as she looked at herself in the mirror. Her grandmother had planned to give her a qipao for her 18th birthday, but when the day finally arrived, the person who was supposed to make it for her was gone. She hadn't worn one since.

"Let's change it," Sara said softly, feeling that the dress was too eye-catching for an event meant to celebrate Sam Lewis.

"But it looks amazing on you..." Ella protested.

Ultimately, Sara opted for a different dress—a moon-white, modernized two-piece qipao. The top had a side closure, and the skirt reached her calves with only a modest slit. The dress was simple, with two pearl accents at the waist.

It wasn't as striking as the first dress, but it still carried an air of classic grace, like a beauty stepping out from a rainy scene in Jiangnan.

Since the banquet wasn't about them, Ella agreed to keep it low-key. "But I bet if Adrian Blake saw you in that first qipao, he wouldn't be able to tear his eyes away," she teased.

"Stop it!" Sara protested, blushing.

"Alright, I'll stop," Ella relented with a mischievous grin.

After changing, Sara turned to Ella. "Can you come with me to pick up a gift?"

"For whom?" Ella asked curiously.

Sara explained, "That Lewis family member you mentioned - we're at the same lab before. He invited me as well. I need to bring him a gift."

Ella's eyes widened. "You know him? Wait, how does he look?"

Sara chuckled, then seriously replied, "Sam Lewis is gentle, cultured, and a true gentleman."

Ella's curiosity only grew. "With that kind of review, I can't wait to meet him."

The two women shopped for the gift and enjoyed desserts before heading to the banquet. Ella insisted that eating beforehand was a must - at events like this; it was impossible to eat comfortably while maintaining a perfect look.

---

The banquet was held at the Lewis family estate. By the time they arrived, the event was about to begin. Luxury cars lined the entrance, and men in suits and women in elegant gowns filled the garden, each vying to be the center of attention.

Ella clung to Sara's arm, whispering, "These events are all about showing off. Everyone is trying to outdo each other in looks and charm, even if they pretend otherwise."

She had planned to make a brief appearance, but her interest was piqued after hearing about Sara's connection.

Meanwhile, Lucas Graves and his companions had arrived inside the Lewis residence.

Carrying a gift, Lucas Graves grumbled, "I'd be fine if it were just about celebrating Grandpa Lewis's birthday, but now we have to mark that guy's takeover, too. I still don't get why my parents insisted on me coming!"

"Stop complaining," one of his friends chided. "This is a formal event. Show some respect."

Lucas Graves sulked but relented. "Fine."