CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOUR – UNWARRANTED SUSPICION

As she, John, and Sally began fine-tuning the final details for the dinner, Karina felt a profound sense of relief wash over her. All the niggling doubts and insecurities that had plagued her mind seemed to melt away in the face of this new understanding between them. Over the next few days leading up to the event, the three of them worked tirelessly but harmoniously to bring their vision to life. There was a palpable shift in the group's dynamics – any lingering tensions had dissipated, replaced by a buoyant camaraderie and shared purpose. On the evening of the dinner itself, Karina couldn't help but swell with pride as she took in the stunning venue they had transformed. Soft creams and charcoal grays suffused the space, punctuated by striking modern accents and lush floral arrangements. The ambiance exuded understated sophistication, the perfect backdrop for impressing their high-profile guests. As the esteemed investors began filtering in, Karina noted the admiring looks and m