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We enter the gala, and everyone’s eyes seem to be on us; some people come up to greet me. Most of them ignore Olivia, and few of them give her a glance before turning their attention back to me. A few women even make obvious attempts at flirting with me - batting their eyelashes and touching my arms - but I don’t pay any attention to them. Each time they glance at her with subtle curiosity, but she is strong and just smiling politely. Instead, I keep my focus on Olivia, making sure that she feels comfortable in this new environment.
To my surprise, it doesn’t look like she needs my protection. She’s carrying herself with a certain grace most people lack. Half an hour in, done with being my silent partner, she takes the lead for herself. She introduces herself when others don’t, involves those in conversation who are side-lined, excuses herself, walks away from me, and creates her own circle. I watch from a distance as she enthralls a group of curious listeners around herself. Over time, the activists all gravitate towards her, exchanging views. I have to admit, she impresses me with her charisma.
I find myself engrossed in a very boring conversation with a very young dowager. When I find her touching my arm a little too much, I escape.
I pick up a glass of scotch and walk swiftly through the crowd when I am caught by an elderly gentleman.
"So, I heard about your luxury condominium development," he says, grabbing me by the arm.
"Uhh -" I say.
"Right by the lake," he says.
"Yes, Sir." I don't even know his name!
"Well, let me tell you how much aquatic life you'd be destroying, young man."
I nod politely, not wanting to engage in any sort of argument. It's not worth it, and it's not what I came here to do.
Just then, Olivia comes by my side. "Hello, Sir. I'm a part of legal at Mr. Carter's office. I understand your concerns, Sir," she says, handling it like a pro. "And rest assured that we're taking every possible precaution to ensure that our construction won't harm the environment."
"Aren't you David's daughter?" the man asks, looking at Olivia intently.
Olivia smiles sweetly, "No, Sir. I'm just a paralegal at Mr. Carter's office."
The man seems to contemplate her response before nodding and walking away. I watch as Olivia turns to me, her eyes filled with amusement.
"That was close," I say, sighing in relief.
She chuckles, "You should have seen your face."
I can feel my cheeks turning red. "I was caught off guard."
Olivia takes a sip of her champagne before turning back to me. "You know, these events aren't so bad once you get used to them."
I raise an eyebrow in disbelief, "You're enjoying yourself?"
"Hey, what can I say? Free champagne?" she giggles.
"Are you drunk, Olivia Miller?" I ask.
"Kind of. I just pretended I have no idea who my father is," she laughs. "God, I can imagine his face when he learns what I'm up to. Defending the other side, Olivia? You're meant to protect the rights of those who need protection, not the other way around."
"Your father sounds like a righteous man," I say.
"He is," she answers. "But he can be a tough nut to crack. I still haven't told him Sangton assigned me to your team for now. He might have a heart attack."
I smirk at her, amused by her antics, "Well, we better keep it a secret then. Wouldn't want to be responsible for your father's heart attack."
Olivia laughs, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Don't worry, I won't tell him unless I have to. Besides, it's not like I'm working for the devil himself."
I give her a smile, appreciating her sense of humor, "Glad you think so."
We continue to mingle with the crowd, making small talk and sipping champagne. As the night wears on, I can feel myself getting more and more restless. I'm not used to being in such a crowded place, and the noise and chatter are starting to get to me. Also, I'm getting worried. Olivia is now looking tipsy.
At last, she pulls me aside and says, "Should we get out of here? I'm just going to use the washroom and then we can leave."
"Sounds good," I say, relieved.
