Dumping the Billionaire

Chapter 2: Socialite Soirée

"Are you really wearing that?" Olivia Parker leaned against Skylar's closet, watching her friend try on the same dress for the seventh time. "This is the Metropolitan Club charity gala—the most important social event on the Upper East Side."

The Manhattan twilight filtered through the apartment windows as Skylar studied herself in the full-length mirror. The champagne-colored Oscar de la Renta gown fell in elegant waves, perfectly accentuating her graceful silhouette. But at this moment, her attention wasn't on the dress at all.

That embossed business card still sat on her vanity, catching the last rays of daylight. Since Wednesday's meeting, she couldn't shake Alexander Brooks' final words from her mind: "I hope to see you there."

"Seriously," Olivia picked up the Tiffany necklace Madison had lent her, helping to fasten it, "are you sure about going? I heard Brandon Carter will be there too."

"Who?" Skylar's hands froze mid-motion.

"Oh, don't play coy," Olivia couldn't help but laugh. "The entire Wall Street knows this financial wunderkind has his eye on you. Ever since he spotted you at Sullivan last month, he's been asking about you non-stop."

Only then did Skylar remember. She had been preparing documents in the conference room when this young founder of Starlight Capital made an unexpected visit, supposedly to meet their partners. Yet his gaze kept drifting her way throughout the meeting, and afterward, he'd made a point of asking for her business card.

"Madison says he's only 32 and already pushed Starlight's assets past the ten-billion mark," Olivia teased. "Young, successful, from an illustrious family—quite a suitable match, one might say. Don't tell me you're not even slightly interested?"

"Madison went through the trouble of getting me an invitation," Skylar adjusted her makeup, deliberately avoiding Olivia's probing gaze. "Besides, it's a valuable networking opportunity."

"Networking opportunity?" Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Or an opportunity personally extended by Alexander Brooks?"

Skylar's hand paused.

Rebecca's warning echoed in her ears: "In this circle, everyone has their own agenda."

"Enough," she took a deep breath, picking up her clutch. "Don't overthink it. It's just an ordinary charity gala."

But the moment she stepped through the Metropolitan Club's magnificent doors, she knew she'd been wrong. This was anything but "ordinary."

The Renaissance-style hall gleamed with gold leaf and crystal, chandeliers casting warm pools of light across the space. A string quartet's music drifted between ornate columns. New York's most elite gathered here, their champagne flutes clinking amidst subtle power plays.

Madison spotted her quickly: "Darling!" Her Stanford classmate linked arms with her. "Come, let me introduce you to some people."

Skylar found herself being guided through a sea of designer gowns and custom tuxedos. Everyone wore perfect social smiles, but she could feel countless evaluating gazes following her every move.

"That's the patriarch of the Whitney family," Madison lowered her voice. "The gentleman in the champagne suit is a hedge fund rising star. Oh," she suddenly squeezed Skylar's hand, "Brandon Carter's heading this way. He specifically asked if you'd be attending tonight."

Skylar followed Madison's gaze. Brandon Carter moved through the crowd with practiced ease. Golden hair, chiseled features, his light-colored bespoke suit highlighting his athletic build. As the head of New York's newest ascending hedge fund, his every move commanded Wall Street's attention.

However, she heard a more familiar male voice from behind.

"Skylar."

She turned to find Alexander Brooks approaching, champagne flute in hand. His dark evening suit accentuated his tall frame, Van Cleef & Arpels cufflinks catching the candlelight with understated elegance.

"I'm glad you came." He smiled, offering her a glass of champagne.

Just then, the crystal chandeliers dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on the podium. Alexander Brooks walked to the stage with unhurried confidence, and the entire ballroom fell silent.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice carried both warmth and authority, with an almost magnetic quality, "tonight I won't discuss stock market fluctuations or latest economic data. Let us turn our attention to another side of our city."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across every guest: "Less than three miles from here, there's a community hospital in the Bronx. Last week, while visiting an old friend there, I met a little girl named Amy. She suffers from a rare genetic disorder that standard medications can't touch."

"In that moment, I truly understood why Mountain Bridge invests in biotechnology. Finance isn't just about growing numbers—it's about giving hope to children like Amy. All proceeds from tonight's charity auction will go to rare disease research. This isn't charity; it's our generation's promise to the future."

His voice carried a rare touch of emotion: "Everyone here is among this city's elite, each having overcome countless challenges to reach where you are today. But remember, true success isn't about standing at the pyramid's peak—it's about having the ability to help those still climbing."

"Let us look forward to this city's tomorrow, to a future where every life has the chance to shine."

The entire room held its breath. Skylar noticed even the usually chatty socialites had fallen silent. Alexander Brooks hadn't tried to appeal to emotions, yet with a few simple stories, he'd captured the true essence of philanthropy.

"I promise," his lips curved into a convincing smile, "Mountain Bridge will match every donation made tonight, dollar for dollar. Together, let's contribute to our city's future."

Thunderous applause followed.

Watching him on stage, Skylar truly understood for the first time why he dominated Wall Street. It wasn't his business acumen or his perfect social graces, but rather his innate ability to blend finance with humanity.

Luminaries from various circles eagerly raised their paddles, auction prices climbing higher and higher. A priceless Monet was sold to a finance tycoon for triple its last auction price. Antique jewelry, limited edition watches, private yacht privileges... each item far exceeded its expected price.

"So," Brandon remained by her side, "about that acquisition..."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Carter," Skylar politely interrupted, "this is a charity gala. Perhaps we could discuss business another time?"

"Please, call me Brandon," he flashed a charming smile. "Really, I admire your work at Sullivan. In fact, our company is..."

"I believe you promised to watch the moonlight with me." Alexander Brooks had somehow materialized at Skylar's side, his tone gentle but brooking no refusal.

Brandon's smile faltered slightly but quickly recovered: "Brooks, I hear Mountain Bridge has been making moves in the biotech sector lately?"

"Business is like warfare," Alexander Brooks elegantly raised his glass, "strategic acquisitions are necessary. But tonight," he looked at Skylar, "let's talk more about charity."

The moonlight on the terrace was indeed as beautiful as he'd promised. Central Park lay draped in early autumn's embrace in the distance, city lights dotting the night sky. The cool evening breeze swept past, allowing Skylar's tense nerves to relax slightly.

"The first time I came to the Metropolitan Club," Alexander Brooks leaned against the terrace railing, gazing into the distance, "it was also for a charity gala. Mountain Bridge was just starting then, everyone watching, doubting how far a young man could go on Wall Street."

Skylar looked at him in surprise. This was the first time he'd spoken about his past.

"That's why I appreciated your performance in the meeting," he turned to her, his gaze profound, "that courage to voice your opinion even as a junior lawyer. You know that acquisition plan..."

"Skylar!" Madison's voice suddenly came from behind, "Oh my god, I've been looking everywhere for you. Mrs. Whitney says she'd love to meet you—she's very interested in law."

Alexander Brooks' gaze flickered, changing course: "Go on, don't keep Mrs. Whitney waiting."

Just as Skylar was about to turn away, he added: "By the way, there's an opera at Lincoln Center next Thursday, 'La Bohème.' I thought you might be interested."

In the car ride home, Madison chatted excitedly about something, but Skylar's thoughts lingered on the terrace conversation. What kind of person was Alexander Brooks, really? Were his actions tonight born from admiration for her professional abilities, or did he have other motives?

And what did Brandon's sudden appearance mean?

Her phone's vibration interrupted her thoughts. A text message:

"Miss Lawrence, I have a collaboration proposal I'd like to discuss in person. I cordially invite you to dinner. —Brandon Carter"

Almost simultaneously, another notification sounded.

An email from Alexander Brooks' personal address. Subject line: VIP box tickets to "La Bohème."

Skylar gazed out at the Manhattan nightscape rushing past, doubting her judgment for the first time. She could almost hear Rebecca's voice echoing in her ear:

"In this circle, everyone has their own agenda."

So what, she wondered, should her agenda be?