Chapter 04

[3^rd Person’s POV]

Friday came.

Two hours before the charity gala, Katalina was ready.

She’s walking back in forth, practising her speech in front of the mirror. “Hi! I’m Katalina! A real estate agent. Nice to meet you!” she projected the most alluring smile.

Katalina was satisfied with her speech. But something tells her that it wasn’t enough. “Argh!” she groaned in exhaustion.

Her room was a mess. The papers are still on the floor. Scattered.

She lacks time of sorting things. Katalina was busy embodying what she should have. A fake real estate agent.

She even went to an acting workshop to make her skills more authentic. Sighing as she stood in front of the whole body mirror.

The red velvet body con dress accentuates her innate curves and medium-sized bust. Her fair skin contrasted the dress perfectly.

She sighed. “Finally! I met the crowd’s favorite! Hi, Mister Collins.”

Katalina laughed and shook her head. “I won’t mess up. You got this right, Katalina,” she reminded herself. “You’ll be at the pedestal again. Back where you belong.”

She’s not a famewhore. Katalina wishes to be recognized again. And bring back the name she built for writing and news scoops.

The loud car honk stopped her from daydreaming again. “This is it.”

She left her apartment and ride the cab she booked. Hunter’s mansion was an hour away from her home.

Katalin glanced outside the car’s window. She felt bad. Knowing that she has to out someone’s dirt in exchange for fame again.

Writing has been her passion. Her main goal is to spread awareness and help other people. Sometimes, bad people outshine good intentions.

Her dignity is crushed already. It wasn’t easy to retract what she said and did because her life was in danger. But Katalina was left with no choice.

She could only reminisce but never bring back the time to clean her name.

Even if she’s given the chance. It is too late.

“We’re here, miss,” the driver looked at her in the front mirror. Katalina focused her gaze on the fare meter. She opened her purse and handed the fare to the taxi driver. “Thank you.”

Her jaw slightly parted. There was a red carpet at the entrance. The entrance was swamped with news anchors. Either international or local.

A-listers, well-renowned business tycoons, and other influential people are there. Most of them are stuck on the red carpet. Loving the attention of the paparazzi taking photos of them.

Katalina remained unbothered. Her goals were as clear as a diamond. She walked through the red carpet. Thanks to the famous people before him, she was a nobody to the press.

She trekked her near the door. Two men, dressed in suits are guarding the entrance. She stopped in her tracks. Observing the people prior to her.

“Good evening. May I see your invitation letter, miss?”

Katalina overheard it. She cursed inside her head. She doesn’t have one in hand. Nonetheless, she remained her poise and confidence.

When it was her turn…

“What for? I won’t be here if I’m not invited,” she raised her brows at them.

The bodyguards looked at each other. “We know, miss. But we’re just instructed to search for the invitation card. Some are pretending to be part here when they are not.”

Katalina’s jaw tightened. “I forget it in my mansion,” she lied. “Just search my name on the guest list,” she kept her poise. Even if she was shaking nervously inside.

“Mam, we can’t—”

“I’m Amanda Bynes. Heiress of Bynes Corporation. Owner of 108 airports across the globe, 20,000 fast food chains owner, and the future woman who will fire you two if you won’t let me in,” she threatened.

Their faces paled.

“Yes. The Black Bear Security Agency? I. Own. It,” she said through gritted teeth.

If it wasn’t for her acting workshop, Katalina wouldn’t be this prompt and convincing.

The guards moved aside and couldn’t look at her. “W-We’re sorry, miss. Please, enjoy your day.”

“As I should,” Katalina effortlessly sauntered her way inside. Made sure her finesse gestures hide her broke bank statement.

When she’s away from the bodyguards, Katalina carefully wiped the sweats embedded on her forehead. “Phew. That was close,” she shook her head.

If it wasn’t for her memory skills, she couldn’t ace being Amanda Bynes for a moment. Katalina studied Amanda Byne’s life and her family’s history.

The fancy musical sound echoed in the living room of the mansion. It was spacious enough. Yet Katalina couldn’t enjoy being inside the mansion.

The expensive taste of music irritates her eardrum.

She looked around like a predator searching for her prey. “Where are you, Hunter?” she asked in the air.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for us to officially start our program, please help me welcome, the creator and founder of tonight's gala! Mister Hunter Collins!”

The crowd cheered and applauded him.

Katalina followed the spotlight. Indeed it was him.

Hunter Collins stood straight on the stage. His corporate attire makes him more attractive.

Katalina lost words. Mesmerized by how gorgeous this man was. If he was photogenic, Hunter is ten times more attractive in person.

“Good evening, everyone,” Hunter smiled. “I’m welcoming you to my humble charity auction tonight,” the crowd applauded in unison.

“The funds will proceed to Rainbow Shelter for Kids and their sister foster care, TLC Shelter. I hope, everyone will bid and participate in tonight's event. Salut!” he raised the wine glass and toast in the air.

“Salut!”

Katalina couldn’t feel her legs anymore. She was hypnotized by Hunter’s innate charm. Now, she understood why plenty of people are admiring and patronised him.

“Mam, do you need a champagne?” the waiter asked her.

Katalina snapped her head. “Y-Yes, please.”

The waiter handed him a glass of champagne. She emptied the glass.

“Was it your first time to see Sir Collin up-close, mam?”

Katalina nodded her head unconsciously.

The waiter chuckled. “I’m here to let you know that it is perfectly fine to be starstruck. Most people are when they first saw him.”