The Inheritance Games

Chapter 2: The Gala

Penelope’s POV

Two days after the visit to Clara's, I was already at the gala and wow, Clara wasn’t kidding.

She told me before that the gala would be unreal, and she was right. The entire hall glimmered under crystal chandeliers, gold accents catching every flash from the cameras and the polished marble floors reflecting the crowd like a mirror. I smoothed the silver dress Clara and I had picked out just a few days ago, it was one of the ones we bought, trying not to fidget as I walked through the doors. The fabric felt tight in all the right places, and I could feel people glancing at me, which was both terrifying and a little thrilling.

I had been here for barely a minute, weaving through the crowd, and I realized how insane this all was. The gala wasn’t just for anyone; it was thrown by the Mega Elites themselves, not some lesser family trying to look important. Everyone here moved with a quiet confidence, talking in low tones that hinted at wealth, influence, and power. I kept my head down mostly, eyes scanning, knowing I had to get close without drawing attention to myself.

The Mega Elite families didn’t mingle with other lesser elites, didn’t open doors to anyone on their level. But they did help small families and businesses, like the one I had or at least, that’s the lie I was going to tell.

I even tried memorize the lie I was going to tell: I was a small family business owner with a new product line, just looking for advice, nothing more. Simple. Easy. Convincing.

I kept a small smile and kept mingling, reaching for a champagne glass or two but not really drinking anything, my eyes were moving around cautiously looking for—

Oh damn.

There he was. Alexander Davenport.

I didn’t even know why my stomach flipped and my heart started pounding like I’d run a mile. Blonde hair, blue eyes that looked like they could see right through you, that perfect smile that made everyone around him dim a little.

He moved with this easy grace, confident but not arrogant, and I instantly knew he was the twin I was supposed to aim for. He looked hot. Too hot. And good-looking didn’t even start to cover it. I adjusted my shoulders, straightened my back, and reminded myself to breathe.

That was definitely the twin I was going for. Damn.

He looked like he could be my prince charming.

Okay, yeah, I’m hot. Let’s go talk to him.

I started walking in his direction, weaving past people who were gathering around, trying to look casual even though my heart was hammering in my chest. That’s when I bumped into someone.

“Oh!” I said, stepping back quickly, hands raised slightly.

“Watch it,” the voice said, smooth but sharp. I looked up, and my stomach dropped. Green eyes, perfectly styled hair, lips pressed together in a way that made it clear she wasn’t impressed. Vivienne Sterling. I’d seen her on social media, she was the family’s favorite granddaughter, always in the press, always perfect.

This was bad. This was really bad.

“I…uh…sorry,” I said, forcing a smile. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

Vivienne didn’t soften. “Who are you? I don’t even know you. Why are you at this party?” Her voice was quiet but carried the kind of authority that made everyone around notice, and I realized instantly how much I didn’t want this moment photographed.

“I’m just…here to see the innovations,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm. “I didn’t mean to get in your way.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “Innovations, huh? You don’t exactly look like you belong here.”

I forced a nervous laugh. “Well, first time, still learning the ropes.”

Vivienne’s lips twitched, and then she stepped a little closer, reaching into her purse clutch to pull her phone out. “I hope you don’t mind if I take a picture. People might want to know who you are.”

My stomach sank and my hands froze. My phone, my face, everything, I could feel panic rising in my chest. One click, and my entire plan could be over before it even started.

The moment Vivienne lifted her phone, I froze. My brain went blank for a second, like every plan, every thought about why I was here, just disappeared. If that picture got out, my plan would be toast.

A million scenes on how to escape this came into my head…I couldn't run, if I did, I'd cause a scene.

I couldn't snatch the phone, that's stealing, that's embarrassing and another girl scene.

Begging? She'll know something is up, a worser scene and her probably enjoying my misery.

I was just about to at least spin another lie when I felt a presence behind me.

“Vivienne, darling, are we starting another scandal?”

I gulped and turned, there he stood…whoever he was.

Tall, dark-blonde hair, blue eyes, the kind of sharp features that made you notice him even in a crowd.

A couple minutes ago I was looking at Alexander but this man was not like Alexander, he was a darker, more serious version. My eyes lingered a second too long, and I had to shake my head. Focus, Penelope.

Who the hell is this?

Vivienne instantly switched to that sugary smile she always uses on everyone. “Addie! Thank you, you’re a lifesaver.”

Addie?

He didn’t react, but I could tell he didn't like the name. He just tilted his head at her with a smile that didn't seem so nice. “Put the phone away, Viv.”

Vivienne hesitated, glancing at me like It was suddenly my fault and then shoved the phone back into her clutch.

“She bumped into me, y'know. Almost ruined my dress and this is couture.” She grumbled, flipping her hair.

“I'm sure it was an accident.” He turned to face me.

I stepped back, a little taken off gaurd but still trying to figure out who he was. The way he moved, calm and precise, made my brain short-circuit for a second.

“Um..”

“It was an accident wasn't it?”

An…what? I shook my head to get my self. “Yes, totally an accident and I even apologized.”

“Like that can fix my dress!” Vivienne retorted.

“Viv.” His voice came out more commanding and she went quiet. “Enough. Your dress is fine.”

“I’m fine,” I said, when he turned to me again, my voice tight. “Really.”

He raised an eyebrow, smirk tugging at his lips. “Sure? You looked about to dive into a phone fight a second ago.”

I forced a laugh. “What? No…I was just..taken off gaurd.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him. “I understand, Vivienne is…” he glanced at her, “Particular.”

That's one way to put it.

I nodded, edging away, still trying to figure out who he was.

“Wait. You’re alone, right?” he asked.

“Yes. I…uh…came on my own,” I said, immediately using the fake name. “Penelope Gray.”

Gray was good right? Not too much attention. A good lie.

He studied me for a second, smirk deepening. “Penelope Gray. Nice to meet you. I’m Adrian.”

My brain tripped over the name. I guess it wasn’t the Addie, Vivienne called him but still.

Adrian.

Where have I heard—

Vivienne leaned in, trying to take control again. “You should introduce yourself properly, Adrian. She seems to think you are someone…of her class.”

“Vivienne.”

Vivienne rolled her eyes at me, ignoring the man. “Uh, who did you say you were you again?”

“Penelope Gray,” I repeated firmly.

She smirked. “Gray? No wonder I've never heard of you. Are you sure you belong here? Because you're acting like—”

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I do.”

Before Vivienne could say something else, he walked closer and leaned in, whispering something in her hair.

I saw her frown, then force a smile and walked away.

This man causally dismissed Vivienne Sterling and saved me from her. By the time I turned to him, he was already looking at me with those enchanting dark eyes.

He studied me for a long moment, the kind of quiet observation that made my chest tighten. Then he tilted his head, smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Penelope, right?”

“Yup.” I cleared my throat, “I mean, yeah, uh huh.”

He gave a smile. A small curve of his lips. “And from the Gray family? Can I ask what you're doing here?”

He said it so politely, I smiled myself as I began to say my rehearsed lies.

“Um…my family is running a start uo and I thought I'd have luck here in this gala, maybe meet someone that might be willing to invest?” I watched his reaction, “Like..Alexander Davenport, he seems like he would be willing to help.”

He raised an amused eyebrow. “Ah, of course. Well I suppose you've come to the right place, Penelope.”

He gave me his hand and when I held it to shake, he turned and kissed the back.

“Adrian Davenport, nice to officially meet you and I honestly hope you get my brother's attention.”

Adrian. Davenport.

My eyes widened. The other twin??