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Teal joined us, too, but she has a bored expression like this is the last place she’d want to be.
When she came down the stairs wearing a denim skirt and a T-shirt with ‘Annoyed’ written across her breasts, Dad and Agnus motioned for her to go back upstairs, put on a dress, and remove the gothic makeup.
She changed into a dark blue dress with a wide tulle skirt that stops a bit above her knees. Her inky hair shines in blue under the light and falls on either side of her face. She still has dark eyeshadow and eyeliner, but she’s put on light pink lipstick for a change.
Cute is an understatement. She really has pinchable cheeks.
Me, on the other hand, I opted for a black dress I’ll have to lift it so I don’t fall on my face. I pulled my hair up and put on mascara and barely-there lipstick.
Oh, and Dad is the one who chose our clothes — except for Knox’s Metallica T-shirt.
Teal and I interlace our arms with Dad’s as we take the large stairs leading to the Rhodes’ mansion.
Actually, it’s an estate.
Expensive cars fill the driveway. Women wear stylish gowns and men rock tuxedos. Hell, even the stairs are covered in a red carpet as if we’re at the Oscars.
The four of us head to the entrance.
Agnus hasn’t joined us yet, saying he’ll come by later. He and Dad have been locked up in their office the past few days conspiring. I’m not curious enough to ask, and I’d rather stay away from Dad’s business world. After all, he and Agnus seem to have everything under control.
A butler bows to us after checking our invitation.
“Welcome to the Rhodes Estate, Mr Steel & Mr Van Doren.”
Knox points at himself. “That would be me.”
Teal shoots him a glare before she focuses back on the steps. Like me, she doesn’t seem comfortable in heels.
I’m glad Dad chose our clothes or we would’ve been a joke at a place like this.
One step after the other. You can do this, Elsa.
One step. Just because I’m in London again doesn’t mean I’ll meet Aiden.
One step. I have to survive this night in peace and then go back to Birmingham.
Besides, I missed Kim, Ronan, and the others. I talk to them via text, but it’s not the same as seeing them in person.
I haven’t told Kim I’m coming tonight, in case she tells Aiden. However, I’m sure one of the horsemen will be here. Probably Ronan or Xander, since their parents are active in the political and public scheme.
“Are we ready or are we ready?” Knox interlaces his arm with my free one, cutting off my focus on my feet.
Like in the films, two butlers bow as the door opens.
Bursts of colours, sounds, and smells explode ahead of us.
The hall is the largest I’ve seen in my life. Golden chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceilings. In the middle sits a black jaguar statue, as well as a statue of a white knight riding a black horse.
The contrast is so riveting, I can’t help but stop and stare. Dad has mentioned the Rhodes have real jaguars on their estates and it was the reason they earned their title hundreds of years ago.
That’s impressive. Although I would rather not meet any jaguars in real life.
The strong mixture of designer perfumes and appetising food float in the air. Rows of self-service tables extend until the end of the hall.
An orchestra sits at the far end of the ballroom playing classical music. The piece is familiar so it must be Beethoven or Mozart — the only ones I know.
Whoa. This is what it feels like to have old money.
