NEW IDENTITY

chapter 7

She was about to say something when Kane and Evelyn approached the table.

The moment Evelyn noticed Lyla, her steps faltered.

For three years, she had imagined countless times what she would say if Lyla ever returned.

She had expected an angry woman.

A broken woman.

Perhaps even the same timid woman who had once lowered her head before the Kim and Miller families.

But the woman sitting before her was none of those things.

Lyla looked calm.

Too calm.

Evelyn instinctively tightened her hold on Kane's arm, subtly pressing herself against him as though reminding everyone that she was now his fiancée.

Kane, however, barely noticed.

His eyes remained fixed on Lyla.

Three years.

Three years without a single trace of her.

He had secretly searched for her after their divorce, though he had never admitted it to anyone. Every lead had ended in failure.

And now she had appeared at his engagement party as if the past three years meant nothing.

His throat tightened.

He didn't know whether he should greet her as his former wife, an old acquaintance, or a complete stranger.

The tension around the table quickly attracted attention.

Guests nearby lowered their voices, while several others subtly turned their chairs toward them.

Everyone was waiting.

Waiting for the inevitable confrontation.

Lyla simply rose from her seat.

Her expression remained composed as she extended her hand toward Kane.

"Congratulations, Mr. Miller."

Her gaze shifted toward Evelyn.

"And Miss Kim."

Her voice was polite.

Distant.

Almost painfully formal.

It was as though she were congratulating two strangers.

Kane stared at her outstretched hand.

After a brief hesitation, he took it.

The instant their hands touched, his heart skipped.

Her skin was softer than he remembered.

For a fleeting second, memories rushed through his mind—the way she used to hold his hand, the warmth of her palm, the countless ordinary moments they had once shared.

He quickly released her hand.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

Lyla gave him no response.

She turned toward Evelyn and extended her hand.

"Congratulations, Miss Kim."

Evelyn stared at the hand.

A strange discomfort settled in her chest.

She forced a smile and shook it.

"Thank you."

But instead of releasing Lyla's hand immediately, Evelyn leaned closer.

"I honestly didn't expect you to come."

She glanced around the lavish hall.

"After all, this event was strictly by invitation."

The meaning behind her words was obvious.

She wanted everyone to know that Lyla was not welcome.

Lyla calmly withdrew her hand.

"I know."

Evelyn's smile stiffened.

"Then you should also know that this isn't a place where just anyone can come and take a seat wherever they please."

Lyla raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sitting at the table assigned to me."

Evelyn's eyes flickered.

"Assigned to you?"

She looked toward the table, then back at Lyla.

"Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding."

Her voice became deliberately louder.

"This table is reserved for important business associates of the Miller family."

Several guests exchanged glances.

Lyla remained silent.

Evelyn smiled.

"Perhaps you're part of the event staff?"

A few people immediately covered their mouths, suppressing their laughter.

Evelyn continued, her tone dripping with condescension.

"If that's the case, you should probably return to the back. Ordinary employees shouldn't be sitting at the business associates' table, much less standing in front of the guests."

The surrounding conversations died down.

Kane's brows furrowed.

Mary's lips curled into a satisfied smile.