Chapter 14: Jealousy

The success gala was at its full grandeur. It was a perfectly executed evening of glamour, glitz and elegance. One can clearly perceive the regal and lavish lives of the billionaires through their glamorous dresses and flashy smiles. As much as Maxwell wanted to appreciate Brian for organizing such a splendid event and enjoy the gala, he could not help but to sulk because of the recent events. He forced a smile before his guests regardless of his bad mood. He remembered how he mocked at everyone for his or her pretense at the masquerade ball. Now the fate made him to do the same. He constantly thought about that night and Angela's words. His eyes searched throughout the hall to get her glimpse. He could not believe that he already missed her. C'mon, it was just one day without her. Perhaps she will come today. He chided his mind.

Suddenly, all eyes turned towards the grand staircase entrance when a stunning woman made her fashionably late entry. Her stunning red dress and gorgeous raven black hairs, cascading down her waist made everyone to awe at her. But her curious eyes wanted to see only one person. She heard the sound of click of camera and it was when she saw him. He stood stylishly in front of the camera with his one hand stuffed inside his pocket, flashing his million-dollar smile. That smile. Damn, it has the power to make every girl fall on her knees. He wore a classy black tuxedo, which fitted perfectly on his Adonis like body, making him appear as handsome as ever. She couldn't help but to swoon over him.

Then her yearning eyes met with his uncertain ones. She deeply gazed in his eyes, trying to discern his feelings. And for once, she saw his gaze soften at her. She sighed in relief. At least I have some hope still left. She offered him a smile but all of a sudden, his expression turned bitter as he stared someone behind her. Her smile instantly faded away and she turned behind to see the person who caused trouble in her paradise.

Ughh, not again. She grunted subconsciously.

Seth grinned at her as she shot him daggers with her eyes. "Geez, if looks can kill, I would've been buried six feet under the ground by now" he commented.

"Definitely" she tried her best to maintain her calm composure. Her annoyance piqued when he slyly slid his hand around her waist.

"Don't you dare to do that!" she warned him.

He raised his arms in surrender "aright, don't get your panties on twist" he smirked and walked away nonchalantly. She huffed in irritation. He is such a pain in ass.

She looked around to find Max but he was nowhere to be found. On the other corner of the hall, Adam stood casually, watching them silently. He could not fathom what was going on between the two of them. What could've possibly happened between them? Who was that man beside Angela? Why won't Max tell me anything? Myriads of questions erupted in his mind and he was frustrated beyond words. Max was completely ignoring him and was behaving weirdly lately. But he won't take rest until he find the real matter.

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Max excused himself from the guests to get a drink. The host announced for the dance and the last thing he wanted to do was dancing. He took a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by and noticed someone coming towards him. Angela was approaching in his direction and desperation was clearly visible on her face. Her words ringed in his mind "I just want to tell you that it was never my choice..." maybe she was right. All he could do was hope; hope that she was telling him the truth. He eyed her up and down and groaned inwardly, taking in her appearance. Is she trying to kill me? Her red leg slit dress flaunted her long slender legs perfectly. She looked elegant and sensational at the same time. A soft romantic music started to tune in the background.

Angela smiled at him. This time I'm not letting the chance slip out of my hand. Nothing can stop me. But the luck was not in her favor seemingly, as someone's head popped in between.

God damn it.

"Seth..." she muttered, not so pleased by his interruption. His lips quirked up in a charming smile as he offered his hand to her "may I have the honor to dance with the most beautiful lady tonight". Her eyes drifted towards Max. He averted his eyes away from them and waltzed away as if he didn't care.

"Ah, c'mon it's just one dance. I won't bite," Seth cooed. She let out an exasperated sigh and placed her hand in his. He encircled her waist and at once brought her close to his chest. Angela's eyes trailed Max as he disappeared between the guests.

"You are looking smokin' hot in that dress. I'm turned on," he whispered huskily in her ears as they swayed softly with the rhythm. She rolled her eyes "you are always turned on, Seth".

He chuckled "and what about me? How do I look?" he asked in amusement.

She spared a glance at him. To say that he didn't look good would be an understatement. In fact, he looked dashing in his navy blue Armani suit. "You pulled off nicely. I will give you that" she tried to keep her compliment as short as possible as she didn't want to give him wrong ideas.

"Why thank you. My charm is hard to resist. Almost every female present in this gala tried to flirt with me" he winked at a middle age woman dancing nearby who shot him a flirtatious smirk in return. "You are lucky that my attention is solely focused on you" he looked down at her.

"Get over yourself, narcissist" she snickered. Her gaze still lingered around the hall to find Max, which didn't go unnoticed by Seth. "Finding someone?" he asked in an annoyed tone as he gently lifted her body up.

"What's your problem really? This was not what we decided. You were supposed to tell Max about your mistake and here you are dancing with me and making the situation worse. I just want all this to end as soon as possible!" she snapped furiously. She saw a tinge of hurt flashed in his eyes and immediately regretted her words. Sometimes words hurt more than actions....

"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. I'm just tired of this sick game"

"Yeah whatever" he tried to brush off the conversation and smoothly rolled her body. She lost her balance accidently and collided with someone's hard chest. She looked up to find a familiar face frowning at her.

Oh no...

Adam steadied her and turned to Seth. "May I steal your partner for a dance?" he asked in a serious tone. Typical Adam. She mentally rolled her eyes. She glanced up at Seth, pleading him with her eyes. Please don't let him dance with him. Everything was already going wrong with her, the last thing she wanted was to face the wrath of an overprotective, and angry best friend.