Chapter 247
Summer’s POV
Monica stepped onto the stage, her professional demeanor in full force as she tapped the microphone. The ballroom at Manhattan Club instantly hushed, all eyes drawn to the podium.
*Ladies and gentlemen of Stark Group, she began, her voice clear and confident, “welcome to our annual celebration. As we gather to recognize another remarkable year of achievements, I’d like to introduce our host for this evening.”
I took a sip of my champagne, already anticipating who’d be announced. Brandon had been deliberately vague about tonight’s plans, and I was starting to understand why.
“Please welcome Miss Elle Sinclair to the stage,” Monica announced, stepping aside with a practiced smile.
A collective murmur swept through the crowd as Elle glided onto the stage. I nearly choked on my drink. Gone was the hysterical woman who’d confronted Brandon in the parking garage. In her place stood the very picture of poise and elegance.
She was wearing a stunning pink mermaid gown that hugged her curves perfectly before flaring out dramatically at her knees. The dress was embellished with sequins arranged in a scale–like pattern that caught the light with her every movement, creating a dazzling effect. Her blonde hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back, and her makeup was flawless.
Elle floated across the stage like she was accepting an Oscar rather than serving as an event host. Her chin was tilted upward, her smile radiant as she gazed adoringly at Brandon. The crowd seemed captivated by her transformation, many openly staring in appreciation.
I glanced at Brandon, curious about his reaction. He maintained his usual impassive expression, betraying no hint of being impressed by Elle’s stunning appearance. His eyes rested on her briefly before shifting away, indifferent as ever.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m Elle Sinclair,” Elle introduced herself, her voice honeyed and warm.
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause, with a few appreciative whistles thrown in. Elle positively glowed under the attention,
“I’m sure you’re all looking forward to tonight’s festivities,” she continued. “To be honest, I’m quite excited myself…”
Next to me, Heather leaned over. “Damn, I had no idea she was so gorgeous,” she whispered, clearly impressed.
“Mmm–hmm,” I agreed noncommittally. Elle was undeniably beautiful when she wasn’t having one of her meltdowns. The contrast between her public persona and her private behavior was jarring.
I turned to Leo, who seemed completely uninterested in Elle’s beauty pageant performance. “Don’t you think she’s stunning?” I prodded.
Leo barely glanced up from his phone.
Then I noticed he was completely absorbed in his phone, his thumbs tapping away at the screen. Leaning slightly, I caught a glimpse of the WhatsApp interface–and the name “Scarlett” at the top of the conversation.
My jaw nearly dropped. Leo and Scarlett? My matchmaking efforts had actually worked!
Leo suddenly noticed thy prying eyes and flipped his phone over, hiding the screen. “Spying isn’t a particularly admirable habit,” he said, though his words carried no real reproach.
“You’re absolutely right,” I conceded with a knowing smile. “Though I have to say, Scarlett is a wonderful woman.”
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A hint of color touched Leo’s cheeks. “You know, conversations with overly perceptive people can be exhausting,” he sighed.
“I won’t pry,” I promised, but couldn’t help adding, “Promise!”
Inwardly, I was delighted If Leo and Scarlett were actually hitting it off, that would be amazing. Scarlett was one of my closest friends–reliable, kind, and genuine. And Leo, despite his strict demeanor at work, was a good man with solid principles. They might actually be perfect for each other.
My attention was drawn back to the stage as Monica returned to the microphone.
“And now, please welcome our CEO, Mr. Brandon Stark, for the opening remarks.”
The crowd broke into enthusiastic applause as Brandon rose from his seat. He moved with that effortless confidence that always made my heart skip, ascending the steps to the stage with measured strides. He walked right past Elle, completely ignoring her adoring gaze.
For a moment, his eyes swept across the crowd, searching. When his gaze finally landed on me, I felt that familiar electricity. A hint of warmth touched his expression–imperceptible to anyone who didn’t know him as well as I did, but to me it was as clear as a flashing neon sign.
“Good evening,” Brandon began, his deep voice filling the room without effort. “I don’t think I need to introduce myself. Today marks our annual company celebration–a time to honor achievements and welcome the new year ahead. On this special occasion, I’ll keep my remarks brief. I hope everyone continues to excel. Past accomplishments are just that–past. The future depends on our collective efforts. Greater input yields greater rewards. At Stark Group, we’ve always valued our people. Here, you’re not just seeing the present–you’re seeing the future.”
The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, clearly energized by his words.
“Now,” Brandon concluded, “let the evening officially begin!”
Another wave of applause swept through the ballroom as Brandon stepped back, giving the floor back to Monica.
“Thank you, Mr. Stark,” Monica said, stepping forward. “As tradition dictates, we’ll begin tonight’s festivities with our opening dance. However, this year we’re doing things a bit differently. I won’t be Mr. Stark’s dance partner as in previous years.”
A curious murmur rippled through the crowd.
“I’m sure many of you have figured out the purpose of those number tags we distributed earlier this week,” Monica continued with a smile. “Gentlemen received blue lanyards, ladies received red ones. My assistant will now bring up a box containing all the ladies‘ numbers. Mr. Stark will draw one at random. The lucky owner of that number will have the honor of sharing the opening dance with our CEO. Quite the special perk for the ladies of Stark Group, wouldn’t you agree?”
The room erupted in excited chatter and cheers.
“Of course,” Monica added, “every lady present has an equal chance–ncluding our stars from Stark Entertainment.”
I glanced toward the Stark Entertainment table. Bianca and Victoria exchanged surprised looks, clearly not having expected this twist in the evening’s program.
An assistant appeared with a large clear box filled with folded red tags, setting it respectfully next to Brandon.
Mr. Stark, Monica sad, “would you please select tonight’s first lucky employee?”
From around the room, female employees called out: “Pick me, Brandon!” and “Choose mine, Brandon!*
With deliberate slowness, Brandon reached into the box, his hand disappearing among the folded tags. The entire room seemed to
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hold its breath.
“Who would everyone like it to be?‘ he asked, playing to the crowd.
“Me! Me! Me!” came the chorus of hopeful responses.
Finally, Brandon withdrew his hand, holding a small red tag between his fingers. He made a show of unfolding it, examining the number before revealing it to the audience.
“Number” he announced, “520.”
I caught Elle’s reaction. Her previously confident expression froze, then crumbled into disbelief. Her legs seemed to lock in place as she stared at the number in Brandon’s hand, unable to process what was happening.
Brandon’s eyes sparkled with barely contained–amusement. Would number 520 please step forward?”
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