101 - The Children's Gala

101 - The Children's Gala
Third Person

“Sophie, sweetheart, it’s time to get ready! The stylists are in your room setting up,” Zion called out from the open library door. She was wrapped in a wool blanket, tucked into one of the lavish armchairs, her nose stuck in one of her favorite smutty stories.

“Five more minutes?” She called, not even bothering to look up as she turned the page.

“Sophie! Now. Dad wants you dressed and ready to go at five. It’s now three thirty,” Zion chided.

“Ugh, fine!” she huffed and resigned herself to finishing later. As she approached Zion, she asked him, “Why are you and Asher not going again? I thought the invite was for all of us.”

“We have some business to attend to. Besides, while we are open about particularly unorthodox relationships with our Mafia groups, the legitimate world and society would not take too kindly to our dynamic. In the public eye, you will be with Dad for now,” Zion shrugged.

“So if I marry your father, does that mean you must call me mommy?” Sophie teased, and then she gagged. She couldn’t hold it. Even Zion made a yucky face.

“No, darling. When we get married, you will marry all of us. We will go to a country that recognizes poly marriages. We will handle all the public relations shit when the time comes,” Zion added. “Now, scoot! You know how your Daddy is with punctuality!” he gave her a playful yet hard slap on the ass, making her yelp.

Sophie rushed to the elevator and took it to the top floor. She said hello to all the guards in the hallway as she entered her suite. As soon as she opened the door, she was accosted by three stylists who swarmed her like honey bees to a fresh flower. Her body was primed, plucked, and plastered for the next hour. She was fully waxed from head to toe, her nails were painted a soft neutral cream, her face was airbrushed to perfection, and her hair had enough hairspray to inflate a hot air balloon.

Matlock picked out a gorgeous emerald green formal gown that hugged her curves. It was an umpire waist with a sweetheart neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a high zipper back. There was a small slit to the kneecap on the left side. There was silver beading in the bodice, which looked like raining diamonds. The smooth silk fabric looked like it changed colors in the lighting. She wore a silver open-toe stiletto to
complement the dress. It had an iridescent sheen to it. Sophie was mesmerized when she finally got to see the completed look.

She thought her hair was in an intricate updo that screamed old Hollywood glam chic; all she needed was a strand of pearls. Although she didn’t wear any jewelry, her dress was more than enough bling.
A soft knock on the door was her cue to leave. Matlock was waiting downstairs for her. She followed her guards downstairs in the elevator and soon approached Matlock and the twins. Matlock looked H.O.T. emphasis on the capital letters. It's like someone needs to turn the fans on turbo-hot. He was jaw-droppingly handsome in his sleek black tux. The bowtie itself would make any woman swoon. He was built like a tank, his beard was trimmed to perfection, and his powerful aura had Sophie getting all tingly in the one place she knew she shouldn’t, at least not right now.

He noticed her strolling toward them and flashed that mega-million-dollar pearly white smile. Sophie felt weak in the knees watching him; that smile was only hers. “You take my breath away every morning when you wake up looking like a zombie who had a catfight with a raccoon. You, my love, have stopped my heart. Holy shit, I do not deserve to have you on my arm tonight,” Matlock swooned. Sophie’s cheeks blushed a bright red. “And now, you are perfect. Just a little more color in those cheeks. I love seeing you blush for me.”

“Don’t forget the final touches!” Asher said, holding a rectangular velvet box the size of his hand. He opened it to reveal a new gold chain ‘collar’ identical to the first one, but this time it was in platinum, not gold.

There was a beautiful yet simple dangle diamond earring set in the box that resembled the beaded pattern on her dress. There was also a diamond tennis bracelet set in platinum. The guys helped her put everything
on. With one last look over and plenty of exchanged saliva, Matlock finally tore Sophie away from the house and into the waiting limousine.

Matlock held Sophie’s hand the whole time while the country night turned into the familiar city lights. Soon, they rolled up to the city hall building. It was an older colonial-style building with rustic charm. The hospital sponsoring the event had banners hung between the pillars. There were reporters from every major news network and paparazzi flashing cameras nonstop.

“I am not going to let you out of my sight. I promise you will be with me at all times, baby girl,” Matlock said sweetly, kissing her on the cheek. The security team took their places outside the limo before the door opened, and Matlock got out. He adjusted his tux before extending a hand for Sophie to grab.

He helped her out of the car and adjusted her train for her. He took her hand and led her up the red-carpeted steps. The paparazzi and news channels were going wild, trying to get his attention. They wanted to know who the woman in green was. Matlock stopped near the entrance and greeted an older woman with a microphone casually.

“Emerelda, looking sharp as always,” Matlock teased, exchanging air kisses.

“You clean up decent as well, old man,” she retorted. “Well, don’t just stand there like a babbling baffoon. Give me the scoop. Who is the gorgeous girl on your arm tonight?” the reporter Esmeralda asked.

“This is Sophie. She is my life partner,” Matlock said casually. Sophie, this is Esmerlda with Channel Six News. We have been friends since grade school, and she was a good friend to the twin’s mom.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Sophie said timidly. She didn’t extend her shaking hand, only nodded in acknowledgment.

“The pleasure is mine, dear. I thought this old fart was never going to settle down. You look simply divine! Now, Matlock, be a dear and answer a few questions for an old pal. I promise, strictly business and positive media attention,” she said with a smile. Matlock nodded, so for the next ten minutes, he did an impromptu interview about the upcoming gala and his personal and professional contributions to the city, the state, and the country. Matlock kept Sophie’s hand in his the whole time, squeezing it when he answered, always letting her know he was still with her.

After the interview concluded, pleasantries were exchanged, and they entered the main foyer of city hall. Cocktail tables were set up in the grand foyer, and servers milled around the crowded room serving fancy hors d' oeuvres.

There was an open bar in each corner. “Let me guess; they try to get you drunk, so you are more willing to open up your checkbook?” Sophie whispered to Matlock, who chuckled at his cheeky and observant little minx. “Pretty much,” he retorted.

They walked into the hall and were immediately approached by three stocky gentlemen. “Ah, President Seaburg, Mr. Holdman, Mr. Armisten, thank you for the invitation to tonight’s event,” Matlock said smoothly. He hated these men; he knew for a fact Holdman was as slimy as the mucus from a child’s nose during flu season. Seaburg was an idiot who listened to bad advisors. Armisten was not the brightest in the bunch, either.

“The pleasure is ours. We cannot thank you enough for your donations over the years. I hope we can count on your support for our new research facility?” Holdman wasted no time in cutting straight to the chase. He was a shrewd businessman, and Matlock’s generosity over the years funded much of Holdman’s lavish lifestyle. Holdman could care less about some sick children. He only acted caring if it meant more money in his control.

“Mr. Holdman, my partner, had a much better idea of our future investments at Children’s Hope Hospital. We will not give any money for the new research facility,” Matlock said, smiling at Sophie like she was his world. He only had eyes for her.

“Excuse me, Mr. Anderson, sir. Did you say you will not donate to our research facility? That is our main fundraising objective. I implore you to reconsider,” Armisten chimed in, looking pale. They had been banking on the Anderson donations to purchase the most expensive materials and splurge on all the bits and bobs.

“Yes, you heard correctly. Sophie here had a brilliant idea that I support a million percent. We are going to be creating a fund that will be used to pay for the children’s medical expenses, especially those who cannot pay for proper treatment and medication,” Matlock boasted, beaming at Sophie.

“Research is great, but we continue to fail those who are alive today and suffering greatly because they do not have the financial means to continue life-saving medication. There shouldn’t be any second-guessing,” Sophie chipped in her opinion.

“No one asked you, young lady. You would do well to remember that the men are speaking, and you are just his flavor of the month,” Holdman interjected. Sofie raised her eyebrows, and Matlock’s face went blank and murderous in a heartbeat.

“Excuse me?” Sophie raised her voice. To Holdman’s surprise, Matlock did not interject and stick up for him. “How dare you, you piece of no-good lying scumbag bastard product of a chimpanzee ass!

“Watch your tone, you have no idea who I am!” Holdman said, getting huffy.

“Oh, I’m shaking in my heels! Not, you fucking douche canoe. You don’t know who I am! I am Sophie fucking Deltoro, soon to be Anderson and one word from me and I can bring down your businesses, your luxuries, all of it. I can make sure you don’t even have a pot to piss in, so I suggest you learn some respect. You reek of deception; there is no doubt that you have been committing all sorts of crimes and probably taking money from the hospital to fund your lavish lifestyle. So no, we will not be contributing to anything you touch,” Sophie spat. Matlock just looked at her with pride. He still couldn’t get over the fact she openly claimed she would be an Anderson soon.

“Mr. Anderson, I have never been so insulted in my life! I demand an apology, and I will consider giving my forgiveness for a twenty percent increase from last year’s donation,” Holdman demanded.
Sophie and Matlock exchanged looks and just laughed. They laughed loudly, making several other guests look at them. Sophie asked Matlock, “Can I please respond?” she was as giddy as a child at the zoo. Matlock nodded, and Sophie turned to the arrogant man, cleared her throat, and said, “We shall fail to acquiesce to your request, old man. It means no,” Sophie proudly quoted one of her favorite movies.