Who Will Accompany Her
951 Words
“All set then, it’s time for us parents to leave. The kids need to get to their classes,” said the headmistress, leading Lily and Alex toward their classroom.
Suddenly remembering something important, Sophia quickly told Alex, “I’ll be tied up after school, so Uncle Ethan’s secretary, Mr. Shaw, will pick you up and take you to Grandma’s. I'll come to get you there tonight!”
“Okay, Mommy!” Alex and Lily said in unison.
Once the children were safely inside, Lin Qianyu grabbed Sophia’s arm and hurried her toward her car. “What’s the big rush? Is there something important?” Sophia asked, puzzled.
“Of course! We’re going to the beauty salon. Remember the invitation for tonight’s charity gala? We need to dazzle everyone!” Lin Qianyu excitedly dragged Sophia to their planned beauty session.
“Isn’t it still early? We have plenty of time. Why the hurry?” Sophia was puzzled; it was just past 10 AM, and the gala wasn’t until 7 PM.
“Yes, we need to rush! We have to get facials, do our hair, pick out dresses, and I've booked my makeup artist. Plus, we have to take beautiful photos – all of that takes time!” Lin Qianyu explained.
“Do we need such a grand preparation for a charity gala?” Sophia rubbed her forehead, baffled by Lin’s earnestness.
“Big beauty, this is your big return to high society after so many years, representing Vogue International Group. You must shine, not just for the company, but for yourself. As a sought-after designer, you can’t just wear anything! Plus, there’ll be many eligible bachelors there. We need to be prepared!” Lin Qianyu half-teased, half-serious.
“Stop it, you're teasing me,” Sophia laughed, knowing Lin was joking but also meant well. She agreed to follow Lin’s plan.
“So, I’m all yours today. Even if you dress me up like a panda, I won’t complain,” Sophia said, laughing with Lin as they set off together.
...
In the evening, Isabella Reed stood alone at the grand entrance of the Scott residence. She was wearing a water-red strapless dress with a subtle pattern that perfectly accentuated her figure, making her look both sensuous and alluring. In her hand, she held a matching limited edition clutch bag. The night breeze wafted over her, causing Isabella to unconsciously wrap her arms around herself for warmth.
While waiting, she constantly checked her phone, her teeth chattering slightly in the cool air.
"What's keeping Nathan so late? It's already seven o'clock, and the gala will start in an hour. If he doesn't come back to pick me up soon, we're going to be late," Isabella thought anxiously.
Just then, the headlights of a car shone from a distance, illuminating Isabella's face. She lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the bright light, but a smile began to form on her lips.
"Nathan, you're finally back. I thought you had forgotten me…" she murmured, not waiting for the car to fully stop before rushing towards it, her voice filled with delight.
However, her smile fell as soon as she saw who stepped out of the car, her expression turning gloomy and angry.
"What are you doing here? Where's Nathan?" she demanded.
"Mr.Nathan is already on his way to the gala. He asked me to pick you up, and we’ll meet him at the Shaw family’s entrance," Clifford Ryan responded in a matter-of-fact tone, offering no further explanation.
A surge of anger rose in Isabella, but she had nowhere to vent it. She glared coldly at Clifford and snapped, “Well, don’t just stand there, let's go!”
With that, Isabella almost crushed her high heels in frustration, yanked open the car door, and got in. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, causing Clifford to flinch involuntarily.
Clifford raised an eyebrow, puzzled about how he had upset her. After all, he was just following the President’s instructions. What had he done wrong?
Without time to ponder further, Clifford quickly got into the car and drove towards the gala.
...
Meanwhile, Sophia and Lin Qianyu were laughing in the back seat of a black Passat. Suddenly, Lin slapped her forehead, exclaiming.
“For so many years, you still haven’t changed!” Vincent Shaw commented, seeing Lin’s reaction in the rearview mirror.
“We were so busy getting ready, we forgot about finding dates for the gala. It’ll be so embarrassing to go alone!” Lin fretted.
“What, am I not a man?” Ethan Turner said from the driver’s seat, slightly annoyed.
“You? But you're just one for the two of us. Besides, standing next to you is like standing next to an ice sculpture,” Lin joked.
“So many women would love to be my date, yet I’m unappreciated by you,” Ethan playfully complained.
“Nonsense, you're the best, Ethan. But I don’t need an escort. You should accompany Lin tonight; she's a big star and shouldn’t be alone,” Sophia interjected, amused by their banter.
“Who needs him for an escort?” both Lin and Ethan said simultaneously, then fell silent.
After a moment, Ethan reassured, “Don’t worry, not many guests will have dates tonight. It’s fine either way.”
Sophia and Lin exchanged relieved glances.
Soon, the Passat arrived at a grand estate hosting the gala. As they entered, Sophia marveled at the building’s grandeur.
“Tonight’s gala is hosted by the Shaw family. Impressive, isn’t it?” Ethan remarked, noticing Sophia's amazement.
Sophia, Lin, and Ethan stepped out of the car, ready for the evening ahead in the world of high society.
- Writer
