CHAPTER 67
CHAPTER 67
Alec stayed. He helped me clean up, then he made me lunch. He made sure I finished everything. Then, when the children woke up while I was trying on dresses, he took care of them. It broke my heart because in another life, I wouldn’t have to hide his children from him, but this was the only life we had, and in this life, I had to protect them. No matter the cost.
Tonight was the Charity Gala. Bertram, Viola, and Chad were with me. Vivian and the other security team were with the children. I wasn’t comfortable, though. I wanted to wrap it up quickly and go home. I would have felt comfortable if Bertram were with them, but he was with me because he and Vivi were fighting. It was so annoying.
My dress was a beautiful black form-fitting dress with gemstones embellished on the cleavage. It was beautiful. It foreshadowed my royalty. I had on a simple necklace and matching bracelets, and earrings. My makeup was simple. Alec took care of everything. I had to pay him back one way or the other.
The car pulled into the parking lot, and I exhaled shakily. I called Vivi one last time, knowing I wouldn’t be able to call her when we got in, but she didn’t pick up, which only made me more scared.
“Can you go home, Bertram? Please.” I begged, my chest caving in. I was worried about my babies.
He nodded, kissed my cheeks, and got out of the car. Viola was right beside me as I stepped out. I didn’t know why we were in the parking lot and not on our way inside.
“What are we doing here?” I asked, confused.
“He wants to see you.” Viola smiled at me, and I glanced ahead to see Alec. He stole all the air from my lungs. He looked so beautiful. He was wearing a black suit. He had on a gold chain and gold cufflinks. His hands were decorated with a stack of gold rings. He looked so elegant. I desperately wanted him, but not once. I wanted to keep him.
“Hi,” I smiled at him.
“Hello, Carla. You look beautiful.” He kissed my hands, and I flushed.
“So, what’s the plan?” I asked, running my gaze over him hungrily.
“We party. We make donations. We dance. We make rounds, do some introductions, then we leave.” He explained, and I nodded, “Then, let’s go.”
He took my hand and linked it with his, then led me in through a different door. I smiled when I saw Luca, waving at him as we walked past. Alec had his team scattered all around. He was also anxious, because I caught him looking at the exit a lot of times. Was he expecting anything to go wrong, or was he just being cautious?
“Come on,” He said, leading me towards our seat.
The hall was huge and decorated. It wasn’t crowded as I expected; however, it pulsed with a certain energy. It was filled with people I didn’t know. I didn’t have to know who they were to know they were powerful people. For a second, I wondered if I should have taken Bertram’s advice, but almost immediately, I felt Alec’s thumb rub my wrist softly, comforting.
Our seat was at the edge, but in the front row. The Charity Gala began, and I was intrigued, watching as everyone put up a show. I wondered if my Dad did any of these. I really hated that he kept it out of my reach. He should have told me about it. Now, I was left with a heritage, a legacy, and an empire I didn’t know what to do about. At least, I wasn’t alone. I had Alec. I had Viola and Chad. I had my family. It was little, but it was something.
The night passed slowly and smoothly. Soon, we had to socialise. I wasn’t quite sure. I was just following Alec’s lead, and it led me to the bar.
“So what do you think?” He asked, passing me a glass of champagne.
I sighed and looked around the room, “I’m not so sure. I feel like I’m waiting for something to happen, and it hasn’t.”
“Be careful what you wish for.” He whispered, then took my hand firmly. I followed his gaze in confusion and saw Micah walking towards us, a vicious look on his face.
He was intercepted before he could get to us. Viola, Luca, and Chad held him at bay, which only made him angrier.
“It’s okay. I’m sure he just wants to talk.” Alec said lightly, and I frowned because I was certain Micah did not just want to talk, but I knew I had to trust Alec, so I did.
Micah was let through, and he walked to me, foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog.
“How dare you show your face here? How dare you?” He snarled, and I frowned, confused, “It is a Charity Gala. Are you okay, Micah?”
“Oh, yes, I’m okay. I got the papers from your lawyer again. I don’t know if you are stupid or just brainless. I can do so much. I can ruin your life, you idiot.” He spat at me, and my cheeks flushed, because I had no response. He could ruin my life. He could harm my children. I couldn’t let him do that.
“Careful now, Micah. I can do so much. I am pretty versatile, and you know what I’m talking about. I warned you. This is your second warning. There will not be a third warning. I’ve been nice, but my niceness has run out. This is your only warning. I fucking dare you.” Alec threatened calmly.
Micah flushed before spitting, “Fucking the enemy, I see. Your father would be so disappointed. This isn’t over!” He avowed, turned around, and stormed off.
I leaned against the bar, catching my breath.
“Don’t rest just yet, Carla,” Alec said, annoyed.
I followed his gaze and saw my Uncle walking towards me, accompanied by his goons.
Blood rushed to my head.