Four or Dead by G O A

Four or Dead

Chapter 59

Emma

The drive to the party was short and I curse myself yet again for my inability to recognize anything I spot out the window. How could I have lived in this city for so long and still know so little. After about fifteen minutes we pull up to a building that looks a lot like a museum. The building is large with columns lit bright with lights placed along the ground. Large red flags are draped over the sections of the building without columns. They each have the letters 'PAV' printed on them in

gold font. .7)

"What does PAV stand for?" I ask Zane as we line up behind several other limos and wait for our turn to walk..

*Is that a red carpet? With photographers and everything? Yes, yes it is

"People Against Violence,” Zane says. "This is only one of the charity events I attend every year and it's our coming-out party. Most of my associates will be here tonight that I want you to meet." >)

Thankfully he wasn't looking at me when he said this because I couldn't resist the look of disbelief that took over my face. This man who has killed who knows how many people, supports an organization against violence. \*)

The irony. Do his so-called friends know what he gets up to?

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Something tells me that the people waiting inside for us are just as hypocritical as the man sitting next to me. That's the thing about wealthy people, only a rare few actually give a damn about the world around them. I do not doubt that whatever money they collect tonight won't be going to the people who need it

A few moments later our limo stops right in front of the entrance and the door is opened by yet another man in a full tux. You know the ones that make them look like penguins, bow tie and all. Zane steps out first and adjusts his suit while I slip as gracefully as I can across the seat and wait for my turn to climb out. Only Zane isn't the one who holds a hand out to me, the man in the tux is the one who helps me out. He delivers me to Zane's side, and that's when Zane extends his arm out for me to take making sure my ring is on full display

The flashing of camera lights is almost blinding but I try my best to

keep my face relaxed. \') Fake smile in place? Check

As we slowly walk down the red carpet we stop to let each photographer get a good shot of us

"Mr. Dalton! Mr. Dalton! Over here! Is it true that you are under investigation for fraud?" One reporter yells out and I glance around trying to put a face to the voice but it isn't until he pushes closer do I get a good look

He looks about how you would expect a sleazy reporter would look

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Cheap suit jacket, no tie, scruffy facial hair, bags under his eyes, disheveled hair, and a cocky smirk firmly in place

"Miss! Miss! Do you know that Mr. Dalton's business is under investigation? What can you tell us?" My mouth opens and closes like a fish as I try to think of how to answer him

I don't know what to say since I haven't heard anything about this, and it's not like Zane would share that kind of information with me yet

"No comment." That is all Zane says before leading me further down the carpet and on to the next group of photographers

Dalton! Who is your date?"

Zane's body relax as he leads me over to the side where the woman's voice came from. She is wearing a business suit but her top is cut low enough to show a good amount of cleavage. She isn't shy about using this to her advantage

to scoff anc❘

don't ¢s he'll

"This is my beauti 5 resting

over mine and smi

Chapter 59

as

no one ever seen her before?" The woman asks clearly annoyed by this

of town for some time and I preferred to keep our relationship private," Zane

different events, to keep your real relationship private?" The woman asks taking a different tactic

question because she looks at me with a smug smile like she just dropped a

Thank you!" Zane waves to the crowd before

about all that. Reporters come up with whatever stories that will sell."

like this is normal for him. Well, unlike him, I am not used

on me

understand they're just trying to do

smiles at me like he is happy with my answer, and I hate that

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get him to trust me. This sweet soft-spoken

understanding." He

this book for free. Don't

finally enter the main room where the party is in full swing. I can't stop the small gasp that escapes me when I take everything in. It's absolutely beautiful inside. Glittering chandeliers tower overhead and they are attached to a ceiling that is covered in the most beautiful mural I have ever seen. Warm clouds and what look

adaptations of a Jane Austen book. It looks like a beautiful ballroom plucked right out of

elegant but modern attire and carrying glasses of champagne. The women all seem to be wearing their best jewelry which is impossible to ignore with how the light is making them sparkle like

My dress is beautiful but nowhere near the

I whisper to Zane and he

and show the world just how important they are. I

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He says looking at me

the charm when he wants to. If I didn't know what he was really

bad for him, I prefer men dark, broody, and with a penchant for

Who knew

only chance they have to really

all a bit much if you ask me. And speaking of a bit much..." He cuts himself off and a huge smile as fake

the middle-aged woman who

says cheerfully before leaning forward and exchanging one of those air cheek kiss

know is wealthy people seem to use

asks and I want to snort at the upbeat sound of his voice that is clearly all part

are away at school

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