April was enjoying the performance with the students when she noticed the unexpected guests entering the hall.
She knew them.
She had been the first to see them when they came the first time, and now that she knew what she knew, she almost wished she had a gun.
"April? What's wrong?" a student asked when she didn't respond to his attempt at conversation.
"I just saw rats," April said flatly. "Please excuse me."
She walked straight to the reception desk where the trio had stopped.
"You weren't invited," she said coldly.
Ms Caryn mocked a grimace, "That's not nice now, is it?"
"Well, explain this," Jonathan replied smugly, striking their card against the desk.
April looked at the invitation.
To her irritation, it was addressed to Elephant Media.
Technically, they were allowed in.
Ms. Caryn smiled as she looked around the decorated hall.
"It's a lovely party."
April nodded stiffly. "Thanks. And thank you for all of this."
Caryn's smile faltered slightly.
Why was she thanking her?
"Is everything okay here?" the security team asked as they approached, noticing the growing tension around April.
April took a breath.
"Could you keep our guests company while I find their seats?" she asked calmly.
The guards nodded and quietly formed a human wall beside the trio.
Jonathan scoffed, clearly offended.
"Do you people know who you're messing with?"
The guards remained silent.
Unbothered.
Almost bored.
And that infuriated him even more.
Before he could escalate, April returned, this time with Malcolm beside her. Her expression made it clear she was far from pleased.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Malcolm said politely as he shook their hands.
He gestured toward the hall.
"If it's not too shabby for you, allow me to welcome you inside."
Caryn expected resistance from April. That was predictable.
But Malcolm?
She couldn't read him at all.
Malcolm led them to the VIP section and waited until they were seated before bending slightly.
"Can I get you anything?"
Caryn smiled politely and declined.
"Then please enjoy the show," Malcolm replied.
He walked toward the stage where Andrea stood preparing the next performance.
She frowned when she saw him, glancing briefly toward the VIP section before handing him the microphone.
The show continued for another hour.
Then Malcolm stepped forward to address the crowd.
"Hi…" he began awkwardly. "I'm Malcolm, the head of this establishment."
He took a few steps forward.
"Many of you may be surprised that up until now there has been no auction, no bidding, no performances offered as donations... and no account provided to receive contributions for tonight's charity."
A few guests exchanged curious looks.
Malcolm chuckled softly.
"That's because we were waiting for someone. Our major benefactor, in fact, to lead us in tonight's charity."
He turned toward the VIP section.
"And before you all, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to welcome Ms. Caryn from Elephant Media and her associates."
The room erupted in applause.
Guests turned eagerly toward her table, expecting her to take the stage.
Backstage, Amy had been listening to everything unfold.
Just like everyone else, she peeked through the curtain.
She saw Caryn rise gracefully, though her smile had tightened slightly.
The applause faded as she reached the stage.
"Thank you, Malcolm, for this honored opportunity," Caryn began smoothly. "And thank you to our guests for your patience despite my late arrival."
She glanced briefly at Malcolm, her eyes sharpening.
"And without further ado…"
She turned to the crowd.
"As we all know, here at Dream Art there are many hidden gems. We have..."
"Oh, Madam," Malcolm interrupted gently. "I'm sorry for the interruption"
"That wouldn't be fair, would it?" Continued Malcolm.
The room quieted.
"Bleeding our guests dry before making a contribution of your own? You're not that heartless, are you?"
The audience laughed.
Caryn froze for a moment.
She cleared her throat with a tight smile.
"Well," she said lightly, "I assumed I would go last, considering I'm your major benefactor."
Malcolm tilted his head thoughtfully, as if weighing the idea.
Then he shook it.
"Actually, it's precisely because you're our major benefactor that I'd like you to start."
He paused just long enough for the tension to build.
"How about dropping the charges against this establishment, first?"
The room erupted in murmurs.
Across the hall, April and Amy finally understood that Malcolm hadn't invited them by accident.
He wasn't finished, though.
"And while you're at it," he added calmly, "please allow Amelia Duncan to go free."
His gaze settled on Caryn.
"She deserves the right to choose where she works… and how, don't you think so?"
The room fell into a stunned silence.
All eyes turned to Caryn.