The Beginning

CHAPTER 3: CRÉME DE LA CRÉME

Grey's POV

I stood waiting for Audrey in the parking lot. She was late. Okay maybe not late but I was used to her being early. My phone vibrated in my pocket bringing me out of my thoughts. I brought it out and picked it up when I realized it was Killian.

"What's up?"

"We've got a problem". My whole body immediately tensed at that statement. I spotted Audrey coming my way and I signaled her to hold on.

"What happened?"

"Robert got away"

"Are you serious?"

"Would I joke about something like that?"

"Just wanted to know if I heard you well". He sighed.

"His daughter is going to be at the event"

"Okay?"

"Word has it that she's a loose mouth. Get her to spill something"

"Aye aye, captain". I hung up and made my way over to Audrey.

"You're late". She checked .her time in panic.

"No, I'm not. You said nine thirty and it's barely past nine"

"I was here before you, ergo, you're late", I said and led the way to the car. I chuckled under my breath as I heard her grumbling. I opened the door and waited for her to get in. She paused in shock at my kindness but entered. I entered after her and the car moved.

Audrey's POV

I stepped out of the car and was immediately met with flashes.

Is this a red-carpet event?

I turned as I felt a hand on my lower back.

"Just ignore them and follow my lead". I nodded and did as he said and soon enough, we were inside.

"Welcome to the gold and white gala", he said softly, just for me to hear.

"This is a gathering of the créme de la créme of the society. The people you'll meet are some of the richest and most influential people. In there, alliances are forged and enemies are also made. You are a representative of the company and you are not to show any weakness, do you understand?", he asked and I nodded in reply.

He took my purse and slipped a small knife inside.

"This is for if you run into any emergencies. It'll buy you enough time to run away". Handing my purse back, he offered me his hand, and as I took it, we both walked through the doors. And into the lion's den.

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I smiled as Mr. Sinclair spoke to one of the company's business partners.

"I have to admit, your date is a very beautiful woman". My body stilled as I was brought into the conversation. The VP only nodded in acknowledgment. The man's eyes assessed every inch of my body and I squirmed under his gaze. Then he asked the most unexpected question.

"Is she good in bed?". I almost choked on the champagne I was sipping. I was about to retort when he squeezed my arm in warning and then asked in a low voice.

"What do you mean, Benedict?". His tone was low key 'choose your next words carefully'. But of course, Benedict was an oblivious man and he carried on.

"I'm just asking, I want to know because she seems like..."

"Audrey, don't you need to go to the bathroom?", he cut in with his question but I sensed the hidden order and nodded. I walked away and into the bathroom. I stepped into a stall, put the toilet seat down, and gave my legs a rest. Almost immediately, I heard some footsteps followed by some giggling.