Chapter Five: The Gala
324 Words
When the car pulled up The ballroom sparkled with golden chandeliers and the soft hum of conversation. Maya smoothed her dress nervously as she stepped inside. She didn't usually attend events like this she hated the pretentiousness, the small talk, but tonight's gala was important.
It was for donors.
Somewhere in this room might be the person who had saved her NGO.
She smiled politely as she greeted familiar faces, thanking small sponsors for their continued support. But she couldn't stop scanning the room, hoping for a clue.
And then she saw him.
Ethan Vale.
The CEO. The billionaire. The man she had met briefly at the café weeks ago.
He was talking to someone near the bar, tall and striking in a perfectly tailored suit. People seemed to orbit around him, listening, nodding, laughing at the smallest comment he made.
Maya hesitated, debating whether to approach him.
As if sensing her gaze, Ethan turned.
Their eyes met.
A small smile tugged at his lips, and before she could look away, he was already crossing the room toward her.
"Maya," he said smoothly, taking her hand. "You look beautiful tonight."
Heat crept up her neck. "Thank you. I... didn't expect to see you here."
"I try to support good causes," Ethan said, his tone calm and unreadable.
Her heart skipped. Could it be him?
"Do you—" She stopped herself. It felt too direct to ask.
Ethan tilted his head slightly, reading her expression. "Do I what?"
"Do you... follow charity work often?" she asked carefully.
"Only when it's worth my time." He held her gaze just long enough to make her breath catch.
Before she could press further, someone called Ethan away to greet another guest.
Maya stood there, her mind racing. Was he the one? Was Ethan Vale her mysterious benefactor?
Across the room, Ethan glanced back at her, his expression unreadable.
He wasn't ready to tell her.
Not yet.
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