Beneath the scars

Chapter 12

The drive to Lorenzo’s estate took a little over thirty minutes, most of which Rachel spent talking while I listened with a smile.

“I still can’t believe Lorenzo decided to throw himself another birthday party,” Rachel said as she slowed the car before the large iron gates. “As if he doesn’t already have enough attention.”

“You say that every year.”

“Because it’s true.” She looked at me briefly before grinning. “But between you and me, I’m only here for the food.”

I laughed softly.

“I thought you were here because he’s your brother.”

“Well…and that too.”

The security guard recognized the car immediately and opened the gates without delay. The driveway curved through perfectly trimmed gardens before leading to the mansion itself, where luxury cars already lined both sides.

Rachel parked near the entrance before turning to me.

“One last thing.”

I looked at her.

“If anybody annoys you tonight…”She paused dramatically.”…don’t stop me from giving them a taste of this fist.”as she flexed her muscles.

I shook my head, unable to hide another smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good.”

She linked her arm through mine the moment we stepped out of the car.

The garden had been transformed into a breathtaking outdoor venue. It looked much different from how I remembered it.

Crystal chandeliers hung from transparent canopies suspended above the lawn, their warm glow reflecting against rows of fresh white roses and candles that stretched toward the main stage. Waiters moved effortlessly between guests carrying trays of champagne and carefully prepared hors d’oeuvres.

“I told him this was too much,” Rachel muttered.

“You know he wasn’t going to listen.”

“He never does.”

We had barely taken three steps when a familiar voice called out from across the lawn.

“Rachel!”

Lorenzo strode toward us with the confidence of someone completely at home in every room he entered. At thirty-five, he carried himself with the easy charm that had made him successful both in business and in every social gathering he attended. He hugged Rachel first, despite her mock complaint that he was wrinkling her dress.

“You’ve only been here less than five minutes and you’re already complaining.”

“What can I say…It’s my love language.”Racheal responded with a whole lot of attitude that made everyone laugh.

He laughed before turning toward me as his expression softened immediately.

“I’m really glad you came…Asia.”

“So am I…thanks for having me.”

He pulled me into a brief hug before stepping back to look at me properly.

“You look good.”

“Hmm…thanks.”an awkward response just came in without me even thinking…”I feel really good.”

“I’m relieved to hear that.I was beginning to think Rachel was going to drag you here against your will.”

Rachel answered before I could.

“I absolutely would’ve.”

“Everybody knows you would…the tyrant of flinton city.”Lorenzo chuckled.

“Come on. Everybody keeps asking where the birthday boy disappeared to. Apparently I’m not allowed to spend five minutes greeting my favorite people.”

Rachel rolled her eyes.

“Favorite people?”

“Well for today.”He winked.”Tomorrow I’ll choose someone else.”

She smacked his shoulder lightly while he laughed and led us toward the center of the garden.

People stopped him every few steps, offering birthday wishes, handshakes and gifts. Despite owning one of the country’s largest investment firms, Lorenzo had somehow managed to remain approachable.

Halfway across the garden, another familiar engine pulled into the driveway.

I didn’t need to turn around to know whose car it was.The murmurs around us shifted ever so slightly.

Rachel noticed before I did as she leaned closer.

“They’re here.”

I followed her gaze.

Kelvin stepped out first, adjusting the cuff of his jacket before walking around the car.

A second later, Jane climbed out from the passenger seat.The emerald dress she wore matched the jewelry she’d spent the afternoon buying, and she smiled naturally as Kelvin said something that made her laugh.

For just a moment, several guests looked toward them.Then conversations quietly resumed.

Rachel’s jaw tightened.

“The nerve…they don’t even care about what people will say.”

I simply reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

“Just let it be Racheal…people are definitely going to keep talking and they don’t seem to care. So…”

“I know.”

“So let them.”

Rachel looked at me carefully with her usually look of worry just to check if I was okay.

Instead, I took a slow sip of champagne before returning my attention to Lorenzo, who was now introducing me to two foreign investors visiting from Singapore.

“…Mrs. Richmore practically built the Executive Strategy Department from the ground up,” Lorenzo was saying proudly.

One of the men smiled and extended his hand.

“I’ve heard quite a lot about your work.”

“Hopefully only good things.”

“Very good things I assure you.”

We spent the next several minutes discussing expansion projects and investment trends, the conversation flowing naturally enough that I almost forgot where I was.

It felt strangely refreshing talking business again.

As another executive joined the discussion, I caught movement from the corner of my eye.

Kelvin.

He wasn’t walking toward me.He had simply stopped across the garden while another businessman spoke to him.

His eyes found me.For a brief second, he frowned.

Because I was laughing.

I couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen me laughing with someone else instead of quietly waiting beside him.

Jane followed his gaze.

Her smile faltered almost imperceptibly before she slipped her hand lightly around his arm.

Kelvin looked down at her when she spoke, and whatever thought had crossed his mind disappeared just as quickly.

Rachel noticed the entire exchange.”I swear she plans those little touches.”

I looked toward the champagne in my hand.“I really need another glass of this…”

Rachel didn’t respond.

She only squeezed my hand gently before another waiter appeared beside us with fresh drinks.

Not long afterward, Lorenzo climbed onto the small stage set near the center of the garden, microphone already in hand.He tapped the microphone once.

“Can everybody hear me?”

Several people shouted yes in response.

“Good.”

He smiled broadly.

“I was told birthday speeches are supposed to be emotional.I’d like to apologize in advance because mine isn’t.”

Lorenzo raised his champagne.

“Thank you all for being here. For the friendships, the partnerships, the family, and even the competitors who secretly came hoping I’d finally start acting my age.”

Someone shouted,

“That’ll never happen!”

“I know.”He grinned.”at least I’ll try…”

“So let’s eat, drink, and pretend tomorrow doesn’t come with alot of long boring business meetings.”