Chapter 7 – The Gala Night
The gala was everything the media hyped it to be—sparkling chandeliers, red carpet entries, elegant gowns, and an atmosphere heavy with wealth and power. The elite of the city had all gathered under one roof for the highly anticipated charity event, hosted by the Infinity Hearts Foundation.
Nathan John arrived in style, stepping out of his black custom Bentley in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. The cameras flashed as he adjusted his cufflinks, exuding the confidence of a man who had inherited not only a billion-dollar empire but also the attention of the press.
But all eyes quickly turned when Brittany John stepped out beside him.
Dressed in a figure-hugging champagne gown that shimmered with every step, Brittany is a Hollywood actress . Her appearance caused a ripple of whispers through the crowd.
"Is that Brittany John with Nathan Maxwell?"
"They look like a power couple."
"Maybe she finally tamed the Maxwell heir…"
Nathan barely responded to the attention. He wasn't one for drama, and Brittany, although striking, was not someone he considered emotionally close. Their arrangement was clear: friends with benefits and nothing more. But for nights like this, she was perfect. Beautiful. Confident. Presentable.
"Try to smile tonight," Brittany whispered, looping her arm into his as they entered the grand ballroom. "You always look like you're calculating profits in your head."
Nathan chuckled under his breath. "Maybe I am."
The night unfolded with live orchestras, soft lighting, and glasses of sparkling wine. Waiters moved across the floor with trays of hors d'oeuvres. Nathan mingled, made business talk, and posed for a few pictures. Brittany played her role well—flashing smiles, making connections, and keeping close to his side.
But even in the midst of glitz and glamour, Nathan's thoughts occasionally drifted to his late father.
He recalled how Maxwell Senior used to dominate such events with his charisma. How he made connections without even trying. Nathan hoped he was living up to that legacy. Deep down, there was pressure—unspoken, yet heavy.
As the charity auction began, Brittany leaned into his ear. "I donated in your name."
Nathan raised a brow. "You didn't have to."
"I wanted to. You've done a lot for me."
After the final applause, they said their goodbyes and exited to their car. The ride home was filled with comfortable silence and subtle flirtation. Brittany rested her hand on his thigh, tracing small circles with her manicured fingers.
When they got to Nathan's penthouse, the energy shifted. The atmosphere became thick with desire.
The moment they stepped into the elevator, Brittany pressed herself against him. Her lips captured his in a searing kiss, her hands already unbuttoning his shirt.
"You've been teasing me all night," she breathed.
"I wasn't trying to," he murmured against her lips. "But you were definitely tempting."
As soon as the doors opened into the apartment, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their kisses deepened, growing more urgent with every second. Clothes fell to the floor in a trail toward the bedroom.
His hands already fondling her breast, as he spread her legs wide open,, don't stop baby, he began to thrust deeper.
They made love passionately—twice. Brittany was wild and uninhibited. Nathan matched her intensity, his touches firm and possessive. The bed creaked under them, the city lights casting shadows across their tangled bodies.
Afterwards, she lay beside him, skin glistening, a soft smile on her lips. "Tell me I'm your favorite," she teased.
Nathan turned to her lazily. "You're my favorite tonight."
She giggled, tracing a finger down his chest. "You're impossible."
"I've been told."
Eventually, they fell asleep wrapped in satin sheets, bodies spent, hearts unspoken.
The Next Morning
The sun peeked through the window blinds. Nathan stirred awake, blinking against the light. Brittany was still asleep, her hair sprawled across his chest. He gently moved her aside, careful not to wake her, and headed to the bathroom.
After a cold shower and a change into his custom grey suit, he made a quick call to his driver.
"Take Miss John home after she wakes. Make sure she gets breakfast too."
"Yes, sir."
Nathan left quietly, his thoughts already on work.
At Maxwell Enterprise
As soon as he stepped into the building, he knew something was off—but in a good way. The atmosphere was charged. Balloons decorated the hallway. Staff members were gathered in the open lounge area, clapping and chatting excitedly.
He walked toward his floor, confused but curious.
The moment he entered, everyone began to applaud.
"What the hell is going on?" he asked, startled.
Brian, his project manager, rushed forward. "Sir! We did it. We closed the Oceanic Contract! The quarterly goals have been met and exceeded. The board already sent a message of approval. Our investors are celebrating."
Nathan blinked. "Wait... seriously?"
"Yes! It all came together last night. Kristy led the coordination. She got the analytics and marketing departments to finalize the presentation. The client signed at 10 PM."
Nathan couldn't hide the surprise on his face. "Kristy did that?"
"She was incredible. She rallied everyone like a general. This calls for celebration, sir."
Without waiting, Nathan made his way straight to Kristy's office.
She was there, typing rapidly on her computer, her glasses on, hair in a high bun.
"Kristy," he said, stepping in.
She looked up and smiled modestly. "Morning, Nathan."
He approached slowly. "I heard what you pulled off last night. You got the Oceanic deal."
She stood up. "Yes. It wasn't just me though. Everyone helped. We just had to meet the deadline."
Nathan smiled genuinely, the kind that reached his eyes.
"You see why I'm always proud of you?" he said. "Even my late father would've been proud. You carry the Maxwell spirit."
Kristy's eyes softened. "Thank you. That means more than you know."
He opened his arms slightly. "Come here. Let me give you a hug."
She chuckled but stepped into the embrace. He held her close for a moment, breathing in the soft scent of her perfume.
"Hmm. Nice smell, Kristy."
She blushed slightly. "Office-appropriate lavender."
He leaned back and looked into her eyes. "We should celebrate this milestone. Pluto Club tonight. Drinks are on me."
Kristy hesitated. "Shouldn't you be celebrating with Brittany?"
Nathan shrugged. "She's part of the public life. You're part of the real one."
Kristy smiled. "Okay then. Pluto Club it is."
Back at the Mansion
Meanwhile, Emily remained at the Maxwell mansion. She'd spent the night folding Nathan's laundry, arranging his closet, and dusting every corner of the grand house.
She hadn't slept much.
She'd seen Nathan leave with Brittany last night—dressed to impress, walking side by side like the perfect couple.
She didn't cry. She couldn't afford to.
Instead, she busied herself with tasks, hiding her emotions behind brooms and clean dishes.
But something in her chest ached.
She had no right to feel jealous. No right to wonder what it would feel like to be in Brittany's shoes. No right to wish Nathan would look at her the way he looked at that actress.
After all, she was just the maid.