Love in two worlds

The night when worlds collide

AURIELLA’S POV

I stop walking, turn around and stare at the tall building in front of me. Today’s pitch would be the fifteenth I have done within the last two weeks, trying to get a new investor for my business. Kate informed me through a lawyer acquaintance that she would be pulling out of the investment. This was after she made it public and lied to the media about what happened.

At first, I was furious, broken heart aside, that she would drag the business I have worked so hard to build into this. As if ruining my reputation wasn’t enough, she had to try to ruin my business, too. I saw her only one more time after our encounter. It was when she came to the house to pack the things that she was so happy to remind me she’d be moving in with Theo and that he had driven her himself. It doesn’t matter what I say; the media has its own narrative, and that is what people believe. I was hurt, angry and betrayed in the most vicious way ever.

But now, I’m just desperate. Desperate to save my business. L’orve has threatened to nullify the contract if I don’t find a new investor within the next month. They have powerful lawyers; there is nothing I can do to stop them.

Trying to find an investor has been hell, and with the media’s version of how I lost the initial investment, it’s been practically hopeless.

Pitch after pitch, I’ve reached out to company after company, trying to convince them, but I see it in their judging eyes, through the hushed whispers as I pass. The news has ruined everything for me, and now, with business debts and loans to pay, I’m supposed to watch helplessly as my hard work of five years goes down the drain due to bankruptcy.

I steel my spine, letting my face become a mask of calm and composure. That won't happen. Not if I have anything to do with it.

“I’m afraid, Auriella, but Shin Holding was the last name on the list,” Beth says from beside the board filled with a list of all potential investors we placed in the middle of my office.

“What of that?” I point at the name at the far edge.

“What? Lupine Corporation? I shouldn’t have added it.” She moves to erase it.

“Wait.” I stopped her. “What’s wrong with the company?”

“It’s not the company, it’s the CEO that’s the problem.” She scrolls on the iPad in her hands and turns it to face me, showing me a picture.

“That’s him.” She continues. “California’s most eligible bachelor for the past five years now. But even the magazines say he is possibly the coldest person on the planet. He is practically unapproachable. There’s no way we can arrange a meeting, talk less of convincing him to invest in a fashion brand, no offence.”

Wheels turn in my head as I stare at the godlike man in the picture. It’s true that he’s very handsome.

“No, boss. I can practically hear what you are thinking. They say this man is not just handsome but dangerous; no one knows why, but he is dangerous. Apparently, that sorta adds to the appeal.”

She removes the iPad from my hands, closing the page. “But he could be our last hope,” I say, getting up and pacing around the room.

“It’s impossible to get an appointment with him.” Beth points out.

“Yeah, that could be impossible, but…” My eyes light up as I rush behind my desk. I rummage through the drawers, looking for it. I curse under my breath at the mess. I pull the familiar card out.

“Yes! I got it!”

“What’s that?” Beth asks.

“An invitation to the annual L’orve charity gala.” I hold it up. “The entire elite class of California will be there, including billionaires.”

My lips curve in a smile as a ray of hope blossoms in my chest. “What are the odds that the world’s coldest CEO would be in attendance?”

Beth’s fingers fly on the tablet. “Goodness gracious!” She gasps, her smile matching mine. “It’s on their website that he would be attending. Do you think we can pull this off?”

“I will convince him to invest,” I say with conviction. “I must.”

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“I guess we need to find you a dress then. Good thing, it’s what you are good at. You might want to visit the salon, though.”

Beth’s voice grows distant as my mind races through different plans on how to make this pitch different. This is my last chance.

***

I take in several deep breaths to calm my nerves. Sitting in my car, watching the crowd of camera lights and paparazzi may or may not have made me nervous. I have never been one to chase the limelight; I’m rather content, styling those who do.

“You can do this, Auriella,” I say to myself, giving myself one last look in the mirror. “You’ve got this.”

I lift my head up high as I walk towards the red carpet, in a delicate white dress with a low scoop in front, with the rest of the silk fabric hugging my curves. I know I fit in with the rest of the party, even though it’s just by looks. That is precisely why I don’t get bothered by the camera flashes as I walk in. The fancy hall is half full with people by the time I get in, and I try not to gawk at the amount of luxury around me.

Eyes on business, Aurelia.

I scan the room carefully. The cold billionaire, aka Aaron Steel, isn’t here yet, but I see a few faces I recognise. By recognition, I mean some actresses I’ve seen on TV. They are dressed similarly, in their extravagant cocktail dresses and blinding jewellery. And then there is Ms Lee, looking elegant and timeless as ever. She weaves her way through the crowd with ease, mingling and chatting with several guests.

I grab a drink from a tray nearby and wait for Aaron Steel to arrive. I wait for about thirty minutes, then I wait some more, and then a little more. By now, my eyes are completely glued to the entrance. More people arrived, but none of them was the man I saw in the picture.

Before I know it, two hours have passed, and the thread of disappointment starts pulling at my chest. Maybe he isn’t going to come afterall. For the first time in two weeks, tears sting the back of my eyes, and I hastily make my way to the bathroom.

I rush inside an empty stall, locking the door behind me as I try to calm my nerves. This can’t be it. If this doesn’t work, I will just have to find another way. It takes me several moments to get myself together, but I walk out of the stall calmer and looking more confident than I feel.

It is when I look into the mirror to retouch my makeup that I catch movement in the stall just beside the one I vacated.

My blood runs cold.