Harley’s POV
“Remember my instructions: don’t look the guests in the eyes, and you can’t refuse their requests no matter what,” she said when we were at the entrance door.
We were both holding a tray of desserts I had never seen before. Their aroma was mouthwatering, and they looked very delicious. I had to avoid looking at them to fight the temptation to eat one.
“Let’s go,” she said after quickly checking my waitress outfit.
When we walked in, I felt nervous and very amazed by how the hall was decorated. The guests were dressed in the most beautiful dresses, gowns, and suits. I felt so out of place and a little scared, even when they weren’t looking at me.
“Keep calm and just walk around,” I said to myself silently.
“Hey,” a man behind me called softly.
I quickly turned and faced the old, fat man who was richly dressed and smiling at me.
“Evening, sir,” I greeted respectfully.
“I would like a taste of that dessert you are holding,” he said, then looked at me intensely while licking his tongue over his lips.
Instantly, I knew what he was trying to do, and that made me feel uncomfortable. I looked around, hoping to see the lady I had walked in with, but she was nowhere to be seen.
“Sure, sir, you can pick one,” I answered and then forced a smile on my face.
“How about you go with me to another room and feed me?” he said with a disgusting smirk.
“Let me handle him,” Jade whispered.
“No,” I answered loudly.
“What did you say?” he asked seriously.
“I said no. My job is to serve you here; that means I shouldn’t agree to go with you anywhere,” I answered.
“Did they not tell you how to never refuse the guests?” he asked as I glared at him.
“Sir, I apologize, but I am not going anywhere with you,” I answered seriously.
“Now please excuse me,” I said, and then gave a low bow.
I was about to turn when he moved his foot, making me stumble and fall. When I heard loud gasps fill the room and the calm, chill music died down, I knew then and there that I had made a grave mistake.
I slowly got up and looked at the man who stood in front of me. He was tall, very well-built, and so good-looking. When his eyes turned to a shade of dark red and his expression turned murderous, I took a step back. The dirt that had fallen dirtied his suit, which looked so expensive.
“I beg your forgiveness,” I said in a respectful tone and then lowered my gaze to the floor.
“Forgiveness? Did she just say that as if it can fix anything? She can’t even afford to buy what Alpha Ian is wearing, even if she were to sell her lung,” another man said furiously as the murmurs filled the air.
“Let me handle him,” Jade said calmly.
“No,” I answered silently.
“So just because of what you are, do you think you have the right to do this? Is this your fucking way of demanding attention?” he asked coldly, confusing me.
“I am really sorry,” I whispered, then looked at him.
He glanced to the side as Glen approached us. He looked out of breath as if he had been running.
When he reached where we were, he stood by my side and then bowed low. Murmurs filled the hall and quickly turned into an uproar.
“An Alpha bowing down to another Alpha is pathetic,” the good-looking man said in disgust.
“I apologize, Alpha Ian, for her clumsiness. She’s just a mere human who knows nothing about this fundraising and our kind,” Glen said as the good-looking man raised a brow.
“A mere human? Are you fucking mocking me?” he asked, then looked at me. I quickly shifted my gaze to the side.
I didn’t understand what they were saying because I felt scared and confused.
“Why would you, who usually boast about being on top, be defending a fucking fire breather?” He asked as Glen stood upright and looked at me with a confused expression too.
“No way, don’t tell me. Is she your fucking woman?” he asked in a mocking tone.
“No way, she’s just a cleaner, nothing more,” Glen answered, and I felt horrible.
I knew he saw me as nothing, but hearing him say that in front of all the people made me feel terrible.
“And yet here you are sticking up for her when you always fire and openly let the guests punish those who offend them. It’s as if she’s your mate,” he said, and the people instantly became quiet.
“Ian, please refrain from saying such nonsense. Today is a good day, and everyone here came to have a good time, so please don’t let this mistake ruin your mood or time here. I will personally go with you to one of the guest rooms where you will have a change of clothes,” Glen answered.
“That won’t be necessary,” a beautiful woman said as everyone looked at her.
She moved closer and stood at the good-looking man’s side, looking at him.
“And who might you be, witch?” the man asked.
“I am called Edith, but most of you may know me as Salfori,” she answered.
Everyone began whispering to one another, asking if she was the real one.
The man frowned as his eyes switched back to their usual color.
“Salfori, the life giver?” the man asked in shock.
“Yes, I am she,” the lady answered.
“If you are fucking lying to me, I will …”
“She’s telling the truth,” another pretty lady answered.
“Lexi,” the good-looking man called in surprise, then sighed softly.
“I’m glad to finally meet you, Salfori. If it’s okay with you, I would like to have a word in private,” the man said.
“Of course, but only if my Alpha Jace and my mate Harvey are present. Also, I would like it if you went easy on Alpha Glen because he is our family,” she answered, and then brushed her fingers on his suit as the stains disappeared.
I gasped loudly in shock, getting the woman’s attention.
How?
How did she do that? Was it magic?
“I’ll overlook this because of Salfori; next time, I won’t let it slide,” he said, and then walked away as the lady smiled at me and followed him.
“You come with me,” Glen ordered.
I nodded and followed him to the balcony, where he quickly closed the door.
I looked at him and then pressed my hands together.
“Glen, I apologize for…” I held my breath when a hard slap landed on my cheek.
I instantly closed my eyes to endure the pain.
“You are fired, and I never want to see your ugly face anywhere. So leave this place now,” he growled out the words like an animal.
I opened my eyes, and tears filled them. His words were hurting me more than the slap I had received.
“Let’s leave before I murder him,” Jade rumbled.
“Sir, I know I made a mistake, but please don’t fire me,” I begged as tears ran down my cheeks.
I was so scared of never seeing him again. Just the thought of being apart from him was unbearable.
“I do not want you; I actually don’t need you. You are disgusting and hideous to even look at. Stay away from me while I’m asking nicely, and never cross my path,” he said, then walked to the door and opened it.
“Why did you defend me if you were going to hurt me like this?” I asked in a cracked voice.
“You must be a fucking dumb bitch not to know this. I didn’t protect you; I was protecting my image and my family’s name. You mean nothing to me to even care. You are like trash that I step on, and you can never be a desirable woman, no matter how hard you try to smile at me or talk to me. So if you have any little self-respect for yourself, leave and never show your face again,” he answered coldly.
I quickly ran past him, sobbing silently.
I felt like throwing myself from the balcony or jumping in front of a moving car as I ran out of the building, ignoring Shin, who was calling my name.
I just wanted to disappear from the earth.