My CEO 235

235 Gala Night (Winona)

As Jayden and I descend the grand staircase, arm in arm, I can't help but admire the sparkling crystals hanging from the celling, casting shimmering reflections across the room.

The place is studded with high-profile people, all dressed in their finest, as waiters expertly weave through the crowd offering canapés and champagne.

The buzz of conversation fills the air, and I know there is more to come along with the red carpet entry.

"Looks perfect, doesn't it?" Jayden murmurs in my ear, his arm tightening around me.

"Yeah," I say, letting my eyes sweep over the glittering scene below us. "Almost too perfect."

He chuckles softly. "You're still looking for Judy, aren't you?"

I laugh, but there's no real humor in it. "You know me too well."

We make it to the bottom of the staircase, and I scan the room again. No sign of her. Maybe she won't come after all.

A part of me feels relieved, but another part-an admittedly smaller, more cynical part-knows better.

Judy wouldn't miss being in the same room as Jayden. Not for the world.

"Hey, about time!" A familiar voice cuts through the chatter, and I turn to see Lisa, making her way toward us in a stunning emerald gown. She's alone.

"Lisa, you look amazing!" I say, smiling as she gives me a quick hug. "Where's Lance? And Phillip? I thought they'd be fighting over you."

Lisa rolls her eyes dramatically. "Oh, they both have dates. So, I decided to fly solo. Not that I care about. those Latino beauties." She raises her champagne glass. "Nothing this can't fix." She has a drink. I look around, searching for the guys. "Wait, who are they with?"

voice as if she's about to drop a bombshell. "Lance is with

with Ana."

I blink, surprised. "Wait-what?"

both been busy cozying up to Greg's

stunned. Phillip's been working with Judy most of the month. He never mentioned it. Of course, nothing Lance does surprises me. "It's not like Phillip has to

to Eva, his arm casually draped around her waist, both of them deep in conversation with someone from the board. And Phillip? He's with Ana, their heads bent

+25 BONUS

235 Gala Night

mean, I'd be happy for Phillip if he found happiness.

go say hello."

"Are you drunk already?"

grabs my

I look at Jayden.

Mingle. I need to go sort my speech time

walk

You know

"Great to see

certainly very amazing in

in. I say hello to Eva and she gives

family connection with Jayden and Gus. They're stunning, both of them. "How are you finding

from our city but good different." Ana says. "I am a little homesick

movement at the top of the staircase. Judy, arriving fashionably late, of

move aside from the others and whisper, "where's Gus?"

at me with

more, you four enjoy the

our own and I get another champagne and a caviar canape. "Wow. I mean, Judy on her own.

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