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Novel Catalog
Chapter 99: At the Banquet
“It’s none of your business,” Manuel said coldly, his voice steady but firm.
Kaitlin, undeterred, persisted. “Mr. Gage, I meant well. I was just trying to show you the way,” she said, her tone awkward, hoping to win his favor.
“I don’t need your help.” Manuel didn’t break his stride as he continued walking.
Kaitlin watched him, seething with frustration. He wouldn’t even spare her a glance. She stood there for a moment, then stomped her foot angrily, refusing to give up. Determined, she rushed to catch up with him.
“Mr. Gage, tomorrow’s your birthday. Can you please give me an invitation?” Kaitlin blinked at him, trying her best to appear innocent and pleading.
Manuel, however, didn’t acknowledge her. His face remained impassive as he made his way directly toward the Psychological Counseling Room.
Kaitlin stared after him in stunned silence, her mind racing. He didn’t come for Serina… she thought, he came for Ainsley.
Her pride stung as she realized that Manuel’s refusal to even consider her request was all because of Ainsley. If it weren’t for her, the Baldry family would have been invited without question.
Inside the Psychological Counseling Room, Ainsley was tidying up the student files, her eyes scanning the screen as she input the last case into the computer. With a satisfied sigh, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
It was bright but not blinding, the kind of sunlight that made her feel content, even humming a soft tune under her breath.
Suddenly, she felt a familiar pair of hands gently massaging her shoulders. She didn’t even need to look up to know who it was.
“Serina, hasn’t class started yet?” Ainsley smiled, enjoying the moment, but then continued, “By the way, did Kaitlin go to see you? And do you think your brother will like the gift I picked out yesterday?”
She asked a few questions in quick succession, but when she didn’t hear a response, she paused, sensing something was off. There was an unfamiliar scent in the air, a hint of cedar, and she froze. Is that… Manuel?
Quickly, she opened her eyes and looked behind her. Sure enough, there he was, standing there with a gentle smile on his face.
Ainsley’s heart skipped a beat. Why is he here?
“Mr. Gage, why are you here? Are you looking for Serina?” she asked, her voice catching slightly as she tried to avoid his gaze.
Manuel chuckled softly, the warmth in his expression unmistakable. “Will I like what you chose?” he teased.
Ainsley felt her cheeks warm. “Nothing, you heard wrong,” she stammered, standing up and walking over to the water cooler to distract herself.
When she returned to her desk, she noticed a piece of black paper on the surface. It looked exactly like the invitation Serina had given her earlier.
She opened it, and the message was clear: “Aisy, tomorrow is my birthday. I’d like to invite you to the banquet.”
Ainsley opened her drawer and found a second black invitation, identical to the first. It’s from Serina. She thought, but then noticed Manuel had placed his invitation right next to it.
“One’s from Serina,” Manuel said, placing the invitation gently on the desk, “and this one is from me.”
Ainsley tilted her head, eyeing him skeptically. “I don’t think you came here just to give me an invitation.”
Manuel shrugged, his usual nonchalance returning. “Of course not.”
Ainsley raised an eyebrow. Manuel smiled and slid a small box of desserts across the desk. “And this.”
Ainsley opened the box, slightly surprised. “Just a box of desserts?”
“Yes, just a box of desserts,” Manuel said seriously. “I heard that one must personally invite the most important person in their life. Was there anything more important than coming here to invite you myself?”
Ainsley was taken aback by the sincerity in his words. Before she could respond, Manuel stood up, a playful glint in his eyes. “Alright, I’ve given you the desserts and the invitation. I’ve got to go now, Aisy. Don’t forget about tomorrow’s banquet.”
With that, he turned, the gentleness in his face replaced with his usual cool expression. Ainsley stood there for a moment, processing everything he had said. He really wants me there.
The next day, Ainsley slipped into the dress she had bought with Serina. It was elegant and sleek, hugging her figure in all the right places, the perfect choice for Manuel’s grand birthday celebration. She also made sure to bring the carefully wrapped gift she had prepared.
Roman, the driver, was waiting for her downstairs when she exited the building.
“Ms. Easton, you look beautiful today,” Roman said, his voice full of admiration, though it lacked any malice. He truly meant it.
“Thank you,” Ainsley responded with a warm smile as she made her way toward the car.
Roman opened the back door for her like the gentleman he was. Once Ainsley settled into the car, Roman climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
“Do you come to pick me up?” Ainsley asked as she buckled her seatbelt, her curiosity piqued.
Roman nodded as he drove. “Mr. Gage asked me to pick you up. He was caught up in a conversation with his grandfather, so I came instead.”
Ainsley smiled, grateful for his consideration. “Thank you,” she said, feeling a flutter in her chest.
The Pearl Hotel’s grand hall was more opulent than ever for Manuel’s birthday party. The Gage family had reserved the entire space, making it the focal point of Seattle’s high society. The decor was more extravagant than Kaitlin’s previous birthday party by far, and the guests were an impressive list of powerful and influential people—some there because of the Gage family’s influence, and others simply to celebrate Manuel.
Manuel, despite being unmarried and still young, had become a highly sought-after bachelor. His perfection in both business and appearance made him the ideal son-in-law in the eyes of many wealthy families.
Though some of the guests had heard rumors about Ainsley, they didn’t pay them much mind. After all, she wasn’t married to Manuel, so their relationship was none of their concern.
Manuel spent most of the evening greeting guests, though his attention kept straying to the door. When Serina arrived, Ainsley noticed her friend’s unease. Serina seemed overwhelmed by the large crowd, her nervousness palpable as she trembled, trying to hold it together.
Ainsley quickly moved to her side, taking her hand in a supportive gesture. “Serina, it’s okay. These are just your brother’s friends. You’re not alone.”
“I know,” Serina whispered, her grip tightening on Ainsley’s hand. “I just don’t like all these people.”
Manuel, noticing the pair, quickly made his way over to them. His face softened as he approached Ainsley.
“Aisy, you’re beautiful today,” he said, his voice warm and sincere.
“Thank you,” she replied, a little breathless from his compliment.
He turned to Serina, concern clouding his features. “Is Serina alright?”
Ainsley smiled reassuringly at him. “She’s just a little overwhelmed. The crowd makes her nervous, so she wants to stay with me for a while.”
Manuel nodded understandingly. “Thank you for taking care of her. Please, both of you, take a moment to relax. The banquet hasn’t started yet.”
He gestured to a corner of the hall where there were desserts and drinks. Ainsley nodded, planning to take Serina there, but before she could move, Manuel stopped her.
“Where’s your gift?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Ainsley froze for a moment, then pulled a small box from her bag. “I hope you’ll like it,” she said softly.
Manuel’s eyes softened as he opened the box, revealing the cufflinks and tie clip she had chosen for him. The cufflinks were adorned with tiny diamonds and sapphires, simple yet elegant, while the tie clip was sleek and understated, complementing the cufflinks perfectly.
“Thank you,” Manuel said, his voice sincere. “I like it very much.”
Ainsley smiled, relieved that he liked the gift. She took Serina aside and they picked out some desserts, hoping to calm her friend’s nerves. Slowly, Serina began to relax, but Ainsley could sense that this night was just beginning, and the atmosphere at the party would only grow more intense as the night wore on.
