Chapter 434

Vivian Bennett chose a ball gown with a voluminous skirt.

Intricate lace adorned the hem.

Gold thread embroidery shimmered under the lights.

It exuded the noble grace of an aristocratic young lady.

The receptionist's eyes sparkled.

"You look stunning, Miss Bennett."

"Like a princess stepping out of an oil painting."

"It would be perfect with golden curls."

Vivian readily agreed.

She put on a long, wavy blonde wig.

The reflection in the mirror became instantly unfamiliar.

The mask covered most of her face.

Only her delicate chin and red lips were visible.

She couldn't even recognize herself in the mirror.

Perfect.

This was exactly the effect she wanted.

The receptionist finished changing too.

They drove to the central square together.

Night had fallen.

Lights began to twinkle.

The square had transformed into a sea of revelry.

Masked young men and women moved through the crowd.

Classical formalwear and eccentric costumes created a dazzling spectacle.

Laughter rose and fell all around.

Their appearance immediately drew many gazes.

Masked gentlemen approached one after another to ask for dances.

Vivian smiled and politely declined.

She hadn't seen a partner who caught her eye yet.

As they strolled, a burst of screams erupted from the northeast corner.

Vivian turned to look.

Several masked men entered the square.

Their faces were hidden.

But their entire demeanor set them apart.

The one in the center was particularly striking.

A portly older gentleman accompanied a blond man.

The receptionist gripped her arm excitedly.

"It's the Mayor!"

"Even a mask can't hide his build."

Vivian raised an eyebrow.

"You get this excited about seeing the Mayor?"

"Anyone would think a superstar had arrived."

"It's not for him!"

The girl stamped her foot.

"It's the blond gentleman beside him!"

"The Mayor is blocking my view of the handsome man."

Vivian studied the blond man.

The courtly attire emphasized his tall, straight posture.

But...

"What if he has an ugly face under the mask?"

She teased her on purpose.

The girl immediately retorted.

"He's definitely handsome!"

"We've all guessed who he is."

"He can't be a prince, can he?"

Vivian joked casually.

The girl's eyes shone.

"You guessed it!"

"It's really Prince Dacia of S country!"

"He's been visiting our country these past few days."

"The Mayor is personally accompanying him."

Vivian was startled.

It really was a prince.

A prince attending a commoners' masquerade.

How interesting.

"Who do you think the prince will ask to dance?"

The girl clenched her fists nervously.

"Who will be tonight's Cinderella?"

Vivian chuckled softly.

She lightly tapped the girl's mask with her fingertip.

"You, of course."

"My Miss Cinderella."