CHAPTER 5

The night was young with an extravagant atmosphere. Many luxury cars filled the parking lot of the San Diego Hotel. Bright lights shone through the night, adding to the luxurious ambiance of tonight's event.

Geared up with their cameras, many reporters and journalists flocked into the venue in the hopes of getting news that'd make the headlines. The guards struggled to keep them at bay.

Some minutes past eight p.m., a sleek Maybach pulled up to the entrance of the hotel. The driver stepped out and walked to the other side of the car before opening the door.

Slowly, long legs extended out of the car, grabbing the attention of the reporters. They rushed to cover this grand entrance.

The new guest was certainly the focal point as she stepped out of her car.

"It's Veronica Morgan!"

The usual buzz that erupted whenever she arrived filled the atmosphere instantly.

She had arrived at the hall looking more beautiful than any of the females that came in before her.

She was wearing a custom handmade gown from a renowned European fashion designer. The dress was studded with small diamonds, sparkling with grandeur. It hugged her slender figure, flawlessly revealing her perfect curves.

Small diamonds studded her four ear piercings and a small bracelet adorned her slender wrist.

Her makeup was extremely scrupulous, highlighting the fine features of her effeminate-looking face perfectly.

Veronica was stunningly gorgeous and she simply exuded a classy disposition. The reporters gushed over her beauty.

"Miss Morgan, you look very stunning tonight…"

"Miss Morgan, who is your designer?"

"I honestly don't know," she replied without the slightest hint of embarrassment. "If you want the designer, check with my assistant."

Without another word, she proceeded into the hall where the event was taking place. Her bodyguards restrained the press from asking further questions.

The splendid hall was filled with important people. Celebrities, successful businessmen, public figures… Every guest was at the top of their field.

Veronica was one of the few females who arrived without an escort. Yet, she caught the attention of the male guests as soon as she stepped in.

Their lustful gazes followed her every movement regardless of where she went.

Without needing any feigned effort to charm or be flirtatious, Veronica easily kept all eyes on her.

"Vee!" A feminine voice squeaked behind her. When Veronica looked, she saw the organizer of the gala approaching her. His daughter, a long friend, accompanied him and she was the one who called Veronica.

"Lexie!"

They hugged and exchanged kisses.

"What has it been? Months?" Alexandra asked, excitedly looking over her best friend.

"To be exact, ten months and a week," Veronica laughed. It had been that long since Alexandra traveled to Italy.

"Mr. Ferguson," she addressed Alexandra's father, "it's nice to see you again. I must say, you made tonight a splendid perfection."

They exchanged a few pleasantries before the man left to welcome another guest. His daughter stayed behind with Veronica.

"Tonight's event seems rather different," Veronica remarked. The socialites present and the grandeur decor of the hall proved this was no ordinary Trivia gala.

"Well, Dad wants to reach a target this year," Alexandra pointed at the large crystal ball placed in the center of the large hall. Unlike before, everyone's contributions would be kept there.

Just before Veronica could say anything, they heard a commotion at the door. Both women turned.

In the middle of the small crowd gathered by the door, a tall man was standing. He was the center of attention and struck out easily.

He had flawlessly sculpted features, and a face so handsome, it was indescribable. His aura was overbearing and with his innate grace and nobility, he seemed to be a descent from Zeus' bloodline. 

As soon as Ethan Reynolds appeared, people around him were already anxious to shake him and exchange pleasantries with him.

A stunning lady hung to his side, wearing an expensive custom-made dinner dress.

"Who's that?" Veronica had never seen him before. Yet, it seemed he was well acquainted with many of the high-ranking socialites present at the gala.

Just as she asked, the man looked in their direction. Boldly, he stared at her. The corner of his lips raised in a smirk, and Veronica caught it briefly.

Instantly, she frowned at his arrogance and looked away. The new guest continued to attract much attention, even Alexandra's father went to meet him.

The new guest's pompous show ruined her mood. Veronica glanced at the bar. A few drinks should lighten her spirits before the event begins.

"Hey," she pulled her companion, "let's get some drinks."

Since she gave her no option, Alexandra had to follow her friend.

Veronica ordered two glasses of margarita for both of them. Alexandra was not done with her first glass but her best friend was on her third.

"Hey, you might get drunk," she warned.

"Promise, this is my last," Veronica assured her.

"Well, you can't blame me. I mean, you can't tell America's youngest single female billionaire is spending her time drinking alcohol instead of mingling with society," Alexandra pointed out.

They were young, beautiful and successful. They should be interacting with the other socialites.

"You know I'm not the social butterfly," she retorted.

"Urgh," Alexandra sighed. Suddenly, she drew Veronica up to her feet.

"There," she began, "that's enough. It's time to go and I assure you, by the time we have gone through half of this hall, your reservations will disappear."

Keeping to her promise, Alexandra dragged her with her, introducing her to different elites at the Gala. According to her, Veronica's presence lighted up the scene.

They formed a circle with a couple of Alexandra's friends. They were very nice and easy to relate with.

A few of them made toasts to which they drank and Veronica was having fun. However, she couldn't shake that sick feeling of being watched.

Abruptly, she looked around, yet, she couldn't find the watcher. Whoever it was was doing a great job of creeping her out.

"What's wrong?" Her friend noticed her unease.

"Uh, nothing," she lied and forced a smile. Telling Alexandra about it would make it more awkward.

From one end of the room, a loud chatter rose. Casually, they glanced in that direction where a group of businessmen were I to something.

In their midst, she saw the stranger from earlier. He tipped his glass at her and the moment their gazes connected, she knew who had been watching her.