43 Caught in the Act

The guests exchanged puzzled glances, confusion writ large on their faces. Lia sensed the collective bewilderment and decided to play along, maintaining the façade of the humble employee. Damon, with a charming smile, added, "Yes, Matthew. We were waiting for the perfect moment to share the news. Tonight seemed fitting." The revelation hung in the air, the room steeped in a stunned silence. Lia, playing her part as Rachel Monroe, held her composure, but her eyes betrayed a mix of surprise and concern. Damon, standing beside her, continued the charade with a confident smile. Matthew, relishing the theatricality of the moment, gestured to the crowd, "Surprising, isn't it? Our dear Rachel, a soon-to-be member of the Cortez family. Now, let's continue the celebration!" The guests, still processing the unexpected turn, offered hesitant applause. Whispers and murmurs permeated the ballroom, the atmosphere charged with a palpable sense of disbelief. Just as the confusion seemed to reach