Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Charity gala

Catherine and Emma exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale. They knew better than to cross Emilia, not now that she had the upper hand.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparations for the gala. Emilia spent hours getting ready, her dress a stunning black gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, and her makeup was flawless.

As she descended the staircase, Catherine and Emma looked up at her with a mix of fear and awe. They knew they were in the presence of something powerful, something that could destroy them if they weren't careful.

***

As Emilia finished getting ready, she made her way to the garage, where her latest model black Maybach awaited her. She slipped into the luxurious leather seat, feeling the softness envelop her. The driver closed the door behind her, and Emilia let out a deep breath, relaxing into the comfort of the car.

As the driver navigated through the streets, Emilia's mind began to wander. She closed her eyes, letting the memories flood back. She was a little girl again, playing in the sun-drenched gardens of her family's house. Her parents were alive, smiling and happy. They were a family, complete and content.

But the memories shifted, like a dark cloud passing over the sun. Emilia's father was on his knees, begging Marcus Blackwood for mercy. The image of Marcus's face was blurred, but his voice was clear, cold, and calculating. "This house is mine now," he sneered, his foot kicking out at Emilia's father.

Emilia's mother clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain. Emilia was beside her, begging her to get up, calling out "Mom!" But it was too late. Her mother slumped to the ground, and Emilia was left alone, her world shattered.

The driver's voice broke into Emilia's daydream. "We've arrived, miss."

Emilia's eyes snapped open, her mind reeling back to the present. She took a deep breath, composing herself as the driver opened the door for her. She stepped out of the car, her black gown shimmering in the light. The charity gala awaited her, and Emilia was ready to play her part.

As Emilia emerged from the Maybach, a flurry of camera clicks and murmurs of admiration erupted from the gathered media personnel. They couldn't help but be awestruck by the vision before them. "Who is this young miss?" someone whispered, while another asked, "How stunningly beautiful is she?"

Emilia's elegance was undeniable. Her features were finely chiseled, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and full lips that curved into a subtle smile. Her confident and powerful air was palpable, commanding attention without demanding it. The long, mermaid-cut black dress with intricate gold designs hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and toned physique. The dress seemed to shimmer and shine in the light, as if made specifically for her.

With a regal grace, Emilia began her ascent up the red-carpeted stairs, her heels clicking softly on the plush surface. Her movements were fluid and deliberate, like a queen claiming her throne. The media personnel parted, creating a path for her, their eyes fixed on her every step. The flashing cameras and whispered admiration followed her, a testament to the indelible impression she made.

She reached the top of the stairs, Emilia paused for a moment, surveying the scene before her. The grand ballroom was ablaze with light and color, the cream of society mingling and laughing. Emilia's gaze swept across the room, her eyes locking onto her target – Marcus Blackwood. A hint of a smile played on her lips, and with a subtle nod, she began her descent into the fray.

Emilia entered the grand ballroom, she became the instant center of attention. Celebrities, actors, actresses, and business moguls couldn't help but turn their heads, mesmerized by her stunning beauty. The room buzzed with whispers and admiring glances.

She glided through the crowd with ease, her confidence and poise commanding respect. She made her way to the bar, her long black dress shimmering under the lights. "Whiskey, please," she requested, her voice husky and seductive. The bartender nodded, pouring her a generous shot. Emilia took the glass, her fingers wrapping around it like a vice. She raised it to her lips, the amber liquid glowing in the light. With a swift motion, she downed the whiskey, her eyes never leaving the crowd.

That's when she spotted him – Marcus Blackwood, resplendent in a dark green tuxedo that accentuated his still-handsome features. Even in his old age, he exuded an air of shrewdness and power. Emilia's gaze locked onto him, her eyes cold and calculating. She held her glass seductively, her fingers caressing the rim as she watched him chat with a man who looked like a business associate.

But Emilia knew the truth. Marcus's charity gala was a facade, a clever ruse to curry favor with the rich and powerful. The large donations he made were merely a way to grease the wheels of his own business interests, not to genuinely help the poor and needy. Emilia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the deceit and hypocrisy that surrounded her. She knew she had to play the game, to pretend to be one of them, but her heart seethed with anger and resentment.

Marcus Blackwood felt a sudden prickling sensation, as if someone's hot gaze was upon him. He turned to scan the crowd, but his eyes couldn't quite land on the source. Just then, a young, handsome man from a reputable family stepped in front of Emilia, blocking Marcus's view. The young man smiled charmingly and began to chat with Emilia, oblivious to the tension.

Marcus turned back to his business partner, chatting with him for a few moments before excusing himself to attend to other matters. Meanwhile, the young man attempted to strike up a conversation with Emilia, but she remained distant, her eyes fixed on Marcus.

As Marcus made his way to a small stage, Emilia's gaze followed him. He stepped up to the microphone, clicking his glass to gather attention. The room fell silent, awaiting his words.

"Welcome, everyone, to this year's charity gala," Marcus began, his voice dripping with sincerity. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support."

The room erupted into applause, but Emilia stood still, her eyes piercing through Marcus's facade. She saw the deceit, the manipulation, and the exploitation. She knew the truth behind his words.

Marcus continued, "And now, without further ado, I present to you the opening of this year's event. Let us celebrate the spirit of giving and make a difference in the lives of those in need."

The crowd applauded again, but Emilia's expression remained unchanged. She knew the truth, and she was determined to expose it.

As Marcus finished his speech, he smiled warmly at the crowd. "And now, it's time for the highlight of the evening. Every two years, I have the privilege of awarding a scholarship to one talented individual, granting them admission to Blackwood University, the number one rated university in the country and second in the world."

The room buzzed with excitement as Marcus explained the tradition. "This year, we have several exceptional candidates, but only one will receive the scholarship. The criteria are simple: showcase your unique talent, impress me, and the opportunity is yours."

Emilia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the possibilities. She knew that getting into Blackwood University was nearly impossible without connections and a hefty bank account. But Marcus's scholarship offered a glimmer of hope to those who deserved it most.

Marcus gestured to a nearby table, where several candidates were seated, each with a unique talent on display. "Let the showcase begin," he announced, his eyes scanning the room for the perfect candidate.

As the candidates began to showcase their talents, Emilia watched intently, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of weakness or opportunity. She knew that she had to be careful, that Marcus was not one to be underestimated.

As Emilia watched the candidates showcase their talents, she thought back to the old man's will, he had stated that until she completed her education she would not take over the company as it's Ceo, and without the necessary funds she was still just a 19 year old kid with no pocket money, if shw could get the scholarship her promise to destroy the Blackwood family would be easier. Getting into Blackwood University would be a crucial step towards achieving her goal.

The first candidate, a young man from a wealthy family, played a mediocre piano piece. The second, a girl from a influential family, recited a poem she had written, but it lacked depth and emotion. The third, a son of a business magnate, showed off his skills in martial arts, but his movements were clumsy and unimpressive.

Marcus looked uninterested, his eyes scanning the room for someone, anyone, who could impress him. Just as he was about to call it over, a soft voice spoke up from the back of the room.

"Wait."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to see who had spoken. Emilia, the stunning woman who had caught everyone's attention earlier, began to walk towards the stage. Her catwalk was confident and seductive, her delicate features illuminated by the light.

As she approached Marcus, her eyes locked onto his, but there was no warmth in them. Her smile was captivating, but it didn't reach her eyes, which seemed to bore into Marcus's soul.

"Ah, and who might you be?" Marcus asked, his voice dripping with curiosity.

Emilia's response was low and husky, sending shivers down the spines of the men in the room. " My name is Emilia Winston", she replied her voice husky and confident. "The young miss of the Winston family."

The room buzzed with whispers, recognizing the name of one of the oldest and most respected families in the country. Marcus's eyes narrowed, intrigued by the sudden turn of events.

"Welcome miss Winston", he said, his voice dripping with sophistication. Marcus's gaze pierced into Emilia's eyes, searching for a glimmer of familiarity. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had seen her before, but couldn't quite place her. He knew the Winston family well, respected them even. The old man, Henry Winston, was a pillar of the community, and Marcus had always admired his business acumen.

But something didn't add up. If Emilia was indeed the young miss of the Winston family, she would be Henry's granddaughter. Yet, Marcus couldn't recall ever seeing her at any of the family gatherings or events. Who was this young woman, and why was she claiming to be the young miss of the Winston family?

Marcus's mind raced with questions, but his expression remained neutral, betraying none of his suspicions. He decided to give her a chance, intrigued by the determination burning in her eyes.

"Very well, Miss Winston," he said, his voice measured. "I'll give you the opportunity to showcase your talent. But be warned, I expect nothing but perfection."

Emilia's smile was enigmatic, but her eyes flashed with a hint of triumph. She knew she had piqued Marcus's interest, and she was determined to make the most of it.

As Emilia requested a piano, the room buzzed with curiosity. Where did this young woman come from, and could she truly meet Marcus's lofty expectations? A grand piano was wheeled onto the stage, and Emilia took her seat with elegance, her slender fingers poised above the keys.

The lights dimmed, and a faint spotlight shone on Emilia, illuminating her ethereal beauty. Her delicate features seemed chiseled from porcelain, her eyes gleaming like sapphires in the soft light. Her raven hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her full lips curled into a subtle smile.

As she began to play, Emilia's fingers danced across the keys with grace and precision, coaxing out a mesmerizing melody that filled the room. Her music was a masterful blend of technique and emotion, each note resonating deep within the listeners' souls. The audience was entranced, hanging on every nuance of her performance.

But just when it seemed she couldn't exceed their expectations, Emilia opened her mouth to sing. And it was as if the very heavens had parted to unleash a celestial voice upon the world. Her tone was pure and crystalline, effortlessly soaring through the octaves with a precision that left the audience gasping.

It was as if all the instruments had been distilled into her young voice, each note a perfect blend of power and vulnerability. The room was electrified, the air vibrating with the raw emotion of her performance. Even the piano masters present were stunned, their eyes wide with wonder at her skill and artistry.

As Emilia's final note faded away, the room fell silent, as if the audience was collectively holding its breath. Then, a single clap echoed through the hall, followed by another, and another, until the room erupted into a thunderous applause. Whistles and cheers filled the air, with everyone rising to their feet in admiration.

But amidst the sea of adoring faces, two figures stood out - Catherine and her daughter, their faces twisted in envy and malice. They had witnessed Emilia's arrival, how she had effortlessly commanded attention, and now, her show-stopping performance had left them seething.

"How dare she," Catherine thought, her mind racing with resentment. "She thinks she's so talented, so special. But no one knew she could sing! She's been pretending all along, manipulating the old man to get his favor."

Catherine's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Emilia with a mixture of fear and hatred. She knew that with this performance, Emilia could potentially win the scholarship and secure admission into Blackwood University, a prospect that filled her with dread.

"Two years ago, she was so obedient, so submissive," Catherine thought, her mind bitter with resentment. "But after the old man's death, she changed. She's a new person now, confident, talented, and determined. And I fear she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants."

As the applause continued, Catherine's anxiety grew. She knew she had to act, to ensure her daughter's place at Blackwood University. But for now, she could only seethe in silence, her eyes fixed on Emilia with a malevolent glare.

Marcus's eyes widened in shock as he beheld Emilia's rare talent. He had seen many performers in his years as a record label owner, but none had left him as breathless as this young woman. The last time he had witnessed something similar was two decades ago, performed by a person whose name he despised and tried to forget.

As he regained his composure, Marcus strode onto the stage, his gaze locking onto Emilia's sapphire eyes. They were beautiful, but devoid of emotion, a skill that impressed him even more. Everything about this enigmatic young woman seemed a mystery, and Marcus was determined to unravel it.

Emilia's performance was the most astounding of the night, a fact even a blind man could testify to. Marcus knew he had no choice but to award her the scholarship. He cleared his throat, preparing to speak, and then handed her the contract with her name printed on it.

Emilia's expression remained neutral, but a hint of accomplishment flickered in her eyes. She knew this was just the beginning, the first step in her plan to destroy Marcus Blackwood. The scholarship was merely a ticket, a means to an end.