Chapter 85: Chapter 85: The High-Society Gala

The tires of Alexander’s Mercedes-Benz E 450 screeched violently against the paved driveway as he tore into the sprawling estate slamming on the brakes at the exact final second.

The car skidded to a halt right in front of the grand entrance kicking up a massive swirling cloud of dust that immediately drew the eyes of every single guest standing on the manicured lawns.

As the dust settled Alexander smoothly stepped out of the vehicle.

He adjusted his jacket scanning the crowd and immediately noticed two familiar women breaking away from the main group to approach him.

It was Mrs. Gable and Serena.

He hadn’t seen either of them since that intense afternoon at the restaurant with Marcus.

While he had strongly hoped they would be the ones behind tonight’s mysterious summons—especially since they had explicitly demanded his phone number back then—he hadn’t been completely certain until this very moment "Alex!

It is absolutely wonderful to see you" said Mrs. Gable a warm genuine smile gracing her features.

"We completely found out about that horrific explosion that happened yesterday" added Serena her eyes scanning his frame with deep concern "Are you truly alright?

Is there absolutely anything we can do to help you?"

Alexander offered them a flawless charming smile completely shaking off the lingering adrenaline from his wild drive "I am feeling absolutely wonderful ladies" stated Alexander smoothly "It is honestly fantastic to see that you invited me out tonight."

Serena chuckled softly a playful glint in her eyes "Well we definitely weren’t about to pass up an opportunity to enjoy some prime fresh meat."

Mrs. Gable stepped in closer her tone shifting to a slightly more serious note "This is actually our joint birthday gala.

Both of us happen to share the exact same birthdate so we decided to invite our closest friends to celebrate.

Your explicit mission tonight Alex is to watch over us...

There are certain people around who would love nothing more than to completely ruin things for us."

Alexander tilted his head his eyes narrowing slightly as his security instincts kicked in "Is the situation going to get tense?" asked Alexander "I just want to ensure I am entirely prepared."

"Perhaps a little bit" murmured Serena thoughtfully "But let’s honestly hope it remains a completely quiet night."

"Understood.

Give me just one moment" stated Alexander.

He smoothly walked back to the driver’s side of his Mercedes opened the door and reached deep into the glove compartment.

He pulled out his sleek holster and his firearm quickly securing the rig tightly against his torso right beneath his left arm.

Fortunately the fresh outfit Stephen had provided included a tailored suit jacket allowing him to completely conceal the weapon without creating any visible bulges.

He locked the car and walked back toward the main lawn where Mrs. Gable and Serena were already busy greeting the newly arrived VIPs.

Alexander stood a few paces back blending into the background as he scanned the perimeter.

Suddenly a long luxurious black limousine pulled up to the valet station.

The door swung open and a woman stepped out onto the red carpet flanked by a massive entourage of professional bodyguards.

Alexander’s jaw tightened in absolute disbelief.

It was someone he never in a million years expected to see here.

It was Aria.

Shaking off his shock Alexander casually bypassed her security detail and stepped directly into her line of sight "I definitely didn’t expect to run into you quite so soon" said Alexander his voice low and smooth.

The moment Aria locked eyes with him she froze completely in absolute shock.

She hadn’t expected to see him until their scheduled date at 7:00 PM tomorrow and her mind was still incredibly conflicted about how she truly felt.

In the gym the young man had been exceptionally cheerful energetic and commanding making her experience profound physical sensations she had never felt in her entire life.

But here she was an elite member of the high-society class.

She had purposefully hidden her true identity when visiting that hidden establishment called TMC but in this venue surrounded by her peers she couldn’t conceal who she really was.

Before Aria could even formulate a coherent response to his sudden appearance Mrs. Gable and Serena rapidly glided over to the limousine their faces lighting up with immense respect "Godmother Aria!" exclaimed Mrs. Gable bowing her head slightly in an incredibly formal gesture "It is an absolute profound honor to have you accompany us tonight.

We genuinely appreciate your visit."

Alexander stood completely rooted to the spot his mind reeling as the bizarre incredibly complicated reality of the situation unfolded right before his eyes.

Aria immediately shifted her demeanor casting aside her internal panic and instantly slipping back into her poised high-society persona "I absolutely wouldn’t miss it for the world" said Aria her voice completely smooth and dripping with aristocratic grace "Now if you will kindly excuse me I need to visit the powder room."

Without casting a single glance in Alexander’s direction she turned and walked toward the grand estate doors completely ignoring him as her security detail fell into step behind her.

Serena and Mrs. Gable immediately turned their heads staring at Alexander with wide intensely curious eyes "Do you actually know her Alex?" asked Serena her voice laced with absolute astonishment.

Alexander casually shrugged his shoulders keeping his composure entirely relaxed "I happened to meet her just a short while ago" said Alexander "but I honestly had no idea she was anyone important."

Both women stared back at him in utter completely incredulous disbelief "Who on earth doesn’t know Aria Ashford?" exclaimed Mrs. Gable her voice dropping to a sharp hushed whisper "She practically never makes public appearances Alex.

She only ever shows up at exceptionally rare high-profile events.

To be completely honest having her present here tonight is the absolute greatest honor of our lives.

It is notoriously difficult to secure her attendance at any gathering that doesn’t at the very least involve high-ranking politicians."