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?”

said, shaking my head. “I really should be

almost inappropriately tight and low-cut dress, and seemed to be wearing a brand new diamond necklace. Kelly had always been the type

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

over her shoulder, “you didn’t tell me that this orphanage was the same one that your

there a

“No, not at all,” she said,

director of the orphanage,” I interjected.

of water in her hand, rather than champagne, which I found a bit odd, and also seemed to be doing that thing that

Holding her stomach.

a sly smirk. “She’s gained a little

water and holding her belly like that, and thinking about her sudden bouts of nausea lately, made me wonder already. Meanwhile, Kelly’s comment only added to my suspicions.

careful, and we had had our one night stand over a month ago. Surely, it was

back to Moana’s secret fling with none other than my own brother. They had been running around together at the night of the family banquet, and possibly even before that since they apparently knew each other

across the dance floor to carouse with one of her friends, but I stood there for several

my mother said, reaching out to squeeze my hand as I approached. “I just heard that Sophia, the director from the orphanage, was looking for you.” I glanced over the crowd, breaking my gaze from Moana temporarily,

and talk to her. My investigation of Moana’s strange behavior would have to

what you’re doing for the orphanage,” she said. “Really. The children are so excited, and they wanted to give you this.” She pulled a small envelope out of her purse

a single piece of paper folded over with crayon stick figures drawn on it, and on the outside, it read

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