Episode 11
606 Words
The Gala Night
A week after the successful test drive...
The Green Future Initiative was hailed as a national success.
To celebrate the partnership, the Ministry of Industry organized a prestigious charity gala attended by influential business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and investors.
Both Larson Automotive and Emerald Motors were invited as guests of honor.
---
At Emerald Motors...
Diana stood outside Jade's office with a garment bag in her hands.
"I have the perfect dress for tonight."
Jade looked up from her laptop.
"I don't need the perfect dress."
"You do."
"I need a peaceful evening."
Diana laughed.
"Not with Kyle Larson attending."
Jade sighed.
"Must you remind me?"
---
Meanwhile...
At Larson Mansion...
Verona adjusted Kyle's black tuxedo.
"You clean up nicely."
Kyle straightened his cufflinks.
"I'm attending for business."
"Of course you are."
Verona smiled knowingly.
"And Miss Jade has absolutely nothing to do with it."
Kyle gave her a look.
"You're impossible."
"I learned from the best."
---
That evening...
The Crystal Hall sparkled beneath magnificent chandeliers.
Luxury cars lined the entrance as guests arrived one after another.
Jade stepped out of her car wearing an elegant emerald gown that perfectly matched her graceful aura.
Camera flashes lit up the night.
Moments later...
Kyle arrived in a tailored black tuxedo.
His commanding presence turned heads throughout the venue.
As fate would have it...
They reached the entrance at the same time.
"You again," Jade said.
Kyle glanced at her.
"You sound disappointed."
"I was hoping for a quiet evening."
"So was I."
Diana whispered to Verona,
"They argue like an old married couple."
Verona laughed softly.
"They don't even realize it."
---
Inside the ballroom...
The evening passed peacefully.
Business leaders congratulated both CEOs on the success of their collaboration.
For once...
Kyle and Jade managed to have a civil conversation.
Until...
Brian walked into the ballroom.
Jade's smile disappeared.
Brian approached cautiously.
"Jade..."
Kyle noticed the sudden change in her expression.
"Excuse me," Jade said before walking away.
Brian followed her onto the quiet balcony.
"I've been trying to reach you."
"I've made it clear that I don't want to talk."
"Please..."
"There are things you don't know."
Jade folded her arms.
"Then say them."
Brian lowered his head.
"The day you caught me with that girl..."
"I wasn't cheating on you."
Jade laughed bitterly.
"I saw you kiss her."
"I know."
"But it wasn't what you think."
Before Brian could continue...
A familiar voice interrupted them.
"Brian!"
Layla emerged from the shadows, pretending to be surprised.
"There you are."
Brian's face turned pale.
Layla looked at Jade and smiled sweetly.
"Oh... I didn't realize you two were catching up."
Jade looked from Brian to Layla.
Something about the situation didn't feel right.
Without another word, she walked back inside.
Brian glared at Layla.
"Why are you doing this?"
Layla's smile vanished.
"Because if Jade learns the truth..."
"...everything we've built will fall apart."
---
Across the ballroom...
Kyle watched Jade return alone.
She looked calm.
But he noticed the sadness hidden behind her eyes.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
He wanted to know who had hurt her.
And why.
As the orchestra began to play a slow melody, the host stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"Our next tradition is a charity dance."
"The highest bidders of the evening will share the first dance."
The audience applauded.
Neither Kyle nor Jade paid much attention...
Until the host smiled and announced,
"Our highest bidders are..."
"Mr. Kyle Larson..."
"...and Miss Jade Jordan!"
The ballroom erupted in applause.
Kyle and Jade looked at each other in complete shock.
End of Episode 11
- Writer
