Chapter 6: The Party pt 1

Karina walked down the stairs gracefully, each step accentuating her figure.

She wore a long blue satin gown, strapless with a slit running along one side, exposing her fair legs as she walked.

Devon’s breath caught for a second as he looked at her.

Karina felt his eyes on her but kept her head lowered, afraid to meet his gaze.

Devon’s eyes followed her from the top of the stairs until she stopped beside him.

Despite how frail she had become, she still looked so—

He snapped out of his thoughts.

“Don’t think too much of it.”

His eyes turned cold again.

“Keep your mouth shut and stand beside me like the perfect little doll.”

He tilted her chin slightly.

“Are we clear?”

Karina nodded quietly.

Then she followed after him toward the car.

The ride there was silent.

Karina turned slightly and stole a glance at him.

He wore a dark suit paired with a blue shirt and subtle details that matched her outfit.

Her eyes widened slightly.

They were matching.

A small smile appeared on her lips before she turned back to look out the window.

Devon noticed.

What’s she smiling about?

Whatever it was…

she had stopped nervously clenching her dress.

Good.

At least she wouldn’t embarrass him.

The car pulled up at the venue.

A long red carpet stretched toward the entrance while cameras flashed endlessly.

Reporters and paparazzi crowded both sides, trying to push forward only to be held back by security.

Different business moguls had gathered for the event.

It was the annual business summit held every year in Lou City which was an opportunity for both small and established businesses to build connections as guests arrived from all over the country.

“Your hand.”

Devon suddenly spoke.

Karina blinked.

“What?”

Devon looked at her coldly.

“Or do you plan to trip and embarrass me?”

Karina flinched and quickly shook her head.

She carefully placed her hand in his.

The moment they stepped out, the cameras exploded.

Flashes came from every direction.

Reporters tried to get closer but security pushed them back.

Karina stumbled slightly and instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes.

Devon reached over and took her hand.

Without a word, he looped it around his arm and steadied her.

“Stay focused,” he muttered.

Karina nodded and held onto her purse tightly as she walked beside him.

She lifted her head and straightened her shoulders, trying to appear more grounded.

Devon glanced at her.

Amusement flickered briefly in his eyes at her newfound confidence.

A faint smile tugged at his lips, before disappearing just as quickly.

Then they stepped into the hall.

And suddenly… all attention shifted to them.

Devon released her hand from his arm and went off to discuss business.

The whispers spread quickly across the hall.

“Is that Mr. Russell’s rumored wife?” someone asked.

“She’s really beautiful. Mr. Russell has good taste,” another commented.

“But look—she’s not wearing a ring,” a lady snickered.

Karina instinctively moved her purse to cover her hand.

“Could this be a scam marriage?”

“True. I heard Mr. Russell doesn’t even allow women near him.”

“Poor girl. She was probably forced into this.”

“No way. I heard she forced her way into his bed.”

Karina felt her heart sink.

She looked toward the direction of the voice.

Amanda.

Jade’s friend.

The one who had started all of this.

Jade wasn't even here herself but she still found ways to make her life miserable.

Karina looked around quietly, searching for somewhere to hide.

But in her panic, she accidentally bumped into a waiter.

The tray tipped, glasses shattered and drinks spilled everywhere.

The hall fell silent for a second… before another round of laughter broke out.

Karina immediately bowed repeatedly, apologizing to the waiter as he shouted at her.

Then she turned and hurried out of the hall.

From a distance, Devon watched everything.

He didn’t move.

At least this would remind her of her place.

“Hey.”

Someone tapped his shoulder.

“Isn’t that your wife? If you’re not going to help her then I’ll—”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Devon’s voice came out colder than expected.

The man froze.

Then slowly sat back down.

“Chill, bro. I was joking.”

Gabe laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck.

Devon looked away.

“Leon.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Send another outfit to her and book a room.”

He adjusted his cuff.

“The dinner starts in thirty minutes.”

Then he turned and headed toward the dining hall.

Gabe stared after him.

“But he just—”

Leon sighed and patted his shoulder.

“You should know by now.”

He started walking away.

“Mr. Russell is a complicated man.”

“Complicated my foot,” Gabe muttered, rolling his eyes.

Then he grinned.

“I’ll just confirm it myself.”

Karina squatted in the hallway, her head buried between her shoulders as she struggled to hold back her tears.

Where was he when all of that was happening?

No.

Even if he had been there…

he probably would’ve ignored her.

And somehow, that would’ve hurt even more.

“Excuse me, are you Mrs. Russell?”

Karina looked up.

A lady dressed in professional clothing stood in front of her.

She sniffled and nodded.

“Yes?”

“Ahh, perfect!” the lady clapped her hands excitedly. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

She turned around immediately.

“Follow me.”

Karina stood slowly and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief before placing it back into her purse.

Then she followed behind cautiously.

“Why?”

“Mr. Russell asked me to get you ready for dinner. Come quickly, we’re already running out of time,” the lady explained as she opened the door to a room.

Karina looked at her quietly.

Suspicion flickered in her eyes as she gripped her purse, unsure of what to do.

But after a moment—

she chose to trust her instincts and stepped inside.

Another blue dress rested neatly on the bed.

This one was even more dazzling than the one she was currently wearing.

Karina reached out and gently ran her fingers across the fabric.

A small smile appeared on her lips.

“Alright, time to get to work,” the lady said, taking the dress from her hands and lightly pushing her toward the dressing room.

A while later, Karina stepped out.

This time she wore a short fitted blue gown.

Her long black hair had been left down, making her features stand out more.

Maybe it was because her makeup had been done professionally but right now she looked like someone completely different.

Karina stared at her reflection.

Then she looked away.

Was this really how she was going to prove herself?

No.

If she couldn’t even stand properly on her own…

why would Devon ever look at her?

She had spent two weeks hiding. Crying. Waiting for him to notice.

That wasn’t going to change anything.

Karina looked at herself one more time.

She couldn’t keep shrinking herself forever.

The lady pointed her toward the direction of the hall before leaving.

Karina took a slow breath and straightened her shoulders.

This time… she wouldn’t let herself be trampled so easily.

She was about to reach the dining hall when she suddenly tripped, but someone caught her just in time.

Karina looked up to see a man smiling down at her. He looked… familiar.

“Shall I escort you, Miss?” he grinned, taking her hand and bringing it close to his lips.

Karina was about to nod before she suddenly remembered.

Devon already thought she was a slut. What if he saw this and thought she was trying to hook up with another man?

She couldn’t risk it.

Karina immediately pulled her hand away and stepped back slightly, putting some distance between them.

“Thank you for earlier,” she said with a small bow and smile before turning to leave.

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

Karina paused and turned back to look at him.

“At Devon’s house,” he continued casually. “Remember? When you snuck into the kitchen to get snacks.”

Karina stared for a second before finally remembering.

Gabe.

One of Devon’s friends.

He came around the manor from time to time.

“Ahh… yes,” she smiled politely, though the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nice to see you again.”

Then she turned and walked faster, clearly not intending to continue the conversation.

“Word of advice.”

Gabe’s voice stopped her.

Karina paused but didn’t turn around.

“You’re with Devon Russell. THE Devon Russell.” His tone carried amusement as he continued, “Have a little backbone, will you? At least make this interesting for some of us.”

Karina stood there quietly for a moment before finally turning her head slightly.

Then she smiled.

This time the smile looked different.

Sharper. More vicious.

“Noted.”

She turned away and stepped into the dining hall.

Almost immediately, all eyes shifted toward her.

Her gaze moved across the room before stopping.

Jade.

Sitting right next to Devon.

Karina’s expression stilled for a brief moment.

Behind her, Gabe slipped into the hall and looked between the three of them before smirking.

“Now this…”

He leaned back slightly.

“…is what we call drama.”