CHAPTER 5

As the car glided smoothly through the streets, I turned to study my companion more closely. "Forgive me, I don't believe I caught your name."

He smiled politely. "Charles Campbell, at your service. I'm the CSO of Campbell Enterprises."

My mind raced as I placed the name. Campbell Enterprises, the banking giant. I did recall Nathan mocking Charles and his family's company during heated debates with colleagues. "An upstart trying to muscle in on our territory. As if he has any idea how to run a real business," Nathan had sneered. 

"I apologize, I don't believe I introduced myself. I'm-"

"Agatha De Rossi. Daughter of Aldo De Rossi, of NexGen Technologies. I recognized you from the moment we collided." His eyes held no judgment.

I noticed his use of my maiden last name. "You know who I am?"

"The heiress to the illustrious De Rossi dynasty? It would be difficult not to, in my circles... Though I admit, up close your beauty far outshines any descriptions." His smile was kind, without an ounce of insincerity.

Charmed despite the embarrassing situation, I relaxed into the plush seats as we pulled up outside an exclusive boutique. "Please, choose anything that catches your eye. Consider it a small gesture of apology."

Two dresses later, I emerged from the dressing room swathed in emerald silk. "You're too generous. How can I ever repay such extravagance?"

Charles merely smiled. "Consider us even. Now, shall we get you back to the gala before your father sends a search party?" Offering his arm, he escorted me back to the waiting car.

Charles escorted me gracefully back into the gala, arm-in-arm. I had almost forgotten my original mission in the whirlwind of events with Charles. But as we re-entered, I spotted Nathan instantly across the room.

His eyes narrowed venomously at the sight of us. Without hesitation, he strode over, a storm brewing beneath his polished exterior. 

"Agatha, care to explain what sort of game you think you're playing?" Nathan spat. 

I opened my mouth to respond, but Charles interjected smoothly. "I apologize for any confusion, Mr. Richards. Earlier this evening, there was an unfortunate accident that left Miss De Rossi's dress stained beyond repair. As the one responsible, I insisted on accompanying her to procure a new gown." I sensed a sarcastic tone in him.

Nathan glanced between us suspiciously. "De Rossi? I wasn't aware Agatha came from such a prestigious family."

Charles arched a brow. "You mean you don't recognize your own wife's maiden name?”  he snorted sideways. “... In any case, there was no ill intent - a simple act of courtesy, to remedy a situation of my own making."

Nathan scoffed. "Courtesy? Don't play me for a fool, Campbell. I know you're opportunistic, always scheming to climb the ladder by any means." 

"And I am well aware of yours, Richards - a man who cares for no one but himself. If you'll excuse us." Charles guided me away firmly but calmly.

I glanced back to see Nathan fuming, fists clenched white with rage. Charles had diffused the confrontation masterfully, yet planted seeds of doubt about Nathan's character. His skill was undeniable, though to what end remained to be seen. But in the games of powerful men, nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.     

The orchestra struck up a waltz as Charles led me towards the dance floor. I glanced back to see Nathan still fuming by the bar, downing a drink furiously. 

"Why did you do that?" I asked Charles quietly as we assumed our position. "Escalate things with Nathan, I mean. Your rivalry seems more complex than I expected."

Charles sighed. "You're right to question my motives. My conflict with Richards runs deeper than petty gossip allows. But I swear, helping you was done with pure intentions. I shouldn't have dragged you into our disputes."

He spun me elegantly across the floor as other dancers swirled around us. I could feel the weight of speculative stares boring into my back, no doubt fueling the rumor mill. 

"That's precisely my point. Things are difficult enough right now without adding your feud," I said pointedly. "I don't need the extra scrutiny."

A flash of understanding lit Charles' eyes. "Of course, you've got enough on your plate with the divorce. I apologize for making assumptions." He lowered his voice further. "The news does seem to travel fast, even for me. Is it true what they say about Richards and his mistress?"

I swallowed hard, taken aback that he knew such private details. This world operated on layers I was only just unpeeling. "It's...complicated. As is this dance between us, I think."

Charles nodded solemnly. "You're right to be cautious where I'm concerned, given my history with your ex. But I hope in time you'll come to see I mean you no harm"

His earnest tone gave me pause. Perhaps first judgments, on all sides, required reexamination. I offered a small smile. "We'll have to wait and see about that." As the music swelled, I allowed myself to get lost in the dance, questions left for another moment. 

All too soon, the waltz came to an end. Charles and I bowed politely to one another amidst appreciative applause. But our brief interlude of peace was not to last. 

"Agatha, I believe you owe me a dance," slurred an all too familiar voice. We turned to see Nathan swaying unsteadily, eyes glazed over from the drink. 

I wrinkled my nose at the strong scent of whiskey on his breath. "Nathan, you're in no state. You should go home before you embarrass yourself further."

He grabbed my wrist insistently. "Don't tell me what to do, woman. You never used to deny me before." 

Charles stepped between us calmly. "I think the lady has made her wishes clear. Best not cause a scene, old boy."

Nathan barked a harsh laugh. "Listen to Golden Boy here, darling. As if you give a whit about propriety now. Not after all the things we used to do behind closed doors." 

My cheeks flamed at his crass insinuation. Charles merely raised an eyebrow coolly. "Sir, you've had too much to drink I think. For your own dignity's sake, it's time to remove yourself peacefully."

"And who are you to order me about?" Nathan shoved Charles's chest angrily. "Last I checked, you weren't Agatha's man. That honor belongs to me." 

I'd had enough of his toxic behavior ruining an otherwise pleasant evening. "Mr. Richards, to prevent any further disruption of my father's gala, I must insist you take your leave immediately." 

Nathan gaped at me, confused. "Since when do you call anyone but me daddy, you ungrateful b**ch?" 

Without a word, Charles signaled over two large security guards. "Please escort this gentleman off the premises before matters escalate further." 

As Nathan sputtered vulgar protests, I turned away with a shudder, hoping never to see that side of him again.