Chapter 8: The Speaking Guest
The elderly man following behind Richard addressed the security guard’s calmly, “Just a misunderstanding. Go elsewhere. Miss Ainsworth could never be a thief.” The guards nodded in compliance. “Yes, Mr. Wright.”
Richard extended his hand toward Amelia with a warm smile. “Thank you for being here tonight, Amelia. You look especially captivating tonight.”
Amelia shook his hand politely. “Thank you.”
Lowering his voice, Richard teased, “Shall we try one of our old tricks?”
Amelia instantly recognized the look in his eyes. Back in college, they had used this shared understanding countless times to make others uncomfortable.
A faint smirk appeared on her lips. “Some people do need their wings clipped.”
Effortlessly, Richard slid his hand onto Amelia’s waist as he moved closer to her. Their movements were so synchronized, so natural, it felt as if they had been dance partners for years. Their closeness seemed intimate, unforced, as if such gestures were second nature.
Chad’s temples throbbed as his dark eyes narrowed. He stared at them intently, his fists clenching at his sides.
Amelia, meanwhile, looped her arm through Richard’s, her radiant smile betraying no sign of reluctance.
Every step she took seemed to tread directly on Chad’s fragile sense of control, fueling his growing fury.
The pair walked past him, laughing and chatting as if he didn’t exist, their casual indifference Eke a deliberate slap in the face.
Chad’s knuckles whitened, his mind spinning out of control.
How does she know Richard? What’s their relationship? And she dares ask for a divorce… is it because of him?
His thoughts swirled as he fought the urge to confront them. But Richard and Amelia never even glanced his way their complete disregard cutting deeper than words ever could.
Chad stood motionless, his gaze fixed on Amelia, desperate to discern the nature of her connection with Richard.
Nearby, Vianna was equally stunned by their apparent intimacy.
Ever since Richard’s brief marriage had ended, he had become New York’s most unattainable bachelor. He attended events alone, brushing off countless socialites who vied for his attention. Some even speculated that he had a future in Washington or perhaps even the White House.
Vianna herself had tried to approach him, only to be met with cold indifference. And now, here he was, resting his hand on Amelia’s waist with a casual familiarity that baffled her.
Why? Has the world gone mad?
Vianna glanced at Chad, who remained frozen, his focus entirely on Amelia. Her expression darkened as she pinched Chad’s arm in frustration
Startled, Chad snapped out of his daze, adjusting his demeanor before following Vianna to a quieter comer.
Once Chad’s piercing gaze had shifted away, Amelia gave Richard a subtle look of gratitude.
“Thanks for that.”
“No need to thank me, Richard replied easily
He released her waist and suggested. These dinner parties usually have a dance afterward. I don’t have a partner yet, and I’m guessing you don’t either, so- Amelia cut him off abruptly. “I’m not here to dance.”
Richard blinked in surprise before nodding “My apologies. No offense intended.”
Glancing at his watch, he said, “The dinner’s about to start. Shall we?”
Together, they headed backstage to the dinner party’s main event. Richard adjusted his suit and asked, “How do I look?”
Amelia didn’t even bother glancing at him. “Save your energy. Your little tricks don’t work on me.”
She paused before adding, with mock irritation, “I’ve already fallen for them once.”
With that, she turned on her heel. Tm going to the restroom.”
Richard chuckled softly, straightened his tie, and confidently stepped onto the stage, his easy smile returning as he began his speech.
Ladies and gentlemen, this evening is extraordinary because of your presence.”
By the time Amelia returned, Richard’s speech was concluding. It was undeniable he had a knack for captivating a crowd. Applause thundered through the room.
Mara gathered a group of female representatives, leaning in to whisper, “The mayor will call you up to speak shortly. Be ready.”
Meanwhile, Chad and Vianna stood in an awkward silence after separating from Amelia. Vianna, noticing Chad’s stormy expression, tried to reassure him.
“Richard can’t possibly be interested in her. He was just helping her out of an awkward situation.”
Chad’s cold gare flickered, his thoughts spilling out aloud. “He called her by name. What do you think their relationship is? Why is she even here?”
Vianna scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “Maybe they’re old friends. She’s probably here to play the victim, hoping to gain sympathy or snag a wealthy husband.
“She’s certainly not here to donate. What if she’s here to.”
Before she could finish, a group of their friends approached with champagne flutes, dragging Vianna into small talk.
Someone joked, “Chad, that woman looks like she could use the association’s help. Maybe it’s time she learns to be independent instead of thinking about how to spend your money.”
Another chimed in, “Chad, you should find her a job. Otherwise, she’ll just get lazier–or worse, turn to drugs out of boredom.”
Chad forced a smile. “Everyone has the right to choose how they live their life”
On
stage, Richard’s voice resonated again. “Next, let’s welcome the first representative from the Women’s Rights Association. I’m confident she’ll shatter some outdated stereotypes about full–time housewives.”
As Richard stepped off the stage, he cast Chad a mocking glance that dripped with meaning. Chad frowned, unsettled. He barely knew Richard, but that look made it clear–this was about Amelia The lights dimmed, and the room fell silent. All eyes turned to the stage.
Under the spotlight, a woman stepped forward with effortless grace, as though the stage was her natural domain
Her midnight blue silk gown flowed like liquid, accentuating her elegant silhouette. She moved like a living poem, her eyes radiating confidence and determination.
She exuded the aura of a royal debutante, commanding attention with every step.
Chad and Vianna froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. Vianna’s champagne glass nearly slipped from her fingers. They exchanged stunned glances, their shock mirrored in each other’s faces. Around them, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
My God, even I want to join the Women’s Rights Association now.”
*Count me in. She’s absolutely stunning.”
“I’m definitely asking her to dance later”
Chad’s gaze remained fixed on the stage, where a version of Amelia he had never known stood confidently. The disheveled, defeated image of her he had carried in his mind shattered completely. stage, Amelia’s voice rang clear and strong.
“Some advised me to dress simply, or even poorly, because we’re here to fundraise. They thought it would elicit more sympathy, more donations for women who lack the means to support themselves after divorce.”
“But I disagree. Needing help doesn’t mean we must beg for pity.
“We should show strength and confidence to earn true respect and recognition.
In my marriage, I gave everything, but I received indifference and betrayal in return. Divorce was a blow, yes, but so what? It doesn’t define me. It won’t destroy me. I still have control over my future.” The audience buzzed with whispers.
Isn’t she Chad’s wife?”
“The housewife Vianna has always looked down upon?”
Chad’s face darkened further.
Years ago, their high–profile wedding had been the talk of New York’s elite. Now, many recognized Amelia, and the room filled with scandalous murmurs.
“Oh my God, Chad cheated on her?”
“With Vianna, his assistant?”
“That woman deserves so much better”
As the gossip surged, Vianna instinctively distanced herself from Chad, for the first time feeling self–conscious and uneasy about being seen by his side.
Chad, meanwhile, could no longer heat Amelia’s speech All he could feel was the weight of countless eyes on her, their judgment suffocating. He wanted nothing more than to escape.
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