CHAPTER 37: THE CHARITY GALA(PART 2)

[The Charity Gala]

The garden pavilion glowed under a canopy of warm golden lights. The air hummed with polite laughter, the clinking of champagne glasses and the rustle of gowns sweeping over marble floors. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, reflecting off the soft ivory drapes and the fresh white roses that adorned every table.

The event had only just begun but the space was already filling with the city’s most influential faces, business tycoons, socialites and their equally polished spouses, all smiling too widely and speaking too sweetly.

Outside, luxury cars began pulling into the circular driveway one after another.

The first to arrive was Olivia Reid, looking radiant, poised and perfectly aware of the heads turning as she entered.

Her gown was a masterpiece of silver satin that clung to her body just enough to draw attention. It had a daring neckline and its back was nearly bare and her diamond earrings grazed her shoulders, catching every flicker of light.

At her side, Benjamin Reid walked like a man dragged into civility. His black tuxedo was immaculate and his eyes were already scanning the room with quiet disinterest.

"Darling, try not to look so thrilled," Olivia said through her practised smile, looping her arm tighter around his. "You are making people think I forced you here."

Benjamin’s reply was curt. "You did."

Olivia’s smile froze briefly before returning to its polished perfection. "Smile, Benjamin. Cameras are everywhere."

He gave her a flat look that could have frozen fire but said nothing as they stepped further into the crowd.

Moments later, the soft murmur of conversation shifted again as Margaret Reid entered.

With her cane in hand, she was wearing a regal in a dark wine-coloured gown that matched her sharp tongue.

Pauline walked gracefully beside her in a pale lavender dress that seemed to glow under the chandeliers.

Alexander followed behind them. He looked tall and composed in his tuxedo. His aura was every inch the Reid heir people whispered about. He looked dignified, unreadable and effortlessly commanding attention without saying a word.

Benjamin’s eyes immediately found Pauline and for a fleeting moment, something like genuine warmth softened his features.

He released Olivia’s hand without a second thought and moved toward his mother and ex-wife.

"Benjamin—" she said under her breath but he didn’t stop.

Margaret looked at her son as he approached them. "Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," she said dryly.

Benjamin inclined his head. "Mother. You look well."

"I would look better if I weren’t surrounded by politicians disguised as philanthropists," she replied as she scanned her surroundings. The place was packed with the kind of people she had despised all her life but had to pretend to like.

She could see the fake and bitterness behind all the bright smiles that almost blinded her.

"Pauline—" Benjamin greeted, his voice unusually gentle. "You look lovely."

A flicker of something unspoken passed between them.

Pauline smiled politely but didn’t respond.

Olivia finally caught up with her heels striking the floor with measured elegance. Her smile was dazzling, though her eyes betrayed her irritation.

"Mother—" she said sweetly, stepping forward. "You look radiant tonight, as always."

Margaret turned to her slowly and the faintest curl of disdain tugged at her mouth. "Radiant, yes. Unlike some who mistake radiant for overexposure."

Olivia froze and her perfect smile stiffened for half a second before she laughed softly. "You have such a sharp sense of humour, Mother."

"I am old," Margaret replied calmly. "All I have left are my bones and my honesty."

Pauline stifled a laugh, glancing away, while Alexander looked like he was silently praying for divine patience.

Just then, another pair of guests arrived.

Gregory and Melissa Carter.

Melissa looked stunning in a navy blue gown and her arm was looped through Gregory’s.

The moment her eyes met Margaret’s, her face lit up with genuine warmth.

"Mrs. Reid," Melissa greeted with a bright smile. "You look lovely tonight."

"Melissa, my dear," Margaret replied, instantly softening. "You are a sight for sore eyes and you—" she turned to Gregory, "Still haven’t aged a day. How unfair."

Gregory chuckled. "Flattery from you, Mrs. Reid, is a rare honour."

"Because I mean it," she said smoothly.

Olivia stepped forward and then smiled with that well-practiced sweetness. "Melissa, Gregory. It’s been ages."

Melissa’s smile didn’t falter but it cooled by a few degrees. "Indeed." She then turned deliberately to Pauline. "Pauline, it’s lovely to see you. You haven’t changed at all."

Pauline returned the gesture gracefully. "Nor have you. It’s wonderful that you came."

As the group exchanged pleasantries, the tension in the air thickened just enough for everyone to feel it. It was subtle, sharp and entirely social.

Olivia, never one to remain irrelevant for long, glanced around and asked lightly, "Speaking of familiar faces, where Miss Carter? I don’t see her anywhere."

The question was innocent on the surface but the undertone was unmistakable.

Margaret didn’t even blink. "She will arrive when she is ready," she said smoothly. Then, with perfect timing, she added, "Unlike some people who arrive early and still manage to overstay their welcome."

Gregory coughed to hide a laugh and Melissa’s lips curved with faint amusement.

Even Alexander’s composure wavered for a second.

Olivia’s smile didn’t break but her hand tightened subtly on her clutch. "Always so witty, Mother," she said sweetly.

"And still honest," Margaret replied. "Some things don’t fade with age."

Benjamin finally stepped in. His tone was mild but laced with warning. "Mother."

Margaret lifted a brow. "What? I am just saying she is consistent." Pausing for a while, she added, "Like perfume that lingers so long that it starts to irritate one."

That time, even Pauline had to look away to hide her smile.

Benjamin exhaled, resigned. "Let’s all try to survive the evening without headlines tomorrow, shall we?"

Margaret smiled faintly. "That depends entirely on who provokes me first," she said, eyeing no one but Olivia.

And as the servers began to usher guests toward their tables, the night stretched ahead full of the kind of tension that made everyone forget this was supposed to be about charity.

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