The gala.

“That slimy thief! Where is she?” Mrs Janice narrowed her eyes, desperately searching for Charlene whom she had just seen a few seconds ago. 

She pushed her way through the crowd of employees, her eye movements sharp and precise, refusing to miss any detail. No one had entered the boutique or left it, so she knew that Charlene was still in there.

“Oh just wait until my son finds you, you'll be done for.” She chuckled to herself, moving through the aisles in desperate search for Charlene. 

“Excuse me,” she called the attention of one of the workers, her hand resting on her waist. “Did you see any woman walk by here? Brunette with deep brown eyes.” 

“No ma'am.” Vicky responded, posing as an employee after Charlene's anguished plea to help her. Charlene was hiding in the dressing room right beside where Vicky was standing.

“I think she already left.” Vicky added and Mrs Janice bit her lip before storming off in anger. 

“Dang! I can't believe I let her slip through my fingers! Noah has to hear this, he must!” Her heels kissed the ground loudly as she walked, bearing the intensity of her anger. She picked up her dress and left for the hotel immediately.

——

“She's in California, I'm telling you, she is!” Mrs Janice yelled with flared nostrils, her skin itching at the thought of Charlene being back in their lives. 

“You really saw her? What does she look like?” Bianca questioned, her arms folded as she stared at her mother. 

“Yes mom, what does she look like?” Noah added, rage eating him up from the inside. He was greatly disturbed just by the news of his baby mama being in the same city as him. He was not going to leave any stone unturned now.

“She's a lot more different than she used to be. She's bulkier, probably because of childbirth. But damn, she still looks like the thief that she is!” Mrs Janice scoffed, staring into Noah's calculating eyes.

“Her name.” He demanded, his icy blue orbs fixed on nothing in particular, his thoughts all over the place.

“Charlotte? I'm not sure. I never addressed her by her name.” She answered and glanced at Bianca in hopes that she would recall the name but Bianca shrugged.

“It's been six years. Besides, she's not worthy of being in my memory.” Bianca rolled her eyes, sinking into the bed. 

Without a word to them, Noah picked up his phone and called Knight, his palms fisted as a result of the anger that was surging through him. His cold demeanor kept everyone on their toes all the time, including his family.

“Knight, that woman is in California.” He said with spite.

“What? How did you find her?” Knight gasped.

“You failed at finding her even after twenty four hours. Well, now you have another twenty four hours to find out where she is in California. Rake up the whole city if you have to but I want her found.” Noah's voice pierced through the silent room like a needle into skin, his rage could be felt. 

“Will do, boss.” Knight answered before hanging up. He knew he had to be in California as soon as possible. Getting in trouble with his boss was the last thing he wanted.

Mrs Janice fell back and shut her eyes, feeling annoyed that she couldn't capture Charlene at the boutique.

——

“I'm telling you, that woman is crazy. Completely out of her mind.” Charlene sighed, her breath hitching as Vicky pulled the ropes of the corset.

“Fuck, that's tight!” She yelped.

“Stand still, I'm almost done!” Vicky groaned, pulling the rope again before she tied it into place. “There.” She let out a heavy breath. She was already all dressed up. 

“Wait, so that woman was really Noah's mother?” She asked as they both tried to add finishing touches to their dresses and hair.

“She doesn't seem evil.”

“Believe me Vicky, if there's anything worse than evil, that's what she is. I just hope she doesn't fill Noah's head with a bunch of crap before I get to meet him.” Charlene's face dropped, the thought of that night going sour making her shudder.

“Everything will be fine. You look stunning by the way.” Vicky smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

“And you look absolutely breathtaking!” Charlene giggled. “But, I'm going to be a server, is it necessary to wear a dress?” 

“My father said that all the servers must wear a red, knee-length dress, and that's exactly what you have on.” Vicky answered as they headed out of the room. 

They met Harry and his babysitter in the living room, playing with the Xbox. Harry stopped when he saw his mother and ran over to give her a tight hug.

“Come home soon mummy.” He whispered and she lifted him immediately, kissing his cheeks repeatedly.

“I promise I'll be back soon.” 

Charlene hated to leave her son with a babysitter but this was important. That night was going to change their lives for good— at least that's what she hoped for. 

“Be a good boy okay?” She put him down and he ran back to his babysitter.

“Bye Miss Hart!” The young babysitter waved as Charlene and Vicky made their way out of the house. They got into Charlene's car and drove to the venue of the gala.

Charlene couldn't help the sick feeling that she got on their way to the gala. She was excited, like a toddler waiting to be lifted by its mom, but also anxious at the same time. Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel as they got closer, her heart slamming against her chest with every beat.

“You'll be going in through the back door, just show the huge guard over there your invite.” Vicky instructed as they walked towards the huge gate.

“What about you?” 

“I will join my father when he arrives. I'm a guest, remember? It's not arrival time yet.” Vicky winked and trotted off in another direction, leaving Charlene to her fate. She walked towards the guard and showed him the invite. He let her into the bustling arena, filled with lively servers and workers.

Meanwhile, Vicky had decided to hang out near the venue. She didn't want to go all the way home only to return in a few hours. Her eyes remained focused on the screen of her phone, her finger scrolling away. 

Her attention was stolen when a figure casted a shadow over her phone, forcing her to look up. A fine, young man in a tailored suit stood in front of her, his wavy hair swept back in an old-fashioned way. His beautiful emerald eyes gazed into hers, soft and warm. She was smitten, but she refused to bend to his charm.

“Can I help you?” She raised a brow at him.

“I’m waiting for my boss, and you seem to be waiting for someone as well, so I thought we should wait together.” He shrugged, his hands buried in his pockets. 

Vicky scoffed, “If that was an attempt to woo me, then you failed, miserably.” 

“Oh come on, I can see your cheeks heating up.” He smirked, a flirty look in his eyes. She shook her head.

“Only because you're cute, it has nothing to do with what you just said. That was a weak ass rizz.” She fired and he nodded. 

“You're interesting. I'm Knight by the way.” He offered his hand and she hesitated before taking it.

“Victoria, but I prefer Vicky.” 

“Alright, Vicky.” He smirked again, their gaze seeming to linger on each other. The air was thick with infatuation, although they chose to ignore it. 

Hours later, the gala event was declared open and guests started to arrive. Dignitaries and important personalities trooped in, everyone settling at their designated tables. The grand hall was bustling in a matter of hours. 

Charlene and the other servers worked tirelessly, making sure that everyone was served and satisfied. All of the dignitaries that entered were announced, so her ears remained sharp, waiting to hear the name of that one person.

“Presenting! Retired Military general! General Marcel Howard, and his daughter, Miss Victoria Howard!” The announcer's voice cut through the thick atmosphere and heads turned to see Vicky and her dad. Charlene smiled at them, watching them take their seats. 

“Get me a napkin, please.” One of the guests said to Charlene who nodded and turned to get the napkin. Her heart sank when the announcer's voice came through again.

“Presenting! The CEO of Cooper conglomerate, heir to the Cooper Dynasty and multiple global award winner! Noah Cooper!” 

There was silence— then murmurs— then applause. 

Charlene froze, her breath seizing instantly. Her eyes yearned to see him, but her feet remained glued to the floor, refusing to move. 

“Oh God.” She muttered with a racing heart before slowly turning around.