Chapter 644 The Charity Gala
Desiree wanted to say no right away, but Bronte seemed to know what she was thinking and jumped in, "It's been ages since we last hung out. I still remember what you were like as a kid. Now that you've grown up, you won't be distant with me, will you?"
Bronte had already laid it on thick.
If Desiree turned her down again, she'd come off as ungrateful, so she had no choice but to agree.
After hanging up, Desiree kicked herself for not asking if Daryl would be there too.
She really didn't want to see Daryl.
But calling back would make it look like she was overthinking it.
She sighed, "Whatever, I'll just deal with it when I get there."
Bronte, after making the call, turned to the side, "I did my part. Now it's up to you to make the most of it."
Next to her, Daryl sat in dark gray clothes.
With his silver-framed glasses and casual outfit, he looked more approachable, but his sharp eyes gave off a dangerous vibe.
He thought of something and smirked a bit. "Desiree, we'll be seeing each other again soon."
Desiree spent ages debating whether to tell Harold that Bronte had invited her to the party.
She worried he might read too much into it.
But not telling him would look shady.
All her doubts vanished when she spotted the fancy invitation on Harold's desk.
"Are you going to this charity gala too?"
Harold caught her tone and paused, "What do you mean?"
"Bronte invited me, and I said yes," Desiree said, watching his face closely, "Are you mad?"
At first, Harold did feel a bit off.
But that was because he remembered the scene at the record store when he and Daryl crossed paths, and Daryl mouthed something to him.
Desiree's voice snapped him back to the present.
His eyes flickered, and he quickly pulled himself together, smiling. "If you're going, that's great. I can go with you."
Seeing that Harold genuinely didn't mind and wasn't angry, Desiree felt oddly upset.
"Harold, you don't like me anymore, do you? How can you stay so calm when someone is flirting with me?" Desiree leaned in and asked, "Aren't you even a little jealous?"
She placed her hands on the table, leaning forward slightly.
It was a dominant move.
Harold had to look up to meet her eyes, putting him at a disadvantage, but he didn't mind.
He leaned in a bit, his voice whispering in her ear, "What if I actually care a lot?"
Harold's voice was naturally deep and seductive.
Desiree's ears tingled from his breath, and she didn't catch what he said.
So Harold leaned in closer.
Desiree was ready to listen, but he unexpectedly bit her earlobe.
Desiree jumped up, her earlobe turning red. "You did it again!"
"As long as it works." Harold smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Harold's playful teasing dodged the question.
Later, all Desiree could think about was that bite, forgetting everything else, and Harold seemed to avoid the topic, never bringing it up again. Two days later, on a swanky cruise ship docked at the port, men and women mingled on the deck, toasting and chatting, their glasses catching the dazzling lights.
Waiters weaved through the crowd with trays of drinks.
When Desiree showed up with Harold, they turned a few heads.
It was hard not to notice Desiree—she was stunning.
Her deep blue dress, sprinkled with rhinestones, sparkled like stars, looking like the shimmering waves of the sea, deep and serene.
Her curled hair was the cherry on top, making her look like a mythical mermaid as she glided gracefully.
The cruise ship was packed with all sorts of people, from business bigwigs to foreign bosses, and even those just looking to flirt.
The female guests had all been scoped out by these men, who would approach anyone they fancied.
A knockout like Desiree was prime real estate.
"Think I could get her number?"
"Dream on, she'd give it to me before you. Look at you, even regular women wouldn't be interested."
Harold's face darkened, subtly blocking their invasive stares.
Realizing Desiree was out of their league, one guy patted his friend's shoulder. "Forget it; she's married. You don't stand a chance."
The man glanced at Harold warily and backed off, the lingering stares finally leaving Desiree alone.
Harold tightened his grip on Desiree's hand and whispered, "Stick close to me and don't wander off."
Desiree had noticed the predatory looks and got the hint, so she stayed close.
The party was inside the cruise ship, with the deck serving as a chill spot.
The interior had three floors, with elevators and spiral staircases, and crystal chandeliers lighting up the whole place.
The theme of the charity dinner was an auction.
But the auction hadn't kicked off yet, so people were just mingling, chatting, and catching up with old friends.
Desiree was there because Bronte had sent the invite.
As soon as she walked in, she started looking for Bronte.
"Mr. Lewis, long time no see. Here for the auction too, and you brought a date. How should I address her?" Sebastian Grey, a refined man, approached, greeting Harold.
Harold shook his hand and said, "Sebastian, this is my wife, Desiree."
Hearing "wife," Sebastian raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
In high society, most men kept their marriages and private lives separate. He had seen many who changed partners more often than clothes. It was the first time he saw someone like Harold bring his wife, which made him respect Harold even more.
"Best wishes to you and your wife," he said, clinking glasses with Harold.
Then they started talking business. Coincidentally, Harold was in real estate, and Sebastian owned a chain of hotels and had recently acquired land for a new hotel.
So they got into a lengthy conversation.
After a while, Desiree felt tired of standing and whispered to Harold, "I need to use the restroom."
Harold's eyes hesitated for a moment.
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