Chapter 209 Brighter Futures Ball
As Skyview finished speaking, a group of sharply dressed young people filed into the room, each carrying a single, long-stemmed rose.
With a flick of Skyview's hand, they encircled Willow, forming a stunning sea of crimson flowers.
Willow laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "What's all this? Trying to bury me in roses?"
Skyview grinned. "Don't you like them?"
Surrounded by such vibrant beauty, Willow couldn't help but feel a flicker of delight.
Roses were beautiful, she had to admit, though a bit cliché.
"It's not that I don't like them," she said, her voice softening. "They're lovely, but they're such a hassle. They wilt so quickly, and then what? It's just more clutter."
Skyview chuckled. "You're right. I should have brought you a mountain of cash instead. Much more practical."
Willow rolled her eyes, though a smile played on her lips. "How gauche. Can you imagine? Me, drowning in a pile of bills? How tacky."
"Just a thought," Skyview said with a wink. "But seriously, roses are classic for a reason."
"So," Willow said, her gaze meeting his directly. "Are you trying to woo me, Skyview?"
"Is it working?" he countered, his eyes twinkling.
"Let's just say I'm intrigued," Willow said, tilting her head. "But you've got your work cut out for you. I'm a woman in demand, you know."
Skyview puffed out his chest, feigning confidence. "Please. No woman can resist my charm. I bet you're already head over heels."
"In your dreams," Willow scoffed, though her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "But... I'll admit, your persistence is...endearing. And you did stand up for me back there. So, fine. Among so many competitive pursuers, You get one chance."
"One?" Skyview's jaw dropped. "That's it?"
"One chance is more than most get," Willow said, her voice laced with playful arrogance. "I'm the mayor's daughter, a White by association, and, if I may say so myself, quite the catch. I have men lining up at my door."
She wasn't exaggerating. Her lineage and beauty made her irresistible.
"Fair enough," Skyview conceded, though his eyes still held a glimmer of hope. "One chance it is. I won't disappoint you."
"Good," Willow said, her expression turning serious. "Because tonight's performance will determine everything."
"Performance?" Skyview's brow furrowed in confusion, then his eyes widened in realization. "Oh! You mean... Tonight? But I haven't booked a room yet! Don't worry, I'll find something with a great view, and I promise, you won't be disappointed with my..."
"Get your mind out of the gutter!" Willow interrupted, her cheeks burning. "Honestly, what kind of woman do you think I am? I'm talking about the Brighter Futures Ball tonight. I want you to be my date."
"Oh," Skyview deflated, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Right. The ball. My bad. You were a bit vague there."
"So, the Brighter Futures Ball it is," Willow said, her voice regaining its business-like tone. "Have you ever been?"
"Heard of it, of course," Skyview replied. "Never been invited, though."
The Brighter Futures Ball was an annual charity gala hosted by Golden Isle City's elite. The event showcased excessive displays of wealth and charity, with the affluent and celebrities mingling, bidding on extraordinary items, and generously contributing to numerous causes.
While the event's original purpose was charitable, it had become more of a social showcase in recent years, a place for the city's movers and shakers to see and be seen.
Skyview, despite his newfound wealth, was still considered an outsider by the city's old money. He hadn't yet earned a place among their ranks.
"To be honest," Willow said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "there's someone at this ball who's been...persistent in his pursuit of me. I find him utterly repulsive. I was hoping you could, well, use your...unique talents to discourage him."
A mischievous glint flickered in Skyview's eyes. "You want me to curse him out?"
Willow smiled sweetly. "Would you mind?"
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