"I just took my evening shower and I'm about to go to bed," Aurora said softly through the phone. "That's cool," Mark replied, adjusting the cufflinks of his custom-tailored red velvet suit. "It's 5 PM here, and I'm getting ready for the event tonight."I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you."
"It's okay, Aurora. I understand."
She hesitated, then asked, "So… do you have an escort now?" Mark smirked slightly. "No, I don't. But my secretary will do."I thought Paul was your secretary?" she asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, I do have a secretary. But Paul's my assistant. Betty is my secretary."
Aurora's voice dropped just a notch. "Betty?
"Betty," Mark answered flatly. "Do you have a problem with that?" he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly. "No… I mean, why would I?"
"Are you jealous?" His voice teased, sharp with curiosity. "No way! I'm not jealous," Aurora blurted. "I just don't like female secretaries."
Mark arched a brow and stared at the screen. "Hey… why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, suspicious. "You're so cute, darling. Just admit it you're jealous."
"It's nothing like that, okay?" Aurora shot back quickly. "It's just that Jake had a female secretary and I—"
"Sorry," she mumbled, cutting herself off the moment she saw his expression change.
"No… go on. You shouldn't have to silence yourself," he said gently. "I understand. I don't expect you to forget him easily. He held a special place in your heart and I accept that. He was your first love, after all."
Aurora exhaled slowly. "Thank you for understanding me."By the way," she added quickly, "Mom told me there's going to be a ball. She said it's some kind of family tradition in Dad's family. Make sure to be back before then."When is this grand Riverson ball?" Mark asked, adjusting his watch. "A week or two from now."
"I can't promise… but I'll be there. That's a promise."I wish you the best this evening. I know you're going to win this."
"Thank you, my love. Sweet dreams, Aurora."
"Bye," she whispered before ending the call.
****Later That Evening… The International Shipping and Transport Services Awards****
The venue was a palace of elegance a fusion of architecture and affluence. A red carpet stretched like velvet royalty under the feet of titans. Global CEOs, industry giants, and world-renowned executives arrived in luxury vehicles, their presence as commanding as their bank accounts.
Mark Wilson stood out in his deep crimson suit, tailored to perfection, his cufflinks flashing subtly under the chandelier light. His name had echoed through the shipping and logistics sector for years but tonight, the world would finally place him on the pedestal he had earned through grit, blood, and ambition.
Despite his family's vast wealth, Mark had forged his own path building an empire brick by brick, fueled by pride and the need to prove himself to the powerful Wilson lineage.
"Sir, you have a call from Leon Dark Hart," Betty said, approaching with his phone.
"Thank you, Betty," he replied with a nod, waving her away politely.
He took the phone. "Hello?"
"Congratulations, Brother," Leon's voice came through, firm and proud. "I know you're going to win. You deserve this."Thanks, Leo. Jeff told me you were in Spain?"Yeah. Just got back two days ago. And… I failed to mention something. I'm married now."
"What? Congratulations, man!"
"I know I should've told you, but everything happened so fast." It's okay. You couldn't make it to mine either. Jeff was shocked to find out I'm married I mean, I invited Aunt Stacy."
"Man, don't even go there. That's a whole drama you don't want to hear." You're right," Mark chuckled. "Spare me." I'll see you when I land in New York."Alright."
Just then, Betty reappeared. "Sir, it's time."
Mark nodded. He took a deep breath and walked through the grand hallway toward the main ballroom, where the world's most powerful men and women awaited.
Massive screens flashed images of shipping ports, supply chain hubs, and company logos. The room glimmered with crystal chandeliers, black-tie elegance, and champagne glasses. Deals were being discussed over laughter; alliances were being silently forged with toasts and eye contact.
This was not just an awards night it was the battlefield of the elite. Mark shook hands, made connections, and exchanged strategic nods with men whose signatures could change the course of nations. Everything was perfect until he saw her. Ralph.
Raphaelina approached like poison in perfume. Her red dress clung to her body with venomous elegance. Mark's jaw clenched.
Hey, Mark," she purred. "Where's your little wife tonight? "That's none of your business, Raphaelina."
"Now now," she teased, stepping closer. "Be nice. You know, I know everything. Including the fact that you're involved in Jake's death."
Mark's face went pale. His eyes went wide.
"I see that hit a nerve," she whispered, lips curling into a wicked smirk. "Imagine the look on your darling wife's face when she finds out the man she's married to kill her first love".
"I'm not scared of you," he hissed. "Do whatever you want." You sure about that?" she smirked. "All I want… is a lovely night with you. Let's start with me being your escort tonight."I'm not cheating on my wife with a piece of trash like you." Watch your tongue, Mark," she snapped. He paused, calculating. Then sighed. "Fine. Be my escort."
Just then, the host's voice boomed through the speakers. Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner for this year's Best Shipping Company goes to… Mark Wilson!"
Thunderous applause erupted. Cameras flashed like starlight. Mark forced a smile as he walked up the stage with Raphaelina on his arm. Her hand stayed glued to his, and she even pecked his cheek dramatically for the cameras.The crowd roared. The reporters swarmed. "Sir, how do you feel about this win?" one reporter asked.
Mark leaned into the microphone. "I'm beyond honored. This is something I've worked for all my life. Tonight is a dream come true." Right, Sir. Are you back together with Miss Raphaelina? What about your wife, Mrs. Aurora?"
"No questions, please," Mark snapped. His guards quickly moved in. Scorpion and two others shielded him from the growing frenzy and led him to the car. "Fuck," Mark muttered under his breath as the door shut behind him. "I'm screwed." He dialed quickly. "Hello, Leo?"
"Mark! What the hell is going on between you and Ralph? It's all over the news!" I'll explain later. Please, I need you to take the news down. And for the love of God, get rid of Ralph. She's a nightmare." Leo's voice was calm. "Do you want her dead or gone?"
Mark groaned. "I don't want her dead… just gone." I got you. In the next two minutes, the story will disappear. And as for Ralph… she won't even remember her own name, let alone yours." Thank you, Leo. I knew I could count on you."