The event hall suddenly became quiet as her name was mentioned. A pin drop would be possible to hear, it was as though time had stopped inside the hall. Hilary was too dumbstruck to speak. Her best friend was miss Lane. How possible was that?
Jason, on the other hand, lost his breath as he stared at his ex-wife standing in front of the crowd. She had been around him for more than two hours but he never noticed anything. Truly, nobody was expecting that. The silence only lasted for a minute before the crowd went wild.
Throughout the silent time, Elaine was nervous to death. She felt she had done the wrong thing by throwing the party but seeing how the crowd cheered for her, she tensed body became relaxed.
"Oh my God!" Nadia and Stella gushed over her beautiful she was. She smiled at them.
"So, what do you think? I'm not so pretty, right?" She itched the back of her head, smiling nervously with her eyes shut.
"Are you kidding me? You're beautiful, ma'am. Honestly, I was expecting less but you literally blew my mind away." Stella said. Even the MC was gawking at her.
'Jason Reed's ex-wife!' He said to himself but continued his job anyway.
"Would you like to say anything to the people, ma'am?" He asked and she stepped forward to the standing mic.
"Uhmm... Hello." She waved. "As we all know now, I am Elaine Lane Kayla, a fashion and jewelry designer, and also a gynecologist. I want to thank you all for honoring my invitation. I know I pulled a fast one on my mom, Mrs. Whitney John, my best friend, Hilary, and every other person who knows me, and trust me, I'm sorry and I will make it up to you. Shout out to my assistants, Stella and Nadia, for the exceptional work they put into this event. They're the best people I've come across since I started this journey and they were with me every step of the way. Thank you so much, girls." She looked at them with smiles and waved. If Elaine were to be a guy, they would have been tripping. She was just too humble.
"Thank you all for coming to my party, and thank you all for those watching. Wherever you are, just know that I appreciate your massive support. And to my clients whom I haven't answered, please, bear with me. I will attend to everyone. Thank you all and goodnight." The crowd went wild again as sounds of claps filled the air. She was escorted to Mrs. Whitney who had a stern look on her face.
"I could swallow you now." She scoffed. Elaine went to her back and hugged her.
"I know you love me and you won't do that. I'm sorry for not telling you. I just wanted to surprise everyone." She explained.
"I also have something for you that will shock your whole world." She said proudly, leaving Elaine wondering what it was.
"I need to rest now. I'm super tired."
"Sure thing, mummy. I'll see you later, daddy." She hugged him from behind too before ordering some of her guards to lead them back to their suite.
"Make sure they eat before going to bed," She added and went ahead to attend to others who wanted to have a word with her.
All the while, Nadia and Stella were assisting in taking the names of those who wanted to team up with their boss. And also gave account numbers to those who wanted to donate prior to the event. Elaine made sure she thanked those immensely before they departed. Those who didn't stay behind to eat left with their food packages. Those who stayed at the suite found their way there to rest before their journey the next morning.
The Columbian couple approached her.
"Hello, Miss Lane or should I call you miss Elaine?" The lady said in confusion.
"Miss Lane, Elaine, Kayla, whatever you want to me call me, ma'am," Elaine replied.
"Okay, Miss Lane. I must commend you for choosing such an exquisite hotel. The garden view room is lovely and the greenery surrounding this place is just so mesmerizing. You did a great job, miss Lane. Now we know where to stay whenever we come to California." She beamed as she held her husband's arm.
"Thank you so much for the compliment and for coming tonight." She shook their hands and they retired back to their suite. The hall was still quite full as people were having their meals. She greeted everyone as she approached her best friend who sat on her seat, sulking.
"My baby girl," Elaine called out and sat down beside her. She pulled her into a side hug but Hilary never glanced at her.
"Come on, girl, I'm sorry." She apologized.
"I'm your best friend, Elaine. Why didn't you tell me at least? I deserve to know that my best friend is a world sensation."
"I wanted to surprise everyone and guess what? I did. I will make it up to you, I promise. Forgive me?" Elaine wriggled her cheeks. Hilary loved it when she does that and couldn't help but smile.
"Sure." She embraced her tightly.
"But hold up," That was Tristan. "You had blonde hair and green eyes at the airport but now, you look different."
"Oh, that was just a simple trick. A wig and eye contact made that possible."
"Wow, that was really a fast one like you said. Anyway, I love this look more."
"Thank you, Tristan." She smiled at him before standing up. "Alright best friend, I have other guests to attend to. I will see you tomorrow. We have a lot more catching up to do."
"Sure, girl. Go, Miss Lane!" She hailed her friend as she left with her guards.
"Mrs. Reed." Claire heard from behind her and she knew exactly who that was. Was she there to taunt her?
"Hi there, Mr. Jason Reed." She waved as she stood in front of them.
"I'm sorry for delaying the contract. I got everything you ordered and I've come up with a budget for you. I believe Nadia has already briefed you, right?"
"Yes." She nodded.
"Great. I'll see you on Tuesday. Nadia will send you the address to my house. You are to come with your sponsor or sponsors. If you are your own sponsor and you don't feel comfortable coming alone, you can come with one person. Hopefully, Nadia told you that. I'll see you around, Mrs. Reed. Have a lovely evening." She smiled and left them.
"Let's go." Claire stood up abruptly.
"All of a sudden you want to leave because she spoke to you? Is that how you're going to behave when we go to see her for your business deal? Last I checked, she was strictly professional and I expect nothing less from you, Claire. Stop mixing business with silly emotions." He advised her. He then called for a waiter to package their food as they wanted to take it home.
Claire sat down out of frustration.
"And don't even think about bailing out. I'm pretty sure that is what is on your mind right now. Act maturely and focus on your business. Stop feeling unnecessarily threatened by every lady. One honest piece of advice, don't mix business with emotions."
'How does he know everything on my mind? Does he know me that well?' She questioned herself. When the waiter returned with the package, Jason thanked him and went out with Nia in his arms. He had contacted his driver to get ready to leave and when he got outside, he met his car standing beautifully. Claire followed grumpily behind him
Elaine saw her friend and her colleagues off. She made sure everyone had left the center before leaving for her boss' room. When she entered the hotel, she noticed all eyes were on her. She knew exactly what they were staring at but that didn't bother her.
She knocked on the door and was permitted to go in. Mr. John was already asleep while Mrs. Whitney was going through the highlights of the event.
"I looked so pretty tonight, didn't I?" She asked without even glancing at the person that had entered the room.
"Yes, mummy. You were the prettiest of them all." Elaine sat down beside her.
"Why are you still awake? I thought you wanted to rest?" Elaine asked. "Have you eaten? Do you need a drink or a foot massage?" Elaine asked endlessly that Mrs. Whitney had to shut her up with her finger by placing it on her lips.
"You ask lots of questions just like your mother." She said, leaving Elaine to her thoughts. My mind was in chaos the moment she said that.
"My mother? What do you mean?" She asked hazily but got no immediate reply.
"I'm awake because I told you I have revelations that would shock your world. I knew you'd come to get your answers." She turned off her data and dropped her phone on the table.
"Okay, I'm listening. What do you know about my mother?"
"Everything because I gave birth to her."