My Cheating Wife Never Saw My Rise Coming

Chapter 013

Eldric almost said one outfit would suffice, but remembering Lirael's earlier insistence, he dutifully headed to try on another set without another word.

When he emerged from the dressing room in the second ensemble, Lirael's eyes lit up—his natural charm, now accentuated by the refined attire, was downright mesmerizing. *What was Naviya thinking?* Lirael wondered. With bone structure like this, he could make girls swoon just by walking down the street.

How could anyone be dissatisfied with such a man, let alone divorce him? The woman must've lost her damn mind.

Satisfied with both choices, Lirael had the staff package them—one sharp formal suit for tonight's gala, another casual set for everyday wear. The moment her card cleared, they left the boutique.

Back at the residence, Lirael buried herself in work. Freshly arrived in Herbshire—and launching a new venture—her schedule overflowed. That she'd carved out time for Eldric's shopping trip spoke volumes.

Left alone, Eldric claimed an empty room to practice his arts. Newly initiated into the Martial Dao, he seized every spare moment to train. Before beginning, he set a phone alarm—no repeat of yesterday's time-blind meditation session.

Hours later, his phone buzzed before the alarm could chime. Lirael's name flashed. "Eldric, where are you? We're due at the gala," her voice came through the phone.

"Be right there," he replied, already striding out.

They met in the lobby, Lirael flanked by assistants and stone-faced bodyguards. Her sleek limo swallowed the entourage whole, racing toward Herbshire Grand Hotel—its massive ballroom perfect for tonight's elite gathering.

Herbshire's who's who regularly hosted VIPs at this prestigious venue. Today, the governor and city elites had chosen this very location to wine and dine Lirael.

As the limousine pulled up to Herbshire International Hotel's grand entrance, Eldric gazed up at the magnificent structure with wonder. He'd never set foot in such luxury before—in his previous circumstances, he couldn't have imagined accessing such exclusive spaces. Just a single meal or overnight stay here would set you back at least a grand.

Following Lirael, their group quickly boarded the elevator shooting straight to the top floor. The massive banquet hall occupied this prime real estate—the hotel's most exclusive area. Renting the space alone cost tens of thousands, and with catering? The evening's expenses started at several hundred thousand. But for these high rollers, such amounts were pocket change—their vehicles alone were million-dollar status symbols.

Earlier, Eldric had noticed the fleet of sleek luxury cars lining the entrance: polished machines worth seven figures, some even breaking eight. It made one thing clear—this was a playground for the ultra-wealthy, completely beyond ordinary people's means.

Though the Logan Family held some standing in Herbshire, Naviya had visited only a handful of times. As for tonight's exclusive event? The Logans wouldn't even make the guest list. She'd begged Demontae for weeks just to tag along as his plus-one—really just another trophy for his collection.

Soon, Lirael's entourage reached the summit's banquet hall, already packed with hundreds. Most were plus-ones confined to the outer edges, while the inner circle? Reserved for Herbshire's true power players.

Yet before Lirael, even these titans became obsequious. The moment she appeared, the governor and company leapt from their seats like eager schoolchildren, rushing to greet her. Pleasantries were exchanged before Lirael—surrounded by fawning admirers—was escorted to the head table's seat of honor. Surrounding her sat Herbshire's upper crust, their faces fixed with ingratiating smiles, their every gesture oozing deference.

Eldric had come with Lirael to the banquet just to relax and get a taste of high society. But the lavish event felt completely foreign to him—he was terrible at schmoozing. The moment they entered, he immediately felt out of place.

After whispering to Lirael, he slipped away to a quiet corner and sank into a chair. Chatting with these polished socialites? No thanks. Still, he'd promised to stay, so he decided to wait it out silently like a fly on the wall until he could leave with her when the event wrapped up.

At first, people swarmed him with attention when he stood beside Lirael—handshakes, nods, the whole routine. He returned the gestures awkwardly, exhausted by the act. Once he retreated to his corner, the influential guests assumed he was just another assistant in her entourage. Their focus snapped back to fawning over Lirael, leaving him happily forgotten at the edges of the room.