Chapter 226 Long Waited

Chapter 226 Long Waited
Bianca's POV

I arrived at Steele Tower earlier than usual the next morning.

The main lobby was noisier than usual as people were huddled near the reception desk, whispering and smiling about the annual gala.

Even when I was just a little McIntyre girl, I always heard of the gala.

The event was always the biggest night of the year for the company and even the entire city, and every corner of the building was filled with excitement.

I ignored the chatter, took the elevator up to the executive floor, and walked straight into my office.

I had barely placed my handbag on the desk and booted up my computer when the door opened.

Simon stepped inside carrying a large, elegant black box tied with a white silk ribbon.

"Good morning, Miss McIntyre," Simon said with a polite smile, setting the box down on the center of my desk.

I looked at the box, then looked up at him with a frown. "What is this?"

"A dress for tonight," Simon said, gesturing to the box. "It came directly from Mr. Steele's private designer. He asked me to hand-deliver it to your office."

I crossed my arms over my chest, not even touching the ribbon. "Take it back, Simon. I bought my own dress yesterday. I don't need him dressing me up like some escort."

Simon looked surprised, his eyebrows shooting up. "You already bought one? Were you careful about picking out the same color as Mr. Steele?"

I glared at him in annoyance. "Why do I have to wear the same color as him? He is dictating every single detail of my life, and now he thinks he can tell me what to wear to a company party?"

"Miss McIntyre, please," Simon said quickly, holding up his hands. "I'm not trying to upset you. It's just that this isn't an open event for every single employee. The gala is meant for the executive leadership and international partners only. It is a couple-themed event. The senior partners are supposed to match and attend as pairs. Tonight also serves as our major charity fundraiser for the regional children's hospitals."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Why am I just finding out about all of this now?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Simon stammered, looking uncomfortable. "I honestly thought you knew. I assumed Mr. Steele had already told you the event structure."

"He doesn't tell me anything," I snapped. "Next time, someone better inform me of these details beforehand so I don't waste my time and money. What color is he wearing?"

"It's navy blue," Simon replied. "His tuxedo is midnight navy with black satin lapels. Just to make sure you get the exact shade, I will send the designer's color swatch directly to your work email right now."

"Thank you," I said flatly.

Simon picked up the black box, hesitating for a second near the doorway. "You know, Miss McIntyre... you could just keep this dress. It really looks lovely, and it costs a lot of money. Mr. Steele really wanted to impress you."

"Take the dress back to him, Simon," I said firmly, pointing at the door. "Tell him I am not impressed. I don't like being his charity case."

Simon quickly tucked the large box under his arm, nodded nervously, and hurried out of my office, closing the door behind him.

I sat down in my leather chair, letting out a long, frustrated breath. I checked my inbox, and the color swatch from Simon was already there. It was a deep, rich midnight blue. The emerald gown I had bought yesterday at the boutique with my own money was completely useless now. I was going to have to rush out during the lunch break, find another store, and buy a midnight navy dress out of my own pocket just to avoid standing next to him in his designer gift.

I spent the next two hours reviewing shipping spreadsheets, but I couldn't focus. Every time I stepped out to the copy room, staff members were gossiping about the luxury venue, the celebrity guests, and the millions of dollars expected to be raised for charity.

Around noon, I grabbed my coat and purse, decided to leave early to hunt for a navy dress, and walked toward the elevators.

The doors slid open at the ground floor lobby. I stepped out into the open space near the main glass entrance, and there he was.

Leon was standing near the security desk, speaking quietly with the head of building security. He turned around just as I walked past, his amber eyes locking onto mine.

"Miss McIntyre," Leon called out, stepping away from the guards and walking over to intercept me before I reached the revolving doors.

I stopped, keeping my bag clutched tightly in front of me. "What is it, Mr. Steele?"

"Simon told me you refused the dress," Leon said. His voice was calm, but his brow was furrowed with concern. "Did you not like the cut?"

"I am not interested in your dress, Leon," I replied, looking directly into his face.

"Why not?" he asked, taking a step closer. "It was made by a top designer, tailored specifically to your measurements."

"Because I am not a freaking charity case," I said, keeping my voice low so the receptionist wouldn't overhear our argument. "We are going out tonight to raise money for sick children who actually need help. If you have so much extra money sitting around to buy custom gowns for your employees, why don't you take that money and donate it to the hospital instead?"

Leon looked at me, completely silent for a second. Then he shook his head slowly, looking slightly stunned.

"Bianca, I have already donated half a billion dollars to that children's foundation this year," Leon said. "The entire gala tonight is being hosted in one of my banquet halls, and I am personally sponsoring all the event costs. I just didn't want to make a public announcement about it. Who do you think I am? Do you honestly think I am someone who doesn't care about sick children?"

I stood there, completely speechless.

Half a billion dollars. He had funded the entire cause in silence, without a single press release or public bragging.

For a moment, I felt embarrassed for assuming otherwise, but I quickly pushed it down.

Generosity didn't erase the BDSM photos, or the secrets he was hiding.

"Whatever," I muttered, looking away from his gaze. "I still don't need your dress. I will pick out my own."

"Simon told me you don't have the exact color," Leon said, his eyes tracking my face. "The dress code for the executive partners is strict tonight."

"Then I will go get a new one right now," I said stubbornly. "I can buy my own clothes."

Leon looked at me for a minute and then sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck. "Fine. Wear whatever dress you buy. But can I at least pick you up from your house tonight? We are supposed to arrive together as partners."

"No," I answered instantly. "I'll be fine on my own. I'll find my way there in a cab just like the rest of the attendees."

"I know you don't have a car, Bianca," Leon insisted firmly. "Sunset Ridge is far away from the banquet hall. I cannot risk you taking random city cabs alone at night, especially with everything that has happened recently. Please. If you really don't want to see me, then at least allow Simon, Thomas, or Elias to drive you there."

I looked at his face. He looked exhausted, but the worry in his eyes was undeniable.

I knew if I completely refused, he would probably send three security cars to tail my cab anyway.

"Thomas can come pick me up," I finally conceded. "Only Thomas. But not you. Goodbye, Mr. Steele."

I turned on my heel and pushed through the revolving glass doors, stepping out onto the busy sidewalk to hail a taxi back to the boutique.

I needed to shop again.

As I stood by the curb, waiting for an empty cab, my heart was racing.

Tonight would finally be the end of all this pain.

I remembered the cold voice of the unknown woman on the phone from last night.

She was going to be waiting for me near the second-floor terrace.

If she gave me those files tonight, I would have everything I needed.

By tomorrow morning, I wouldn't have to dodge Leon in the office hallways anymore.

I would take the documents straight to a good lawyer, fight him in court, and reclaim my father's company from the mess Marcus had made.

And then I would expose Leon Steele to the entire world.

All I needed to do was get through the gala tonight and get my hands on that evidence.