THE GALA OF MASKS
1463 Words
Chapter 28 – The Gala of Masks
Three days passed quickly.
The Whitmore Business Excellence Gala had become the talk of the city's business community.
News outlets described it as the most prestigious event of the year, bringing together influential entrepreneurs, philanthropists, politicians, and investors from across the country.
For Ethan, it was another business obligation.
For Victor Hayes...
It was the perfect stage.
---
Early Saturday morning, Carter Manor buzzed with activity.
Anna and the housemaids carefully unpacked Olivia's new ivory gown while Sophia arrived carrying a garment bag of matching accessories.
"You are absolutely not allowed to change your mind about this dress," Sophia declared.
Olivia laughed.
"I already paid for it."
"Good."
"Because Ethan is going to forget how to breathe when he sees you."
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully.
"You always say things like that."
"And I'm always right."
---
Meanwhile, Ethan was in his study reviewing documents for Monday's board meeting.
Daniel entered with another security report.
"Sir."
Ethan looked up.
"What is it?"
"We've completed the security arrangements for tonight."
"Good."
"There will be twelve Carter security officers inside the ballroom."
"And another eight outside."
Ethan nodded approvingly.
"No one approaches Olivia without being checked."
Daniel hesitated.
"Even Adrian Brooks?"
Ethan leaned back in his chair.
A moment of silence passed.
"If he approaches naturally, don't interfere."
Daniel looked surprised.
"Sir?"
"I trust Olivia."
His voice was calm but firm.
"I'm not going to make her feel like a prisoner because of someone else's games."
Daniel smiled slightly.
"Understood."
---
Upstairs...
Olivia stood before the mirror as Sophia carefully fastened the final clasp of her necklace.
The ivory gown fit her perfectly, flowing gracefully to the floor.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, with a pair of diamond earrings completing the elegant look.
Sophia stepped back.
"I officially have nothing left to fix."
Olivia smiled nervously.
"Do I really look alright?"
Sophia stared at her for several seconds before laughing.
"Alright?"
"You look like every magazine cover just came to life."
Olivia laughed.
"I think you're exaggerating again."
A gentle knock sounded at the bedroom door.
"Mrs. Carter," Anna called.
"Mr. Carter is ready."
Sophia grinned.
"Showtime."
---
Downstairs...
Ethan adjusted the cuff of his black tuxedo while waiting near the grand staircase.
William stood beside him.
"You seem nervous."
"I'm not."
William laughed.
"You've looked at your watch six times."
"I was checking the time."
"Of course you were."
Before Ethan could reply...
Soft footsteps echoed from above.
He instinctively looked toward the staircase.
Olivia slowly descended.
The ivory gown shimmered beneath the crystal chandelier, making her appear almost ethereal.
Every step she took seemed effortless.
For a long moment...
The entire hall fell silent.
Even the servants paused to admire her.
William smiled proudly.
"My goodness."
Ethan said nothing.
He simply stared.
Olivia reached the final step and smiled shyly.
"Is something wrong?"
He blinked.
"No."
"You..."
He searched for the right words.
"...look incredible."
Her cheeks flushed pink.
"Thank you."
Sophia quietly whispered to William,
"I told you he'd forget how to breathe."
William chuckled.
"You certainly did."
---
As Ethan offered Olivia his arm, she slipped her hand through it naturally.
He looked down at her.
"Nervous?"
"A little."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"You'll be fine."
"As long as you're with me."
Those simple words made Ethan's heart beat just a little faster.
Without thinking, he smiled.
"So will I."
Neither of them noticed William watching with unmistakable satisfaction.
"They're no longer pretending," he murmured.
"They've become a real husband and wife."
---
Outside, the black Rolls-Royce waited beneath the lights of the mansion.
Daniel opened the rear door.
As Ethan helped Olivia into the car, cameras hidden beyond the estate gates silently captured the moment.
Far across the city...
Victor Hayes received the photographs on his tablet.
He smiled coldly.
"They're arriving exactly on schedule."
He adjusted the cuffs of his tuxedo before standing.
"Tonight..."
"...the next act begins."
The black Rolls-Royce glided to a stop beneath the grand entrance of the Whitmore Grand Convention Center.
Bright lights illuminated the magnificent building as hundreds of reporters and photographers lined both sides of the red carpet.
The moment Daniel opened the car door, camera flashes exploded.
"Mr. Carter!"
"Mrs. Carter!"
"Look this way!"
Ethan stepped out first before turning and offering Olivia his hand.
She accepted it with a gentle smile.
As she stepped onto the red carpet, a collective gasp spread through the crowd.
"She looks breathtaking."
"That dress is absolutely stunning."
"They're the most elegant couple here tonight."
The photographers couldn't stop taking pictures.
Ethan noticed Olivia blinking against the constant flashes.
Without hesitation, he moved a little closer, shielding her from the crowd.
"You alright?"
She smiled gratefully.
"I am now."
He nodded once.
"Stay close."
"I wasn't planning on leaving your side."
---
Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while a live orchestra filled the room with soft classical music.
Business executives, celebrities, and philanthropists mingled in elegant evening wear.
As Ethan and Olivia entered, conversations paused.
Many guests smiled and approached them.
"Mr. Carter."
"It's good to see you again."
"And Mrs. Carter..."
"You look absolutely radiant tonight."
Olivia thanked each guest politely, earning admiration wherever she went.
Even those who had believed the recent rumors found themselves questioning everything after seeing the genuine affection between the couple.
---
Across the ballroom...
Victor Hayes watched quietly.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
"They're putting on quite a performance."
His assistant leaned closer.
"They look genuinely happy."
Victor's expression remained unreadable.
"Which makes tonight even more interesting."
Just then, Adrian Brooks entered the ballroom.
Dressed in a navy tuxedo, he greeted several charity organizers before Victor subtly caught his attention.
Adrian approached discreetly.
"You wanted to see me?"
Victor nodded toward the ballroom.
"I have only one instruction."
Adrian waited.
"If you happen to meet Mrs. Carter tonight..."
"...behave exactly as you always have."
"No more."
"No less."
Adrian frowned.
"That's all?"
Victor smiled.
"That's all."
---
Meanwhile, Olivia excused herself for a moment.
"I'm just going to get a glass of water."
Ethan nodded.
"I'll be right here."
"I'll only be a minute."
As Olivia walked toward the refreshment table, she heard a familiar voice.
"Mrs. Carter."
She turned and smiled politely.
"Mr. Brooks."
Adrian returned the smile.
"I didn't expect to see you quite so soon."
She laughed softly.
"I suppose we keep meeting."
"It certainly seems that way."
He picked up a glass of sparkling water and handed it to her.
"I believe this is what you came for."
"Thank you."
"You look beautiful tonight."
Olivia smiled politely.
"Thank you."
"My husband said the same thing."
Adrian chuckled.
"I suppose Mr. Carter and I agree on something."
They spoke for only a few minutes about the foundation's upcoming literacy program.
Their conversation remained friendly and entirely innocent.
---
From across the ballroom...
A photographer hidden among the guests quietly raised his camera.
Click.
The picture perfectly captured Adrian handing Olivia a drink while they smiled during their conversation.
Seconds later...
Another photograph.
Click.
This time, Ethan was just outside the frame.
Exactly as Victor had planned.
Victor glanced at the photographer and gave an almost invisible nod.
The photographer immediately disappeared into the crowd.
---
A few moments later, Ethan walked over.
"There you are."
Olivia smiled.
"I was just talking with Mr. Brooks."
Adrian extended his hand.
"Good evening, Mr. Carter."
Ethan shook it politely.
"Good evening."
Adrian smiled.
"I was just congratulating your wife on the foundation's latest literacy program."
"She's done remarkable work."
Ethan looked proudly at Olivia.
"I know."
There wasn't the slightest hint of jealousy in his voice.
Only admiration.
Victor watched the exchange from across the ballroom.
His smile faded ever so slightly.
"They're calmer than I expected."
His assistant whispered,
"Should we proceed?"
Victor's eyes narrowed.
"Not yet."
"I still have another move."
---
The host soon stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"Please take your seats."
"Our annual awards ceremony is about to begin."
As Ethan gently guided Olivia toward their reserved table, she slipped her hand into his.
He looked down at her.
"Nervous?"
"A little."
He smiled reassuringly.
"You'll do fine."
She squeezed his hand.
"Thank you."
Neither of them noticed the waiter quietly placing an unmarked envelope on their table before walking away.
It bore no name.
No address.
Only a single line written in elegant handwriting.
"The truth isn't always what it seems."
Olivia reached for it curiously.
"Ethan..."
"Someone left us a letter."
His smile disappeared.
A strange feeling settled over him as he picked up the envelope.
Across the ballroom, Victor Hayes lifted his glass in silent satisfaction.
"The evening," he murmured, "has finally begun."
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