Chapter 594 The Hillbilly At Masquerade Ball
It was kind of odd. The Warner family, usually known for flying under the radar among Aucester's elite and never throwing big shindigs, was suddenly hosting a party.
Brooklyn was genuinely taken aback.
She rested her chin on her hands and grinned, "Why do I get the feeling you're not exactly thrilled about your mom throwing this bash?"
Arabella laughed, "My mom's guest list... originally, the invite was for your husband, but his assistant said he's not in Aucester right now, so the invitation got switched to... the acting CEO of MBK... Quinn. You know, if I bump into him tonight..."
So that made sense.
"Alright, I'll tag along with you tonight. Quinn's not really into these kinds of parties, so he won't hang around long. I'll figure out a way to get him outta there."
Hearing Brooklyn offer to help, Arabella grabbed her hand excitedly, "Brooklyn, you're the best! I've got the outfits all set, and I even picked out an awesome mask for you. You're gonna love it, I swear. It's a masquerade ball, so no one will recognize us. My idea is just genius."
Brooklyn didn't want to comment on that. "Let's get back to work first."
Arabella spent most of the afternoon distracted, worried that Quinn might recognize her at the party. But then she thought, why was she even worried about being recognized?
They were kind of in a relationship now, so she should be more open. But the more she thought about it, the more confused she got. Eventually, she decided to stop overthinking it. She was in an awkward position, neither here nor there, so she'd just take it one step at a time.
After work, Arabella invited Brooklyn into her car. "Brooklyn, let's go check out the outfits first. Once we're dressed, we'll head over. I've already told my mom, as long as we're not late, it's fine."
Brooklyn buckled her seatbelt and glanced at herself in the car mirror. After a long day at work, she looked a bit tired. Luckily, it was a masquerade ball, so she wouldn't need makeup with a mask on.
"You seem pretty scared of your mom?" Brooklyn asked.
Arabella started the engine, and her mini Mercedes rolled out of the hospital parking lot. She shrugged, "It's not just me; my whole family is scared of her. Brooklyn, my mom runs the show at home. My dad is super gentle, the perfect man. Just like... Dr. Carter."
Arabella imagined Zach's gentle demeanor, picturing him as a loving husband, and quickly merged Zach and her dad in her mind.
Thinking about it made Arabella uncomfortable. She definitely didn't have a father complex, absolutely not!
"You're dating Quinn, but still thinking about Zach? Arabella, don't forget, I'm Quinn's sister-in-law. Aren't you worried I'll tell him?"
Arabella giggled, "Brooklyn, Dr. Carter is a man I admire greatly, but Quinn is my boyfriend. You know, Dr. Carter is someone to look up to, while a boyfriend is someone to tease. I wouldn't dare tease Dr. Carter."
Brooklyn smirked, laughing softly, "You've got a point. Should I tell Quinn exactly what you said?"
Arabella shot Brooklyn a look, "Brooklyn, you're so bad! People say birds of a feather flock together, and Sebastian is known for being cunning. You've been influenced by him."
Mentioning Sebastian softened Brooklyn's heart. She missed him more each day they were apart, wondering when he'd return.
Brooklyn laughed, "Birds of a feather flock together, indeed. No wonder you've become so charming lately; Quinn's rubbing off on you. That's good, get closer to him."
"Damn! Charming? Quinn, charming? He drives me crazy! No way, I won't let him off easy tonight!"
Brooklyn chuckled.
They went to change outfits first. Considering Sebastian's wife's special status, Arabella chose a simple, conservative dress for Brooklyn, which she was quite pleased with.
A white sleeveless gown with a sweetheart neckline, paired with a subtle crystal necklace. But Brooklyn's figure was so stunning that even a simple dress accentuated her curves beautifully, making her stand out.
Arabella swallowed hard, seeing Brooklyn in a gown for the first time. She was amazed, covering her mouth in awe, "Brooklyn, Sebastian is head over heels for you, and now I see why!"
Brooklyn playfully lifted Arabella's chin, raising an eyebrow, "Jealous?"
"Jealous! Very jealous! Teach me, how do you keep your figure?"
"The magic of love." Brooklyn's mischievous smile sparkled brighter than the crystals.
Arabella changed into her outfit and put on a peacock mask, "Damn it. Sebastian's love is like top-shelf champagne, while mine... is probably boxed wine."
"Haha, you said it!" Brooklyn laughed sweetly, feeling the truth in Sebastian's love.
"Here, Brooklyn, wear this cute mask." Arabella handed Brooklyn a mask, and Brooklyn looked down, her mouth twisting, "Hello Kitty? Seriously?"
"It's adorable! I spent forever picking it out, and it matches your dress perfectly. Pink theme, super cute! This way, no one will suspect you're Sebastian's wife, right?"
Brooklyn shrugged, "Alright, guess I'm going with this one."
At the masquerade ball, guests wore masks, and Brooklyn and Arabella entered together. Under the enchanting lights, the ballroom was steeped in the aroma of drinks and perfume.
She expected the Warner family's party to be classic and grand, but it turned out to be quite trendy.
"Brooklyn, my mom's pretty modern-minded, so brace yourself." Arabella remained.
Brooklyn nodded, "Definitely trendy. Good thing Sebastian isn't in Aucester; I can't imagine him in a mask."
"I can already picture it!"
As they chatted, a tall, slender figure emerged from the crowd, dressed in a black Armani suit, sporting a Vacheron Constantin watch, and wearing a bright yellow metallic mask covering his eyes and nose.
Brooklyn didn't need a closer look to know it was Quinn.
She was surprised at how commanding Quinn's presence was, drawing attention as soon as he appeared.
Quinn's tall frame stood out in the crowd, and his laid-back, charismatic demeanor made him perfect for shining at a party.
Brooklyn nudged Arabella with her shoulder. "See him?"
Arabella sipped her wine, "Not bad. Let's see if he can recognize me."
Quinn's lips occasionally tilted towards the guests, his suave manner attracting the ladies' attention wherever he went.
Dressed in designer clothes, with impressive manners, and still single, he was naturally desirable!
Arabella gritted her teeth, "Damn, flirting with other women!"
Brooklyn crossed her arms. "Want to test him?"
Arabella smirked, "Great idea! Brooklyn, wait here."
"Okay."
Brooklyn was eager to see Arabella tease Quinn.
Arabella, in a black lace mini dress, gracefully approached Quinn, stopping near the champagne tower, her long legs and black skirt enhancing her allure.
Brooklyn savored her wine, amused.
Arabella had quite a strategy.
Quinn, holding his wine glass, was intercepted by a sultry beauty before reaching the champagne tower.
The tall woman wore a fox mask, her red lips alluring, and she placed a delicate hand on Quinn's shoulder, breathing warmly. "Care for a drink?"
Arabella gritted her teeth, "Damn it!"
Quinn smirked, his lips curving with charm, raising his glass, "Of course, such a lovely Miss's invitation is hard to refuse."
'Damn! Quinn, you're in trouble!' With that thought, Arabella strode over.
Her slender figure skillfully wedged between them, her arm wrapping around the beauty's waist, her hand sliding down her curves, giving a gentle squeeze, "Sweetheart, there you are. I've been looking for you."
Brooklyn was silent.
Quinn was silent.
The woman tilted her head. "Who are you?"
Arabella lowered her voice, her clear tone roughened, "Baby, we were together last night, and today you forget?"
She bit her lip, her seductive gaze captivating.
The woman was stunned, "I don't know you. You've got the wrong person."
Arabella blocked Quinn with her arm, "People can be mistaken, but I won't forget the tattoo under your skirt."
With that, Arabella tugged hard!
The woman's short skirt slipped to her knees, revealing black thong underwear.
The woman pulled up her skirt, cursing, "Bastard!"
Arabella whistled, "Nice hips, but... I did make a mistake. Sorry about that."
The woman's skirt was pulled down, and the surrounding guests murmured, seeing her dressed so provocatively, clearly there to seduce.
The woman wore a mask, but her exposed figure left her embarrassed and angry. "Apologize!"
Arabella draped her arm over Quinn's shoulder. "Sir, is she your girlfriend?"
Quinn raised an eyebrow, assessing the girl in the black mini dress, "Who are you?"
"I'm just me. I might have accidentally flirted with your woman. Sorry about that."
The voice was familiar, the height matched, and the figure... he'd held Arabella many times, memorizing her shape. Did she think a mask would fool him?
Quinn's hand turned, firmly wrapping around Arabella's waist, "You are my woman."
Realizing he recognized her, Arabella was shocked!
"Sir, don't joke. I'm single, and I'm not interested in men who are open to anyone!" She tried to elbow Quinn away, but he held her tighter.
"I'm interested in you. You look like someone I know." His finger brushed her lips, lightly tapping.
Arabella, caught in his embrace, breathed heavily, "Damn, let go! I'm not like those women you mentioned."
Quinn's arm circled, and Arabella suddenly felt the world spin, falling into his chest!
"No, the woman I mentioned isn't like that. She's a hillbilly."