Chapter 23

I gave myself one last look in the mirror.


My hair and makeup were all set, all I needed was to step into my dress for the evening.


Since the whole family had to attend, I had to leave with them as well.


And that would mean meeting Camille directly at the banquet.


I sighed and took my Miss Dior perfume and sprayed the fragrance on my neck and wrists.



I walked out of the walk-in closet and saw an unfamiliar box placed on my bed and my dress that was placed there was out of sight.


My brows furrowed in confusion, and I walked over and opened the box to see what it was.


The box itself was meticulously packaged like a present.


With a curious gaze, I opened the lid and found a dress, a pair of heels, and a jewelry box inside.


What surprised me was that it was the same dress I tried in the store that day, but decided against it to wear for the evening.


Along with a pair of sleek black Christian Louboutin pumps.


I opened the gray jewelry box and found a diamond bracelet inside, and accompanying it was a note.


With just a name, Jason.


A smile threatened to leave my lips. I rolled my eyes and picked up the dress.


Thank the heavens that I kept my makeup neutral, something that could accommodate both styles.


After getting ready, I clasped the lock of the bracelet around my wrist and gave myself a once-over to myself in the mirror.


Let's see if he doesn't drool.


As I was stepping down the stairs, I saw all the family members gathered in the living room.


With the sound of my heels, they all looked up in my direction.


I maintained my composure, although I could feel his eyes on me.


His gaze was so powerful that I could only look elsewhere.


Because I knew once I held eye contact with him, it would be hard to look away.


His eyes had that in them; they stared at you so deeply that you couldn't look away even if you wanted to.


As soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, Grandpa nodded at me with a smile.


“Amara, you'll ride with me and Jason,” he told me, and I nodded my head in return.


I saw Elizabeth rolling her eyes, but I just ignored her.


She was already obnoxious enough.


After the drama that night, she and her mother both maintained their distance from me.


Julie Thomas, my mother-in-law although she maintained her distance, was still determined to not let me be at peace.


Every once in a while, she'd let out a comment or two, about the way I dressed, why I didn't join her family for dinner, arguing that there was no use for me to go work, etc etc.


But I ignored her each time.


They were both not worth my time, so I made sure not to give them any.


Soon we were all getting in the cars that would take us to the banquet.


I sat beside Grandpa Harvey in his Maybach while Jason took the passenger seat.


Luke's parents and Elizabeth were riding in another car and following us.

I didn't see Caroline, but I also didn't bother to ask about her.


With Grandpa in the car, there were no chances of interactions between me and Jason.


I exchanged a few words with Grandpa out of politeness; otherwise, the rest of the car ride was quiet.


Thankfully, there wasn't any tension in the air, and the ride was relatively comfortable.


We were soon pulling up at the hotel where the banquet was being held.

A valet opened Grandpa's door for him, and he stepped out.


I adjusted the strap of my dress before deciding to step out.


But Jason was already opening my door for me as he held out a hand for me to take.


I looked into his enchanting eyes and took in his appearance. He was wearing a black tux with his hair set to perfection.


Passing on a little smile to him, I took his hand and stepped out of the car.


Grandpa was already waiting for us at the foot of the stairs.


I took his arm, and together we climbed the stairs to enter the hotel.


While Jason was walking on my other side, maintaining a respectable distance between us.


The banquet was filled with people ranging from business elites to celebrities and politicians.


From what I knew, it was an annual gathering hosted by the Clarks. No one knew the exact reason behind it. Some said it was something that had been going on for generations, and they were merely continuing it.

And who would ask any questions when you get to interact with such high-profile people?


The Clarks were one of the elite families in Tennessee.


Unlike the Harveys, who were a mountain in the business field, the Clarks were known for their political influence.


They also had businesses running, but their main focus was politics.


Matthew Clark, the head of the family, was running for senator this year.


His father was a senator himself and just retired a couple of years ago.


Meanwhile, his son was known for not having any interest in his family's political career, so he was managing their businesses. He was also known for being a notorious playboy, even after being engaged.


Grandpa introduced me to a few people with whom I exchanged pleasantries before excusing myself from them.


I looked around for Camille, as it was already getting boring without her.


I spotted her in a corner, flirting with Archer.


This girl.


“Hello to you too, bestie!” I exclaimed with fake enthusiasm.


“Hey, you!” She returned my enthusiasm with the same fake energy.


She did a once over before raising her eyes at me. “Damn, you look totally bangable! But wait, this isn't the dress you decided on,” she asked.


I decided against telling her the truth, "Well, it was a last-minute decision.”


“Well, it was worth it. This one looks more attractive on you,” she praised and blew me a kiss.


“Trust me, Cam, if I was into girls, I'd have totally taken you home with me tonight.” I winked and looked at her, fluttering my lashes.


“Now now, ladies. Please refrain from jumping at each other. And Miss Wilson, while I agree you look fabulous, you might not want to take my girlfriend away from me, no matter how hot she looks,” Archer chimed in, joining us in our joke.


“Well, Mr. Archer, you finished up well yourself. And it might or might not be your dimples, but I think I can leave your girlfriend alone for you.” I sighed in fake disappointment.


We all shared a laugh, and Archie snaked his hand around Camille's waist before placing a kiss on her temple while she smiled at him.


Warmth spread through my chest while I watched their interaction. At least one of us is happy.


“Okay. I believe you beautiful ladies shouldn't be empty-handed, so let me go and get you drinks,” Archer pulled away from Cam and spoke.


He asked for our specific orders and then took off to the bar.


“Now, tell me, how did this dress become your last-minute choice because, if I remember correctly, you didn't purchase it that day,” Cam asked me in a low voice.


I sighed at her question.


There was no chance I could get away from her with a lie.


“Well, Jason gifted it to me,” I answered her just as quietly.


“You're kidding me!”


She looked me up and down before fixating her gaze on my wrists.


“And if I'm not wrong, he gifted you that as well,” she said, scrutinizing her eyes at me.


I nodded my head.


She sighed and stared at me.


“Tread carefully. You don't want to regret it later.”