Chapter 75 CHARITY GALA
Ixora woke up to see Drexton gone again. She clearly remembered dozing off on the table while waiting for him. Now, she's in the bed, meaning he came back to the hotel.
She got out of bed, mumbling some cursing words.
If he knew he wouldn't need her help, why make her come with him?
At least she wouldn't be dying of boredom if she were in New York.
She was about to enter the bathroom when her eyes caught a package.
"What is this?"
She picked it up and saw a note.
"Wear this. We'll be going out in the evening. I will send people who will join you soon."
From Drexton, no doubt.
Seriously, he couldn't even wait for her to wake up and tell her himself.
What's with the letter as if they are in the 90s? But she had to admit, his handwriting was indeed fine. Neat.
What are you thinking, Ixora? He has been ignoring you.
She tossed the box on the bed, concluding she'd not go anywhere.
She took her phone, ready to book a flight to New York. She glanced at the package again, feeling tempted to see what he had got and how it would look on her.
She went into the bathroom.
\--
"I'm sure your boyfriend wouldn't be able to take his eyes off you."
"You are very beautiful."
Hearing these endless praises from the beauticians has made her curious. At first, she didn't want to wear it, but by the time she got out of the bathroom, she saw her room filled up.
She couldn't believe he had called three different beauticians just to dress her up. What a waste of money!
They had done all types of body treatment; her skin, face, nails, and feet, though she found it unnecessary. Currently, she was backing the mirror, and they were doing their job. Makeup.
From the way they kept praising her, she's sure she's changed a lot. Maybe to the point of not recognizing herself.
"And done," the beautician said, kissing the finishing touches of the makeup.
They helped her put on her heels, and she stood. They brought the mirror to her face, and her mouth flew open in awe.
Where was the usual Ixora?
The long, dark blue gown was everything. It accentuated her figure in the right proportions; from the cup that pushed her breast up, to the middle that highlighted her curves seamlessly. The gown's slit began from her mid-thighs downwards, exposing her smooth, straight leg. It was an open back with a strap tied at the back.
Diamonds adorned the lower part of the gown, matching her sparkling black glass heel. Some parts of her hair were braided intricately and packed in a tight ponytail. Two curled strands fell at the sides of her face, blending with the perfect makeup. Not too much, but too good for her looks.
A graceful smile kissed her lips as she stared at her new self in the mirror. She couldn't remember the last time she dressed like this, since she rarely follows her mom to business events.
"Your boyfriend is the luckiest man on earth."
Ixora chuckled, heat creeping up her cheeks.
"He's—"
Before she could reply, they heard the honking of a car.
"I'll leave first," Ixora said and picked up her diamond-studded clutch bag.
"Enjoy your day, Miss."
"Trust me."
Ixora left.
\[CHARITY GALA\]
Drexton stood outside, hands tucked in his pocket as he awaited Ixora's arrival. Power players from across the world would attend the charity gala. It's an opportunity to meet and mingle with reputable people and secure business deals.
He's not the type to attend this type of organization, but this year, he was invited to a point where he couldn't say no.
Reporters, as expected, were covering the whole event.
A car pulled over, and James Miller stepped out. He flashed the camera a smile, holding the hand of the girl he had come with. And that was the major reason why he agreed to attend. Rejecting the offer would have meant having Ixora be James' date.
Another car pulled over—his car. The driver creaked the door open, and she stepped out gracefully. Her usual smile was plastered on her lips, maybe more ethereal tonight.
It didn't take long before she found him, and she began walking to him.
For a moment he couldn't think of anything other than devouring her tempting lips senselessly. He knew the dress would fit her perfectly. What he didn't know was that it was made for her.
He looked so hot that Ixora found herself staring back. His black suit fitted his body perfectly, and with his tall frame, he looked charming. A noticeable silver stud glittered in his ears, adding to his personality and look. Ixora hasn't seen him like this before.
Her cheeks reddened as she saw his intense gaze hovering around her body. It was lust-filled to the point he couldn't hide it again.
She was happy he was stripping her bare with his eyes, but she had to pretend to be mad at him. Ignoring her for days at the hotel was so not right.
Drexton slid his hands out of his pockets and walked behind her.
Ixora made to turn when he ordered.
"Stay still."
She wasn't expecting less, he doesn't ask, he orders, and she foolishly obeys.
His hot breath fanned her exposed shoulder, sending shivers down her spine. It got worse when his finger brushed against her skin.
What is he doing?
Her mind whispered.
She gasped when she felt a cold chain sliding around her neck.
He came to her front when he was done, and she found herself slightly touching her neck. Her eyes caught the reflection on a car's rearview mirror.
The tiny silver necklace shimmered lightly. Tiny but mesmerizing.
"Let's go." He linked their arms together, rendering her completely speechless.
Immediately, they stepped in—all attention turned to them.
Questions from different angles were thrown at them, and the media made sure to capture them perfectly.
Some recognized her as Georgia's daughter while others wondered who she was.
They couldn't stop gushing and calling them a cute couple.
A match made in heaven.
Drexton and she are not even in a romantic relationship.
Great job lying to yourself, Ixora.
Drexton didn't pay any attention to them as he found their seat.
"Why are you behaving differently?" she asked, trying to keep her voice firm.
Drexton's eyes fell on her lips before taking it to her face.
He leaned near, keeping their faces inches apart.
She gulped hard, noticing the secret glances of some people.
"Drexton," she whispered.
"Oh my Mr. Blackthorn, you both are so much in love with each other."
Ixora immediately sat up and looked around nervously.
"Mr. Harper," Drexton said, standing up.
Ixora wasn't surprised. He might be his business associate.
"It's rare to see you at events like this," he stretched out his hand. "The answer is clear." He glanced at Ixora.
Drexton accepted the handshake. "Business included."
"I'm Paul Harper," he introduced himself to Ixora and wanted to release his hand from Drexton's.
"Ixora Castellan," Ixora smiled.
Mr. Harper noticed Drexton was not releasing his hand.
His eyes met with Drexton's, and he noticed the look in the eyes.
Drexton released his hand and slid it into his pocket.
"Georgia and Smith's daughter." He smiled. "I knew you looked familiar from the time you walked in. I know your mum wants back the position of first lady, and seeing her beautiful daughter has gotten me interested. Don't worry, she has my support."
"Really?" Ixora's face lit up.
Mr. Harper nodded. "Of c—"
"Mr. Harper, your business partners have arrived," Drexton shifted his gaze to the entrance. "Won't you go and welcome them?"
True to Drexton's words, some men just walked in.
"You know me so well, Mr. Blckthorn."
Drexton didn't reply.
"See you later, Miss Castellan. If you need anything, don't fail to ask me."
Taking a last glance at Drexton, he walked away.
"Why the odd behavior?" Ixora asked.
"You shouldn't be talking freely to strangers."
She raised her brow. "As long as he doesn't ignore me for days, then I don't mind."
Drexton looked away and took a sip of his drink.
He kept the glass and ran his hand along his hair.
Ixora stared at him for a while before looking away.
Someone came and whispered something to Drexton. Business-related.
"I'll be back soon," he leaned near. "Don't talk casually to people, that includes the people you might know. If you need somebody to talk to, you can text me. And don't go out of sight," he instructed.
The way his lips moved when telling her it was as if he'd tattoo it on her skin if possible.
She got it, he didn't have to say it, as if she were still a kid.
Her gaze followed Drexton until she couldn't see him again.
She exhaled, sipping from her drink.
Not as if she knew anybody who was going to talk to her.
She felt somebody coming towards her from behind.
"Ixora."