Chapter 57: Social Climber

Edrick Throughout the gala, I tried not to look too long at the way Moana’s body looked in her dress — but there was also something else that caught my eye and held my attention, even while I was busy schmoozing with other wealthy socialites to get donations for the foundation.

Her belly, which was always slim with nice curves at the waist, was a little bit rounder.

I quickly looked away as her eyes met mine, chalking it up in my head to the simple monthly fluctuations in a woman’s body; besides, if she gained a little weight, maybe it was good for her. As far as I was aware, she had next to no money before she began working for me, so maybe she didn’t get enough to eat and now her body was settling into a healthier weight.

Soon, however, I had to push aside these thoughts as it was time to give my speech. Kelly, who made a generously large donation prior to the gala, made a speech as well, followed by Sophia, who said a few words of gratitude. When the speeches were finished, there was a champagne toast followed by a dance portion of the event.

I stood off to the side, watching as the couples that had come together — many of them married — headed toward the dance floor. I wasn’t planning on dancing, but when Kelly scurried up to me with a particular look on her pointed face, I knew what was coming.

“I think you owe me a dance after what happened at that family banquet,” she said, shooting me a sultry look as she sauntered up to me. “What do you say?”

I said, shaking my head. “I really should be

inappropriately tight and low-cut dress, and seemed to be wearing a brand new diamond necklace. Kelly had always been the type to obsess over fashion, but as we grew up together, it became more and more obvious to me at events such as these that she was dressing particularly slutty, for

relenting and holding out my arm for her to take. Kelly grinned

me that this orphanage was the

“Is there a

not at all,” she said, her voice

knows the director of the orphanage,” I interjected. “It’s just business. It’s better

Kelly glanced over her shoulder at Moana, who was speaking with Sophia. She had a glass of water in her hand, rather than champagne, which I found a bit odd, and also seemed to be doing that thing that she had

Holding her stomach.

with a sly smirk. “She’s gained a little weight, no?” she asked. “What are you

thinking about her sudden bouts of nausea lately, made me wonder already. Meanwhile, Kelly’s comment only added

was always careful, and we had had

of the family banquet, and possibly even before that since they apparently knew each other through their volunteer work at

to an end, and I couldn’t contain my curiosity any further. Kelly made her way across the dance floor to carouse with one of her friends, but I stood there for several moments, still as a statue, as I watched Moana. She was

the orphanage, was looking for you.” I glanced over the crowd, breaking my gaze from Moana temporarily, to see Sophia lock eyes with me and wave

I straightened my tie again to go and talk to her. My investigation of Moana’s strange behavior would have to be put on hold. I made my way over to Sophia, who beamed at me

so excited, and they wanted to give you this.” She pulled a small envelope out of her purse and

opened the envelope and pulled out a small, handmade card. It was only a single piece of paper folded over with crayon stick figures drawn on it, and on the outside, it read “Thank

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255