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?"

leans in, lowering her voice as if she's about to drop a bombshell. "Lance is with Eva, and

with Ana."

I blink, surprised. "Wait-what?"

cozying up to Greg's daughters apparently. Didn't Phillip

of the month. He never mentioned it. Of course, nothing Lance does surprises me. "It's not like Phillip

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

+25 BONUS

235 Gala Night

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

go say hello." Lisa

"Are you drunk already?"

She grabs my arm and

I look at Jayden.

speech time

and I walk up and say

You know

and smile. "Great to see

certainly very amazing in

hello to Eva and she gives me

mistaking the family connection with Jayden and Gus. They're stunning, both of

am a little homesick though. I must, admit. How have you and Jayden been,

of the staircase. Judy, arriving fashionably late, of course. She's alone. She looks every bit a

the others and whisper,

stares at me with

to mingle a little more, you

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

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