Chapter 14 #2
“I have your VIPs,” Lyn said.
Scarlet went cold as she realized who was standing with them. Why is Isobelle Laurent here?
The woman was a magnetic sight, donned head to toe in a sequined black sheath dress and expensive jewelry. An intense-looking man with dark hair accompanied her. Scarlet knew right away it must be Balthazar Maxim. Scarlet forced herself to smile at the duo.
“Mr. Maxim.” Edward held out his hand, keeping the peace. “Isobelle. So glad you could make it.”
Really? Scarlet’s face got hot, and she fought to keep the smile on her face. He invited them?
“I wouldn’t miss it,” the man said. “Please call me Balthazar. I’m happy you reached out. Smooth over some of the misunderstandings going on.”
He shifted his attention to Scarlet. “And so nice to meet the new prima. I was sorry to hear of your misfortune, but it looks like you’ve bounced back with tenacity.”
Scarlet’s smile faded. He didn’t sound very sincere, but Scarlet wasn’t about to talk back to him. “Thank you, sir.”
Isobelle threw Scarlet a once-over before turning her attention to the others in the group. Her lips pursed, and she shifted her weight as if uncomfortable with being there.
Edward nodded. “Meet my chief investor, Andrej Brevic. His daughter is a soloist in tonight’s performance.”
Balthazar nodded to him. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Nora,” Isobelle spoke up. “His daughter is a very graceful ballerina. Principal material if I ever saw it.” She spoke with a heavy Spanish accent, and some said she faked it to appear more exotic. She lifted her head, clenched her jaw, and looked away from everyone.
“How about some shots for the Chronicle of our prima, former prima, and first principal?” Lyn asked, gesturing to a wiry photographer and a chubby reporter standing on the other side of the group. The duo looked ready for a fight to break out between the women.
Scarlet glanced at Victoria, noticing how much more dramatic she looked. Her red hair cascaded down her shoulders like a satin sheet, and her gold dress had a plunging neckline that almost went to her belly button.
Scarlet couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anger at the mother-daughter duo. They had brought the photographer and reporter over on purpose, so Edward couldn’t possibly refuse without some sort of negative article going out.
“I think it would be good to get some positive media out,” Lyn said.
Victoria smirked at her with perfect red lips, as if daring Scarlet to say no.
“I think that’s a great idea.” Edward nodded, not skipping a beat. He motioned for Scarlet to stand in the middle with Isobelle and Victoria flanking her. She tried not to let her face tell the story of her thoughts as Victoria put a cold arm around her shoulders.
“Nice dress,” she whispered. “Did you buy it at a thrift shop?”
Scarlet fought not to respond to her. She hated that Victoria got to her when she was obviously jealous.
Victoria’s fingers squeezed her shoulder, digging her nails into her skin.
“You two should try to get along,” Isobelle whispered. “You’ll never know when you may need each other.”
A few flashes of the light later, the trio parted quickly and returned to their respective parties without a word.
“Can we get an interview, Mr. North?” the reporter asked.
Edward nodded, finally giving Scarlet some freedom. She wanted to get away from the knife-like stare of Isobelle.
She retreated quickly to find her parents. She weaved through the crowd until she spotted Elena and Mikael Rush sitting at one of the reception tables.
Even though there was a considerable age difference between her parents, they always looked perfect together.
Her father was tall with graying hair and dark eyes.
He looked distinguished in his black and white tuxedo.
Her mother had the same chestnut-colored hair and crystalline blue eyes as Scarlet.
Elena wore a conservative black dress with a high neckline, and an intricately woven gold and red shawl that Scarlet recognized as her grandmother’s.
“My sparkle.” The woman smiled at Scarlet. Her mother always called her by a nickname that her grandmother had given her.
Scarlet hugged her mother tight. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve had one of those weeks.”
“Clearly.” Her father frowned, but stood to hug his daughter. “But, you are quite the vision, so it must be worth it.”
“We’re so proud of you,” her mother said. “And glad you’re safe and sound.”
“You’re telling me.” Mikael rolled his eyes. “She’s always finding ways to keep my blood pressure up. Now I have to worry about her being kidnapped.”
Scarlet let out a nervous laugh, not wanting the conversation to shift back to the attack.
“Once you meet my security agent, you’ll feel better. He’s great. Ex-military, too. You’ll love him.”
Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Is this a bodyguard or a boyfriend?”
“Don’t get your hopes up.” Mikael chuckled. “She’s married to this damn company, now.”
Scarlet ignored them, looking around for Alex, knowing he wouldn’t be too far. He was standing against the wall, scanning the crowed.
“Alex,” Scarlet called.