Gala Dinner.
It’s where the rich gather, people with billion-dollar businesses, and definitely some arrogant faces. That was Hannah’s first impression as she walked into the grand building, a luxurious restaurant well known in Summerhill.
Hannah had never imagined she would ever set foot there, let alone attend an exclusive gala dinner. All eyes were on Alden as he entered with Hannah, and she felt an extraordinary impact there as well.
The greeter immediately escorted them to a table in the back, near the restroom.
Hannah sat down next to Alden and tried to hide the tension on her face.
“Do you know why we’re sitting here?” Alden asked, smiling at Hannah.
Of course, Hannah understood enough about RSVP invitations and such. Those sitting in the back were reserves or people who weren’t that important. It might have been better not to come at all than to be embarrassed.
But whatever was in Alden’s mind about coming to a gala dinner, he seemed to want to embarrass the Harrison family.
“Why did we have to come, sir?” Hannah swallowed nervously. “Doesn’t it hurt your pride?”
Alden shook his head. “At least I get to eat for free. It doesn’t bother me.”
“Well, that’s the most positive thing I’ve ever heard out of people who lack empathy.” Hannah chuckled. She looked intently at Alden. “You’re better than them, sir.”
Alden didn’t say a word, but continued to look at Hannah with his gentle eyes. Although Hannah’s words sounded so simple, for some reason Alden really liked them.
“Oh, Alden Harrison! What a surprise, I thought you weren’t coming!” someone called from a distance.
A woman in her fifties approached them, looking glamorous and slightly overdressed. She was wearing a maroon outfit, slightly oversized. Without further ado, she reached out and hugged Alden so tightly that his face turned crimson.
“It’s good to see you, dear,” the woman said enthusiastically.
Hannah stood up and received the same hug. For some reason, this hug felt very warm. Not a superficial hug with an ulterior motive. That was Hannah’s impression.
“So this is your wife? I saw her on the news. Why didn’t you invite me? I would’ve come to your wedding! You’re such a rascal, Alden. I almost got mad because you forgot about me,” she chattered without pause.
Hannah looked confused, so she just looked back and forth between Alden and the woman in front of them.
It was the first time Hannah had heard Alden laugh and look happy.
“Hannah, this is Mrs. Elizabeth Freud,” Alden introduced the woman in front of them.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Hannah nodded politely.
“She’s very beautiful. When I saw the two of you, I felt like I was watching a prince and princess in a fairy tale,” Elizabeth chuckled.
“You’re exaggerating, Elizabeth.” Alden shook his head.
“Oh, my, everyone’s looking at you. Show them that the Harrison family is not to be underestimated,” Elizabeth continued.
They chatted for a while, and Elizabeth returned to her table as the event was about to begin. In fact, Alden and Hannah were sitting alone at the corner table while all the other tables were full. It was as if they were isolated, although Hannah didn’t know what the purpose was.
The event was hosted by a billionaire whose name Hannah had forgotten. Alden said the billionaire had once been his father’s business partner. But when Maxim’s business collapsed, this billionaire seemed to forget their friendship.
There was no such thing as friendship in business, Alden said.
After the opening event and the dinner that followed, people began to leave their tables to greet the “prestigious” figures. Everyone there had power in their business, but being part of this elite group was even more advantageous.
Hannah just watched the people come and go and watched Elizabeth greet others. It was clear that Elizabeth’s intentions seemed sincere, but the people there didn’t seem very interested in her. In a way, Hannah felt sorry for her.
“Are you close to Mrs. Freud, sir?” Hannah asked.
Alden nodded. “Once. But she’s still a nice lady. I came here at her insistence.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Elizabeth was a close friend of my mother’s. But I was never close to her son.” Alden chuckled. “We were forced to be friends, even though we didn’t get along. I just tried to respect Elizabeth and my mom.”
Hannah remembered seeing family photos in Alden’s house.
“Where are your mother and siblings?” Hannah asked suddenly.
“You don’t know?”
Hannah shook her head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“My parents divorced when I was seven. My mother and brother left, and to this day I don’t know where they are.”
“You have no idea at all?”
Alden shook his head. “None.”
Impulsively, Hannah suddenly gripped Alden’s hand tightly. For some reason, Hannah felt so sad. It must have been hard for Alden to live alone all this time.
Although Hannah suffered when Francesca and Aspen came, she couldn’t deny that their presence didn’t make her feel very lonely.
“I’m here by your side, sir. I’ve decided I won’t leave you until you tell me to. I’m not going anywhere, you won’t be alone anymore,” Hannah said.
Alden tilted his head, not even pulling his hand away from Hannah’s tight grip.
“Thank you,” Alden replied with a smile.
Suddenly, Alden’s other hand grabbed Hannah’s chin and pulled her closer until their faces were close together. Without warning, Alden kissed Hannah’s lips gently, if only for a few seconds.
At the same time, flashes of camera light were directed at them, drawing everyone’s attention.
Hannah pulled her face away slightly and felt her cheeks instantly heat up. She hadn’t expected Alden to be so bold!
“Sir?” Hannah whispered, feeling immediately uncomfortable.
“Play your part, Hannah. We have some shocking news to deliver. Kiss me,” Alden whispered into Hannah’s ear.
“What?”
“Do it.”
It was an order Hannah couldn’t refuse. Closing her eyes, Hannah leaned forward and kissed Alden’s lips. She didn’t know what would happen tomorrow, but Hannah hoped that Alden’s request wouldn’t get her into any more trouble!