Embedded

Charity

Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis rolled up the long driveway to the venue for the gala. Glittering chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the polished marble floors reflected their shimmering light. The guests were dressed to the nines in floor-length gowns, crisp-collared suits, and tuxedos. Some wafted in, their faces hidden behind jewel-encrusted masks, while others sported extravagant hats or feathered boas. The air was thick with laughter and chatter, punctuated by the whirring of cameras capturing memories for later posting. Booths showcasing high-end merchandise and local delicacies lined the walls as waiters circulated carrying trays of champagne and other refreshments. It promised to be an unforgettable night.

Mason pointed out the different groups in the crowd as he explained to Thea, the intricate hierarchy of the crowd. Older men with the plastic smiles of trophy wives, women whose husbands could be grandfathers to their kids, and of course, clusters of barely-legal coeds vying for the attention of a wealthy patron. “In short,” Mason explained, “Everyone is here tonight for themselves and no one else.”

Thea’s eyes were fixed on him; her head tilted slightly to one side. “Does that include your mom?” she asked.

Mason glanced around the room, his eyes catching Addison and Dan chatting in the corner. He straightened his tie and cleared his throat. “Especially her,” he said, motioning for them to join him. “It’s all about exposure for the firm.”

Thea’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of Addison. She wore a deep red gown with a sweetheart neckline highlighting her delicate collarbones and curves. A diamond pendant hung from her neck, sparkling in the light. “You look amazing, Addison!” Thea exclaimed.

Addison stepped back and admired Thea from head to toe, her eyes sparkling with astonishment. Her jaw dropped in awe as she clasped her hands together. “Oh my Gosh, me?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. “No, you look absolutely breathtaking,” she said, wrapping her arms around Thea in an embrace.

Dan stepped in, his eyes twinkling with joy as he embraced Thea in a warm hug. “Hi, Thea, long time no see.”

Thea closed her eyes and embraced him. Her arms tightened around him, and she whispered, “It’s been too long.”

Mason spun around to face Addison, his eyebrows drawn together in a knot of impatience, “Have you heard from her?” His voice was tight and controlled, but it was clear he was holding back his anger.

Addison gently pulled her phone out of her elegant and intricately beaded clutch, her fingertips barely brushing the gold clasp. The paparazzi’s cameras began clicking furiously, and the growing crowd of onlookers started to jostle for a good view. “There she is,” Addison breathed as she spotted their mother making her way through the throng of people.

Genevieve walked into the ballroom with her signature air of confidence, her dark greyish hair cascading over her shoulders as she swayed her hips in a sensual rhythm. Heads were turning as every eye in the room followed her entrance. She glided effortlessly to Addison and Mason, wearing a brilliant smile that illuminated the room. “Hello, my lovely daughter and son,” she cried out, giving them a warm hug.

Someone give this woman an Emmy. Thea thought.

Genevieve’s eyes softened, and her lips curled up into a warm, approving smile as she glanced at Dan. “Lovely to see you,” she said.

Dan’s leer was cold as he stared at Genevieve. He’d been down this road before and knew not to get engaged in her games. He replied with a simple, “Genevieve,” and looked away, keeping his responses short and detached.

Genevieve’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Thea. Her hair was tucked back on one side, her lipstick was a perfect shade of rose, and her dress was stylish yet sophisticated. “Well, don’t you clean up nicely,” Genevieve said.

Thea wrinkled her nose and raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Thank you?” she said in an incredulous tone, shaking her head in bewilderment.

Mason’s face was drawn, and his lip curled in defiance as he stepped forward, “How long do we have to suffer through your farce?” he growled.

“Seconded,” Addison added.

Genevieve’s eyebrows knitted together, and her mouth twitched into a frown. Her eyes shimmered with hurt as she asked, “You don’t care about helping others in need?”

Mason’s mouth turned up in a smirk, and a bark of laughter escaped his throat, “And you do?” he challenged as he crossed his arms across his chest.

Genevieve raised her voice slightly, eyes scanning the room for eavesdroppers. “Of course I do!” she declared, her smile forced.

“But you’re here for yourself,” Addison said softly, bringing an end to the guise of composure Genevieve had been faking.

Genevieve reluctantly let out a long sigh and ran her hands over her face. “Fine,” she said, her voice thick with resignation. “Exposure helps the firm. At least mingle for an hour or two before you leave.”

Mason and Addison locked eyes in a wordless exchange, each trying to outwait the other. Just as Mason’s gaze faltered, he sighed, flicking his glare back toward their mother. “Fine,” he muttered, defeated.

Addison grabbed Thea’s arm and pulled her toward the clusters of people scattered throughout the room. She glanced back at Mason and winked, letting him know he was not invited. “Let’s mingle,” she said, and they walked off, leaving Mason with a smile on his lips.

Thea felt like she was thrust into a different realm as she stood in the opulent ballroom. People donned expensive jewels and designer garments while they laughed and conversed. Waiters circled the room with platters of golden champagne, and Thea accepted a glass, feeling suddenly out of her element. She was introduced to many influential people, but their conversations were shallow and dull. Amidst the dry talk, her eyes naturally fluttered to Genevieve.

Genevieve lit up the room with her infectious laugh and twinkling eyes. She moved through the crowd gracefully, her hands brushing against the arms of the men she conversed with. Her voice grew low and husky when she leaned in, and Thea watched as the men eagerly basked in her attention. Thea leaned close to Addison, “She’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Addison sighed and shook her head. “Mhmm, she’s been doing this for years,” she said. “I hate to admit it, but she’s the one who grew the firm to the number of clients we have today. I just wish it was on better tactics.” Thea nodded in agreement, her eyes sympathetic. Addison smiled, trying to shake off the mood. “But enough about her, what’s new with you?” she asked.

Thea furrowed her brows and tilted her head, gazing up into her friend’s warm eyes for an explanation. “Ummm. What do you mean?” her voice sounded with confusion.

Addison leaned forward, “I mean, what’s going on with you and my brother?” Addison prodded.

A storm of little sparks ignited in Thea’s core as an image of Mason’s lips against hers flashed through her mind. Her cheeks suddenly bloomed red in the intensity of the moment. “N-nothing,” she stammered, trying to compose herself.

Addison leaned closer to her friend, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. “C’mon, I’ve known you for years. Don’t try to be coy with me.”

Thea’s gaze shifted to the corner of the room, where a long polished ebony bar with high-backed cushioned stools stood. She sighed and said, “I’m slowly starting to comprehend him more. That’s all.”

Addison raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, studying Thea momentarily before speaking. “Really? Is that it? I mean, I see the way he looks at you.”

Thea was caught off guard, “The way he looks….”

Genevieve’s arrival was untimely, her presence casting an ominous shadow over Addison and Thea’s conversation. Thea felt the tension build and needed something to take the edge off. “Do you want a drink?” She asked Addison, gesturing with her thumb towards the bar, desperately seeking a stronger stimulant to face the woman she knew as the wicked witch of the firm.

“No thanks. I’m good,” Addison replied.

Thea walked cautiously towards the bar, her heart in her throat as she spotted Mason staring at her from across the room. His lips were parted as he slowly licked them, and Thea could feel his eyes following her as she walked. Mason’s eyes were still locked on her when Thea turned to look back at him. His gaze never wavered, deep and intense. It was as if he was daring her to look away. Thea suddenly felt like she was standing in the middle of a furnace; her face flushed, her heart raced, and her stomach filled with butterflies. No matter how hard she tried, she could not break away from his stare.