Chapter 27
We entered the grand hall and found Megan, who asked me to go up to a room until it was time for my official presentation. Cedric and Ash accompanied me; we wanted to avoid Darius seeing her. We haven’t seen him since he returned from the UK, and he doesn’t visit my children at home. My father and Loli are the ones who take them to his apartment so he can see them.
We ate some appetizers and talked about the last trip Ash and I took to Amsterdam, where we decided to try various types of beer. We were so drunk that time that we couldn’t even stand and Cedric had to take us home.
“I can’t get used to seeing you as a guy,” Cedric said to Ash, who was looking at the city through the window.
“Well, you should, darling. I am a guy, a very gay one,” Ash said, adjusting his suit. We just laughed.
“It’s time, Miss Russell,” a young man said, and we walked together to leave.
“I’ll wait for you downstairs. Find me at the table farthest from our grandfather’s,” Ash said. I nodded then both of them headed to the elevator. Cedric will receive me when I go down the stairs, and Ashley doesn’t want to be the center of attention; Darius might recognize her if he sees her up close.
The lights went out as I reached the top of the stairs before everything went dark. I saw Killian at one of the central tables; his presence disgusted me immensely, and it showed on my face.
The lights came back, and I was asked to descend. I did so, observing every face present in the hall. Nick was beside a dark–haired man and Alex; I think they know each other, something
I find interesting. Nick’s mother was also there, much to my displeasure.
I reached the last step, where Cedric received me, kissed my hand, and we both smiled before proceeding to walk together. But before we took another step, Nick appeared in front of us. Cedric stepped forward to confront him, and I could sense the tension and dislike between them.
“Daughter, let’s go. I want to get this over with and sit down for a quiet drink,” my father took me with him, unaware of what was happening between Cedric and Nick, who were staring each other down. Ash signaled that she’d handle those two, and I nodded silently, trusting her. I proceeded to greet the guests with my father, who introduced me as his daughter and the future CEO of T–World Worldwide.
“We can skip Killian, daughter,” my father whispered in my ear.
“No, Dad, it’s time he knew who I am,” I said, and he nodded.
“Killian.” The man stood up with a friendly demeanor. I walked the remaining steps to approach the table and became the center of attention for Nick’s mother. Will was beside her, and I was surprised that Barbara wasn’t there.
“I introduce you to my daughter,” my father said proudly, “Alaia Russell. She will take over the company shortly p>
The man didn’t seem alarmed upon hearing my name, but he was when he saw my face. His body stiffened as did his expression.
“Alaia,” he said.
“That’s right, Mr. Garnett,” I emphasized his surname, enjoying his confusion and the fact that he was at a loss for words.
“I’ve already met your daughter; she’s beautiful and so classy,” Grace said, and I nodded seriously in her direction.
“Indeed, Grace, Alaia is my pride,” my father said.
“Alaia,” William greeted me with a smile, “I haven’t seen your cousin around. I think it’s a good time to start my lessons,” he mentioned, and I stifled a laugh, understanding what he meant.
“William,” I greeted, “I’ll tell him you’re looking for him. Excuse me, enjoy the gala,” I said and gave Killian a defiant look before leaving.
I reached the table where Alex introduced me to his companions. I started with Sebastián, a very handsome man who looks serious to someone so young; however, his eyes light up when he sees his wife, Aithana, a woman with a sweet smile, who has a lovely baby bump, just like Elizabeth, Alex’s partner. He looked completely in love with the brown–eyed woman. I can’t tell which of the two is more beautiful, and undoubtedly, pregnancy suits them both well. I learned that Aithana has several homes to help people in need, so we plan to meet again. I think we have a lot in common; I wanted to know more about her and Elizabeth.
The introductions finally ended, and I headed to where Cedric was with Nick. Along the way, I looked for my cousin as well, but I didn’t find any of them. At one point, I think I saw Ash walking towards the garden, so I decided to go after her to find out what happened between Cedric and Nick.
The cold air of the garden greeted me, and I looked around for my cousin or maybe Cedric, but I didn’t see them, and very few people were around. I continued my search until…
“So, you’re a Russell,” a dark voice came from the shadows of the tall bushes.
I turned halfway to look in that direction. I didn’t see anyone, but I heard footsteps approaching until the light finally revealed him.
“Garnett,” I said, thinking that the word “mister” doesn’t fit him.
He nodded, making a gesture with his mouth.
“I thought I got rid of you when you decided to disappear from the face of the earth. I won’t deny that it caught my attention to discover that you hadn’t left any traces; I even assumed you had died,” he said, stopping a few inches from where I stood. “Now I understand, you didn’t disappear; you changed your surname, your status.” He observed me closely.
“You’re right about one thing; the girl you thought you could intimidate, she did die. And no, I didn’t change my surname. I have always been a Russell; it’s been my right since the day I was born,” I responded haughtily.
He nodded and laughed.
“The girl with character has become a woman with power, a dangerous combination,” he assured, and I nodded confidently, with my hands on my hips.
“As you can see, the balance has now been restored, and for your good, I recommend you stay away from me. The companies can work without you and me having to see each other, so I hope not to cross paths with you again,” I declared firmly. He just looked at me.
“Is everything alright, miss?” Gavin questioned from behind me, accompanied by Gus, another man as enormous as Gavin.
“Very well,” I responded to them.
“I hope everything is very clear,” I stated, and Killian looked at my bodyguards. I turned around and walked with them back to the hall.