Chapter 7

• The person who asked the question had a mocking smile on his lips.
• A bitter taste filled Christian's mouth.
• This was what they wanted; to see him affected by their words and lose control but he wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing him do that instead he remained calm and composed.
• Why should he let their questions affect him?
• "Dreadful and disappointing, but I'm neither a loser nor am I ashamed of myself," he replied, faking a smile.
• He was right. He wasn't a disgrace to himself or Scarlett.
• "What—"
• "Enough of the questions," he deadpanned, and guided Scarlett towards the door.
• As they walked inside the hall, almost all attention was on them.
• "It looks like they're all thrilled to see me," Christian said sarcastically.
• "I don't think they're happy to see you," Scarlett replied through clenched teeth.
• "Are you nervous?" Christian asked as he noticed the look on her face. He placed a hand on her back.
• "I'm beyond nervous." She replied.
• She took in her surroundings, and her jaw dropped in awe. She'd never seen so much luxury in her entire life! The people, the tables, and the decorations! This was sheer money and power.
• The grand ballroom was a sight to behold, bathed in the soft glow of crystal chandeliers that hung like frozen raindrops from the high ceiling. The walls were adorned with opulent tapestries, each depicting scenes of wealth and power. The marble floor reflected the lights above, creating a shimmering dance floor that beckoned guests to twirl and sway.
• Round tables covered in fine white linen were neatly arranged around the room, each one adorned with floral centrepieces that exuded elegance and grace. The tables were surrounded by plush chairs, inviting attendees to indulge in the evening's festivities.
• In one corner, a lavish buffet boasted a wide array of culinary delights, from succulent hors d'oeuvres to decadent desserts. The aroma of gourmet cuisine filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of classical music played by a live orchestra on a raised platform.
• The gala attendees were a spectacle themselves, dressed in their finest attire. Men in tailored tuxedos and women in stunning gowns of every hue imaginable moved gracefully across the dance floor. The women's dresses sparkled with sequins and jewels, catching the light with every step.
• This life is the kind of life she wants to live in—a life of luxuries and only one person can guarantee this kind of life for her and that was, Matthew White.
• "I don't know if I should say the same for myself, but what I'm seeing right now is what I predicted. A show-off,"Christian scoffed.
• ***
• Piano Concerto No. 2 played softly in the ballroom.
• Matthew was engaged in a conversation with a few businessmen at the centre table.
• "When I retire, my son is going to take over the company. I can't wait to hand it over to him. He has proven himself to be more than capable to take on the position of a CEO." One of the business men, Thomas Smith said, then took a sip from his champagne.
• "Thank you father for believing in me." Lucas, Thomas's son, replied, smiling.
• He understood very well what his father was trying to do.
• "Lucas has been a responsible boy—just like Julian," Matthew remarked, faking a smile.
• "I heard Julian is in Rome." Thomas added.
• Matthew nodded his head. "I sent him there for business."
• "My son, Charles, has taken over my hotel in Las Vegas as a General Manager." Another, William added, also praising his son.
• "He is doing well." Thomas complimented. "Keep up the good work."
• "Snakes. They're trying to insult me because of my son incapabilities by praising their own sons in my face." Matthew said in his thoughts. "Christian does nothing but bring shame to me," He thought to himself.
• "Why don't you let Christian work in your company?" William suggested. His eyes flickering with dark enjoyment.
• Matthew laughed. His laugh was dry. "You know, I can't let Christian work in my company. He will destroy my empire. He doesn't even know how to run a business." He protested.
• "Then you should teach him how to run one." Another man, Luke, said.
• Matthew fired Luke a glare. "And who are you to tell me what to do?"
• "I apologise, sir." Luke pleaded.
• "With your permission Mr Matthew, can I teach Christian how to run a business?" Charles inquired.
• 'A loser would always remain a loser.' Charles thought to himself.
• "You want to teach Christian?" Matthew scoffed.
• The conversation quieted for a while.
• "Mr Matthew, isn't that Christian?" Lucas brows furrowed as he looked at Christian and almost everyone in the ballroom turned to look at Christian. "What is he doing here?"
• Matthew has never invited his son to the charity gala before and Christian never bothered showing up.
• But right now; Christian was walking through the doors with a beautiful woman by his side.
• "Doesn't he know the dress code?" Charles commented, scrunching his face up in irritation.
• Matthew's face darkened. This boy never ceases to bring him nothing but shame. What the hell was he doing here dressed like this? Did he think was coming to a nightclub or what?
• "Who is the woman by his side?" Lucas asked, the question directed at no one in particular. "Is she Christian's girlfriend?"
• Everyone was staring at Scarlett's beauty, Matthew included.
• He couldn't look away from her. His eyes were now darkened with desire. A strong desire to have her.
• Ever since she walked through the dining room's door the feeling has been there.
• And he knew that, he needed to satisfy his desire.
• Christian don't deserve such a beautiful woman. He can't take care of her.
• "I don't think such a beautiful woman can be Christian's girlfriend…" Matthew came out of his trance and said.
• Scarlett and Christian started approaching Matthew's direction.
• "Good evening, Mr Matthew." Scarlett greeted Matthew, smiling.
• It wouldn't be appropriate to call him by his name in front of his associates, right?
• She couldn't help but notice the desire in his eyes as she got to his front.
• "You are looking gorgeous." Matthew complimented, looking into her eyes, and she blushed.
• "Thank you." Scarlett replied with a smile.
• "My pleasure." He said.
• "May I have the honour to dance with this gorgeous lady?" Matthew asked, leaning forward, extending his hand in Scarlett's direction.
• Scarlett nodded and placed her palm in his hand. Gently, he guided her to the dance floor.
• "What is going on? Why would my father dance with my girlfriend?" Christian thought, not caring if his father had ignored his presence.
• He didn't care about that at all but why would his father want to dance with Scarlett?
• He had a lot of unanswered questions in his mind right now.
• "I didn't expect you were going to attend the gala." Charles said, trying to start a conversation.
• "I didn't expect that either." Christian replied, his eyes on the dance floor.
• He doesn't know why but he was feeling uncomfortable with his father's behaviour towards Scarlett.
• While dancing, Scarlett and Matthew were talking about something that Christian had no idea about and it did nothing but infuriate him.
• Christian walked towards them, clenching his knuckles.
• That was enough. It was his turn to dance with his girlfriend.