Chapter 81
“Bye miss,” Lena and Sofia bowing a little to me, smiled at Asher and walked out.
“So what’s about this secret event?” I asked him lowering into my vanity stool.
“It’s a gathering of rich and powerful people, and we all think it would be nice for you to mix with the highe ups, you know… to grow your business.” He sighed, “we just want you to have a nice life.”
“I get you Asher, and I appreciate this,” I adjusted the mask properly on my face, “so this is like a real debut into the business world.”
“Exactly,” Asher says, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Tonight, you’re not Aria Morales, a high school sophomore. I’m thinking Madam A sounds nice for an alias.”
“I guess,” I nod. “Any other things I should take note of?”
“Oh yeah, you’ll be madam A, my grandma’s secretary.” I’ve often heard of grandma Morales but I’ve never seen or spoken to her before. I was told she had relocated to Nigeria after grandpa Morales died.
“I’m going to be the only one with a mask? Have you been to any of these gatherings before?” I stared at him curiously.
“You may not be the only one to put a mask on. And yes, I have been to these gatherings and they know me a the heir. Look, when they heard that we adopted you, you got a whole bunch of enemies that will try to ruin you if they know you’re venturing into the business, this is a no jealously free way, you’d also get almost anyone to partner with you as grandma’s secretary.”
“And grandma won’t get angry at that?”
“She’s cool with it.” Asher stretched out his hand and I gently wrapped my hand around his arms.
We walked to a black limousine and he helped me get inside,
“You look nervous,” Asher observes, settling opposite me.
“I am,” I admit, smoothing the dress over my knees, closing a little bit of the slits.
*****
The limousine glided to a stop before a venue. I gasped, staring at it through the window. It’s a private, modern art museum, it has tall glass walls, warm golden lights draped over the entrance, and a red carpet stretched across the staircase walls glowing from within like a colossal lantern. Sculptures are also dotted across the illuminated gardens.
“Remember,” Asher murmured, adjusting his suit as the driver opened our door. “You are Madam A. Be confident.” He smiled and stepped out.
“Asher,” I whisper sharply as I step out, gripping the side door before my heels betray me. “I think I’m going
to faint.”
Chapter 81
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“You’re not fainting,” he grabs my hand, steadying me and loops my arm into his, squeezing lightly. “Common Tiny. You’re confident. You’re classy. You will not faint.”
As we begin walking toward the grand steps, my stomach flips so violently.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I whisper.
“Yes, you should,” Asher replies. “Relax. Breathe. And don’t say weird stuff.”
“I’m not weird.”
“You are literally vibrating.” He groaned.
We step through the glass doors into the lobby.
Did I say it looked glorious while I was in the car? Damn! My jaw dropped as I looked around in amusement I’ve been to many beautiful places since I became a Morale but this is taking art to a new whole level.
Crystal chandeliers are hung low, throwing speckles of light on marble floors. Art pieces stand on pedestals, surrounded by little crowds and a grand staircase spirals to the upper floor where more guests mingle.
Soft classical music hums through the hall.
And the people—
God, the people. I’ve seen a lot of powerful people at church, at Helen, Robert and Asher’s birthdays last year and my found day this year but never have I seen men of different races with rings that scream old money and women dripping diamonds, all in a building together. I recognize some of the faces from billboards or business magazines.
I swallow hard, clinging to him a little tighter.
“Calm down. You’re fine.” He laughs gently, noticing my tense expression.
“Ah! Asher Morales!” I freeze as a tall man with a salt–and–pepper beard approaches, grinning broadly.
Asher smiles confidently, stretching his hand for a handshake. “Mr Davenport. Good evening.”
Good evening?
I can say that.
“Good evening sir.” I bow. I stopped mid down as Asher’s elbow subtly jabs my ribs.
“And who is this elegant young lady?” Mr Davenport looks amused.
Asher smiled proudly. “This is Madam A. My grandmother, Gemma’s secretary.”
I nod with a stiff smile, stretching my hand…
“Ah. Morales keeps impressive company.” Mr Davenport nods politely. He took my hand and kissed it.
Chapter 81
“Pleasure to meet you.”
“Pleasure all mine,” I manage, trying to sound calm.
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I smack Asher’s arm as soon as Mr Davenport walks away, “Why didn’t you warn me not to bow?!”
“I didn’t think you’d… bow Tiny!”
“Yeah I don’t blame you. You didn’t expect it to.” I groan. “This is going to be a long night of disaster.”
He pats my hand. “Common Tiny, these people should be the ones nervous in your presence, not the other way around.”
“Hmm! I’ll try my best Asher.” I sighed. I straightened my back and removed my hand covering one of my slits, keeping my head high and with a small smile. It’s stupid if I keep getting nervous when all they want is for me to build my social connection in this world.
“Asher Morales! A pleasure.” A man with a silver goatee and a mask shaped like a hawk’s beak detached himself from a group, approaching us. “Who is this captivating beauty beside you?” he asked, his eyes visible through the hawk’s slits, raking over me, resting a bit on my exposed thighs before trailing back up to my face.
“Mr. Thorne,” Asher pulled me closer to him. “This is Madam A, my grandmother’s personal secretary and liaison for her international ventures.”
田
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
