CHAPTER 13: THE LADY IN EMERALD
914 Words
The Royal Crescent Hotel had never looked more magnificent.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom, while elegant white roses and emerald-green floral arrangements decorated every corner. A live orchestra played softly as the city's most influential figures arrived one after another.
Politicians.
Business executives.
Celebrities.
Foreign investors.
Tonight was the annual Lawson Charity Gala, one of the most prestigious events in Valestia.
Everything had to be perfect.
And thanks to Giovanni Events...
It was.
---
Backstage, Mackenzie took one final look around the ballroom.
Every table was perfectly arranged.
The stage lights glowed warmly.
The floral centerpieces were exactly where she had envisioned them.
She exhaled in relief.
"We did it."
Clara smiled.
"The guests are already complimenting the decorations."
Sophia, who had come to support her friend, grinned.
"I told you this would be your masterpiece."
Mackenzie laughed.
"I just hope nothing goes wrong."
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"You just had to say that, didn't you?"
---
Meanwhile...
A convoy of black luxury vehicles pulled up outside the hotel.
Security personnel immediately formed two lines.
The ballroom doors opened.
Kelvin Alexander Lawson stepped inside.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he carried himself with effortless authority.
The conversations around the room gradually faded.
Everyone noticed him.
Some nodded respectfully.
Others lowered their eyes.
Even the hotel's general manager hurried forward.
"Good evening, Mr. Lawson."
Kelvin acknowledged him with a slight nod before scanning the ballroom.
His gaze instinctively searched for one person.
---
Mackenzie emerged from the backstage corridor, carrying a tablet in one hand.
She had changed out of her work clothes into an elegant emerald-green evening gown that flowed gracefully to the floor.
Her hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder.
The subtle diamond earrings she wore sparkled beneath the chandeliers.
She wasn't trying to attract attention.
Yet she did.
The moment Kelvin saw her...
The entire room seemed to disappear.
For the first time in years...
He forgot about business.
Forgot about rivals.
Forgot about the endless responsibilities waiting for him.
There was only Mackenzie.
Damien noticed immediately.
A small smile crossed his face.
"You should probably breathe, Boss."
Kelvin didn't take his eyes off her.
"I am."
Damien chuckled under his breath.
---
Mackenzie looked up and noticed Kelvin approaching.
"Good evening, Mr. Lawson."
He stopped in front of her.
His normally unreadable expression softened.
"Good evening, Miss Giovanni."
His eyes briefly swept over her gown.
"You've done an exceptional job."
She smiled.
"I'm glad you approve."
There was a brief silence.
Then Kelvin quietly added,
"And..."
"You look beautiful tonight."
Heat rushed to Mackenzie's cheeks.
"Thank you."
It was such a simple compliment.
Yet it sounded completely sincere.
Sophia, standing several feet away, nearly squealed with excitement.
She quickly looked away before anyone noticed her watching.
---
The gala officially began.
Kelvin welcomed the guests with a short speech about the importance of supporting children's hospitals and education initiatives across Valestia.
The audience applauded warmly.
Mackenzie watched from the side of the ballroom.
She had expected a cold businessman.
Instead...
She saw a confident leader who genuinely cared about making a difference.
Perhaps there was more to Kelvin Lawson than the rumors suggested.
---
Across the ballroom...
A waiter carrying a tray of champagne moved quietly through the crowd.
His uniform looked identical to the others.
But he wasn't hotel staff.
Hidden beneath his sleeve was a small communication device.
He spoke almost silently.
"Target confirmed."
Outside...
A black sedan was parked across the street.
Inside sat one of Ricardo DeLuca's lieutenants.
"Maintain your position."
"We're only observing tonight."
---
Back inside...
The orchestra began playing a slow waltz.
Couples made their way onto the dance floor.
Kelvin stood near the stage, speaking with several foreign investors.
Yet his eyes kept drifting back to Mackenzie.
Damien stepped closer.
"You've looked at her at least twenty times in the last ten minutes."
Kelvin answered without embarrassment.
"I've only looked twenty?"
Damien laughed softly.
"I've never seen you like this."
Kelvin didn't deny it.
---
As the music continued, Kelvin excused himself from the investors and walked toward Mackenzie.
She noticed him immediately.
"Is everything alright?"
He held out his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Her heart skipped.
She glanced toward the crowded dance floor.
"I don't know if that's appropriate."
"We're celebrating a successful partnership."
His voice was calm.
"A single dance."
Mackenzie looked into his grey eyes.
For reasons she couldn't explain...
She trusted him.
Slowly...
She placed her hand in his.
Kelvin gently led her onto the dance floor.
The orchestra's melody filled the ballroom as he rested one hand respectfully at her waist.
She placed her free hand on his shoulder.
Neither of them spoke at first.
The world around them seemed to fade.
"You dance well," Kelvin said.
"My father taught me."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I'll have to thank him someday."
She laughed softly.
"I think he'd be surprised to hear that."
Kelvin looked at her with quiet admiration.
"No."
"I think I'd be the grateful one."
For a brief moment...
Neither of them noticed the waiter standing near the ballroom entrance.
He discreetly lifted his phone.
Click.
A photograph of Kelvin and Mackenzie dancing together.
The image was instantly sent to Ricardo DeLuca.
Miles away, Ricardo looked at the photograph.
His smile slowly disappeared.
"So..."
he murmured,
"It wasn't just a rumor."
He placed the phone on the table.
Then gave a chilling order.
"Prepare Phase Two."
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