Chapter 3: The rumors

A WEEK BEFORE THE PARTY....

The phone suddenly rang, shattering the peacefulness of his sleep. With a groggy voice, Mr. Alexandra answered. It was a call from his manager.

"This better be important. Why are you calling me at this hour? Mr. Alexandra grumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"It's urgent, sir, " his manager's voice crackled over the line, instantly alerting Alexandra to the seriousness of the situation. He sat in bed, a knot of worry forming in his stomach.

"What happened? " he asked, fear evident in his tone.

"Sir, there are rumors in the news, " the manager replied, the weight of the situation sinking in, quickening Alexandra's pulse.

"Rumors about what? " Alexandra inquired, his mind already racing with possibilities.

"About you and Mr.Tate, " the manager continued, the words hanging heavily in the air. "Sir, I just sent you the circulating video."

As Alexandra Opened the video, his disbelief turned into shock. "What? " he exclaimed, his voice cracking with disbelief, his mind struggling to process the accusation. "That's outrageous! "

"I know, sir. I'll contact the public relations department immediately, " the manager assured him.

"Document everything and fill a lawsuit against every single one of them, " Alexandra instructed, his frustration seeping into his words. "Do you understand? "

We've got to move fast. We can't let this video ruin everything, " Alexandra emphasized, his thoughts already calculating the potential fallout for their newly launched product.

He ordered, "Keep an eye on the stock market and keep me updated. " His mind was already racing with plans to combat the scandal.

Grabbing the remote, he flipped to the news channel, hoping for a distraction. But what he saw left him speechless. "What the hell? " he exclaimed as he watched Tate support himself, his drunken form barely able to stand. Their closeness twisted to suggest something far from the truth.

Alexandra hurried to his room without hesitation to prepare for the day ahead. Inside the bathroom, he enjoyed a quick, rejuvenating shower, allowing the warm water to wash away traces of doubt or frustration.

Emerging from the bathroom, he headed straight to his wardrobe, filled with an impressive array of suits. With a practiced eye, he selected one of his designer suits and paired it with a sleek, expensive-looking tie. Turning to the other side of the wardrobe, he surveyed his collection of exclusive watches, finally settling for one, which he fastened around his wrist.

Grabbing the keys to his Rolls-Royce Sweptail, he headed to his garage, where his luxurious vehicles were lined up. With a press of the button, the Rolls-Royce roared to life. After a final glance in the rearview mirror, he pulled out of the garage and onto the open road, ready to tackle the problem.

Upon arrival at work, he was interrupted by a swarm of journalists, their cameras flashing like lighting bolts, their questions swirling around him like a storm. "Sir, can you confirm the rumors about your love life? " one queried.

Another pressed, "Why haven't you introduced your partner to the public?

His manager intervened, attempting to shield him from the barrage of questions. "Why are they here, and why was I not informed? "he demanded, his brow furrowed with frustration.

The manager explained, "I tried contacting you, but there was no response. I've already alerted the public relations department, but the situation is escalating on social media, affecting our market and prompting concern among investors. "

Following his manager's explanation about the escalating situation in the media and the potential repercussions on the company's image and financial stability, he acknowledged, "We need to act fast before these get out of control."

Contemplating their next move, The manager suggested, "We need a distraction, something to capture the public's attention and shift focus away from these rumors. " As they strategized, the weight of responsibility bore down on them, demanding a solution before the speculation became too overwhelming to quell.

"How about announcing a new relationship? "The manager suggested. "It could take the focus off the current narrative and restore stability to the stock market. "

"What? How am I supposed to find a girlfriend? " he exclaimed. "I have not even dated in years. "

Seeking an alternative, he suggested, "What if I could find you a girlfriend within a week? "

The manager considered the idea before suggesting, "We could organize a party and invite women who match your preferences."

"Are you serious? " he questioned, surprised by the manager's suggestions.

"Yeah, I think it's worth a shot, " the manager replied. "I'll contact Mrs.Vanderbilt to make the necessary arrangements. "

A few minutes after his call with Mrs Vanderbilt, he returned with news, " She said she could come over this afternoon for both of you to discuss your preferences. "

Later that day, the manager announced, "Mrs. Vanderbilt is here, sir. "

"Let her in, " he said.

As Mrs. Vanderbilt entered, they exchanged greetings and took their seats. She handed him the invitation card she had prepared. Written on it was, "Secret Masquerade, you are invited. "

"I'm really sorry, but I can't go, " Mr Alexandra said.

Mrs. Vanderbilt leaned forward, trying to convince him otherwise. "This party is all about giving you a chance to meet potential matches in person. "

"I'm not comfortable with events like this. Plus, what are people going to think? " Mr. Alexandra expressed his concern.

"You won't have to worry about a thing regarding discretion. " Mrs. Vanderbilt assured him.

"But don't you think the whole masquerade is a little too silly? " Mr. Alexandra questioned.

"Let me be frank, " Mrs. Vanderbilt replied. We are all living with masks on. As we go through our lives, we keep hiding behind them. But as we add more and more, the masks start to reveal who we genuinely are. So, by putting on a mask, we're removing another mask. "

Mr. Alexandra listened intently as Mrs. Vanderbilt continued, "When people see you, they treat you a certain way."

He paused, considering her question carefully. "Perhaps, " he admitted.

Mrs.Vanderbilt smiled warmly. "Wouldn't you like to meet someone who sees beyond appearances, someone who values you for who you are, regardless of your status? "

Her words stuck a chord with Mr.Alexandra. "If that's what you desire, " she continued, "I will help you. But it would help if you let me help you and trust that I can do it for you. "

Mr. Alexandra nodded, a sense of hope blossoming with him.

Mrs. Vanderbilt then asked, "So, what qualities are you looking for in a partner, both physically and financially? "

"I'm looking for someone from a respected family who is educated, brave, as no child, and, of course, beautiful. Additionally, someone who isn't involved in the entertainment industry, " Mr. Alexandra replied.

"I got it, " Mrs. Vanderbilt acknowledged, noting his preferences. "I'll start looking right away. "