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Novel Catalog
Chapter 65: You Are Here
After school, Serina met Ainsley outside her office. She immediately noticed that Ainsley seemed distracted, a rare sight since Ainsley was usually calm and composed no matter the situation.
“Ainsley, what’s wrong?” Serina asked, concern lacing her voice.
Ainsley smiled, trying to mask her worry. “Nothing serious.”
“Are you sure? Is it because of what’s been going on in the forum?” Serina pressed. “I’ve heard some things at the office. Did the school leaders put pressure on you?”
Ainsley chuckled softly. “Nothing you can’t already guess. The school leaders haven’t said anything. But Kaitlin did invite me to her birthday banquet, and Mollie will be there as well.”
Serina’s expression darkened. “Kaitlin invited you? That’s just a trap! Ainsley, don’t go. If you want to see Mollie, I’ll ask my brother to help you.”
Serina sounded confident, as if Manuel could solve all problems with a snap of his fingers.
Ainsley shook her head. “There’s no need for that. I’ve decided to go. I want to see Mollie, and not just for the competition.”
Serina blinked in surprise. “Not just for the competition? Then why else?”
Ainsley smirked, a hint of mystery in her eyes. “It’s a secret.”
Serina didn’t press any further, though her curiosity was clearly piqued. As soon as she left the office, she dialed Manuel’s number, her voice laced with urgency.
“Manuel, did we receive an invitation from the Baldry family?” she asked, her excitement barely contained.
Manuel sounded hesitant. “What invitation?”
Serina couldn’t hide her anticipation. “Kaitlin’s birthday banquet! Have we received one?”
Manuel paused, and just as he was about to respond, his assistant knocked and handed him an invitation. He opened it and saw the elegant handwriting: an invitation from the Baldry family. “Yes, it just arrived.”
Serina grinned, already knowing what she wanted. “Keep it. I want to go.”
Manuel raised an eyebrow. “Why do you suddenly want to attend Kaitlin’s banquet? I thought you didn’t like her?”
“I don’t!” Serina snapped. “But something doesn’t feel right. Kaitlin invited Ainsley today, and that’s suspicious. I want to go and make sure Ainsley’s alright.”
Manuel was quiet for a moment. “Has Ainsley agreed to go?”
“She has,” Serina said firmly. “That’s why I want to go too.”
As the day came to an end, Ainsley packed up her things when she received a call from Raymond. She had guessed it would be about Mollie, and she was right.
“Ms. Easton, the school board is aware of the forum post and plans to use it to their advantage. Is there any issue with that? Professor Wade told me you haven’t confirmed Mollie’s attendance yet, but it would be great if you could make it work.”
Ainsley took a moment to think. “Mr. Ford, I’ll do my best.”
Raymond’s voice softened. “Don’t feel too pressured. We’ll support you.”
After hanging up, Ainsley glanced at the invitation in her hands, her mind spinning. Kaitlin’s ploys were becoming more obvious with every step, but Ainsley had already made her decision. She would go to the banquet, not just to see Mollie, but to face whatever awaited her there.
The Baldry family’s villa was as grand as expected. Ainsley arrived dressed elegantly, but when Cason saw her at the entrance, he froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard.
Kaliyah stepped forward, taking Ainsley’s gift with a polite smile. “Ms. Easton, welcome. Kaitlin is upstairs, preparing. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Ainsley entered, scanning the room. It was clear that Kaitlin had spared no expense. The banquet was nothing short of luxurious, with people mingling, drinks flowing, and the atmosphere buzzing with conversation. Some guests recognized Ainsley, and she could feel their eyes on her as soon as she stepped inside. But she paid them no mind.
Her eyes searched the room, but there was no sign of Mollie. The banquet wouldn’t start for another ten minutes, so Ainsley assumed Mollie had not arrived yet.
As time passed, the room grew busier, and Ainsley continued to stand alone by the side, not really participating in the chatter. It wasn’t long before Lindsay noticed her and walked over, her face twisted with mockery.
“I didn’t think you’d actually show up,” Lindsay sneered. “You better behave yourself today, or don’t blame me for being rude.”
Ainsley didn’t dignify Lindsay with a response, letting her go off to entertain other guests. As soon as Lindsay was out of earshot, Kaliyah approached.
“Ms. Easton, how’s everything? Is the banquet to your liking?” she asked, her voice sweet but insincere.
Ainsley wasn’t fooled by Kaliyah’s facade. “Are you really just here to make small talk?” Ainsley’s gaze sharpened. Kaliyah’s politeness seemed more like a mask for something darker. Ainsley could sense the undercurrent of manipulation beneath her sweet demeanor.
Kaliyah smiled, unruffled. “I just thought you might appreciate the effort. You’ve worked hard on organizing banquets in the past, so I wanted to make sure everything was perfect.”
Ainsley narrowed her eyes. “You were the one who suggested I come to this banquet, right? Especially with Mollie’s arrival in mind?”
Kaliyah feigned innocence. “Oh, no. That was Kaitlin’s idea. I didn’t know about it until today. In fact, I’ve always wanted to invite you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d come. I never expected Kaitlin to take the initiative.”
Ainsley’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Sure. Go entertain your guests. I need some time alone.”
Kaliyah’s smile faltered briefly, but she quickly recovered and left.
Ainsley scanned the room again. A large curtain had been set up, likely to showcase photos or videos about Kaitlin. Among the guests were several reporters, their cameras clicking nonstop as they captured the lavish event. The atmosphere was filled with ostentation, everyone trying to outshine the next person in their designer dresses.
As Ainsley waited, the door opened, and a girl in a stunning pink dress entered. Her playful smile was unmistakable.
It was Serina.
Behind her, Manuel followed, looking every bit as out of place as Ainsley. He was quickly surrounded by reporters, but he managed to escape their attention and walked towards Ainsley.
“Ainsley, I’m here too,” Serina called, waving enthusiastically.
Manuel finally made his way over, his face lighting up when he saw Ainsley. “Aisy, long time no see.”
Ainsley couldn’t help but smile. “We saw each other just the other day,” she teased, remembering their dinner together.
The unexpected appearance of Serina and Manuel was certainly a surprise. But Ainsley was grateful to see them. She wasn’t alone in the lion’s den anymore.
