Chapter 24: The Date

As Avery walked through the building, she felt uneasy. She took a deep breath as she gathered all her courage. Tomorrow would be a big day and she needed to prepare herself.

The following morning, Avery decided to wear a black straight dress that highlighted her curves. Her hair was straightened up and her perfume was different. Her whole aura was confident and powerful. The employees, as always, turned to her as she passed by.

When she entered Carson’s office, the smile on her face widened. Allison was there talking to Carson about something. She didn’t say anything and just head to her seat. But as she fixed her things, she made sure she can hear their conversation

“I’m sorry, Carson. I really wanted to go. Our date was fantastic but I decided to go with someone else.”

Carson chuckled, “No worries, Allison. I had fun too. I’ll probably see you at the event?”

She nodded but didn’t respond. He was about to lead her to the door but she declined and left on her own. When the door closed, Carson sighed. Avery took a peak of him and he looked stressed. She was about to say something when the door opened.

“Carson”

The voice was deep and calm but Avery felt tense the moment she heard it. She turned to the direction of the new comer and saw Mr. Lee. He used to have a happy and cheerful vibe, but this time, it was different. He looked angry and very disappointed.

“What happened with Allison? Her father called me. He was disappointed that his daughter was going to the event with a nobody! She met the guy on a dating app. I don’t even know what that is.”

Carson cleared his throat as if signaling his father that someone was also there in the room. Mr. Lee looked at Avery then back to Carson. “What are you going to do now?”

Carson took a deep breath. “I will find a new partner. I just need to find again.” The old man got his cigar and lightened it. The smell of smoke started to linger in the room. Mr. Lee sighed as if he was thinking. “All of the good women are taken. You cannot go alone especially after you left Jenny.”

“I’ll bring Avery.”

Avery’s eyes widen. She didn’t expect this to happen, not coming from Carson’s mouth. Mr. Lee turned to her as well. “People will check her background.” Avery looked away as she never expected that this could happen.
Whenever she met new people, no one cared who her parents were or how they earn. All those rich silly men were just after who she was now. Not her past.

Carson looked at Avery who was looking at him as well. “I will do something about it, father.”

Mr. Lee then walked to her. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything but the image of our company is on the line.” She smiled, despite the offense she felt by his last statement, she had no choice but to smile

Mr. Lee didn’t say anything more and left the room. When she turned to Carson, he was already looking at her. “I’m sorry for getting you tangled in this mess. I can find another---“

She immediately cut him off. “I will go with you. I don’t mind if you have to lie about who I am.” Je seemed to be surprised by her answer. “I never thought you’d be that kind of girl.”

“But you need me, right? I’m doing this to help you.”

She then turned back as she head to her seat when he spoke again. “Why are you doing these for me? You cared about your mother. You wouldn’t lie especially if it would be related to her.”

She turned and smiled at him. “I wouldn’t lie. I am just there to be your date. Whatever it is you say about my past, I wouldn’t speak of it. I would just smile and be with you that night.” When Carson didn’t say anything, she walked to her seat.

Avery was on her way home when she saw an unfamiliar car by her apartment building. She was about to ignore it when the door opened. “Avery”

She was surprised to see Ji with a huge box. He handed it to her. “Wear that dress on the event. I had the best designers prepare for that. You will stand out.” Avery looked at him confused. She didn’t understand what was the point behind all of it.

“You came here to remind me of my part of the deal. But what is the purpose of the dress?”

Ji smirked, he was pleased. “As expected from a gold digger.” Her face twitched the moment she heard those words. She never saw herself that way. “Is there a problem? I knew what you did with those men. You seduced them to get their money and you will do the same thing to Carson.”

She smirked. “But am I the only one who would benefit? You have been trying everything you could to keep Carson in place. You knew I was his weakness.” Ji’s smirked disappeared. He cleared his throat.

“I can always find a new target, but you would lose your chance if Carson became the CEO. You need me more than I need you.”

That was the last time Avery saw Ji again because their next meeting was already at the event. As expected, Avery wore the dress given by Ji. She had her hair tied up, showing her long neck. The gown was backless and it was perfectly fit for her body.

When she got out of the car to meet Carson, his eyes widen and his lips formed a smile. Avery smiled confidently at him. It was show time.