Cherreads

Chapter 18 - The Aurelian Corp Party

Keifers pov

I stepped into the ballroom, and immediately the sheer grandeur of the place hit me.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, golden accents glimmered under the warm lights, and the guests—well, the kind of people you only see in magazines—moved through the room with elegance and power.

I adjusted my cufflinks, trying to focus. "Business first, Keifer," I muttered under my breath. Every move tonight could affect millions, and I could not afford to be distracted. But the scale of this event… it was unlike anything I'd ever attended. Every detail screamed wealth, prestige, and influence.

I sipped my drink, scanning the room.

People were networking, negotiating, laughing—the usual façade of casual sophistication hiding the sharp teeth of business deals.

I ran through the schedule in my head, checked the names of key investors, tried to memorize who I had to meet first.

Yet, my mind kept drifting back to Jay-Jay. Her birthday. The morning she spent with me. I promised her I'd make it up… and here I was, stuck at a party, juggling work and life, feeling the weight of both pressing down on me.

I leaned against the balcony, glancing over the sprawling view of the city lights beyond. Everything about this night felt monumental… and for the first time in weeks, I wondered if I'd ever get a full, uninterrupted moment with her.

I was pacing near the edge of the grand hall, drink in hand, trying to keep my mind on the numbers, the deals… everything but the gnawing feeling in my chest. That's when I heard the microphone click.

someone I didn't know.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the voice said, calm and confident, "it's time for the face reveal of the CEO of Aurelian Corp."

A wave of murmurs ran through the guests. Cameras flashed, phones were raised, and everyone seemed to lean forward, anticipation electric in the air.

"Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of our CEO," the voice continued. "Under their leadership, Aurelian Corp has reached unprecedented heights. Every milestone, every innovation, is a testament to their vision, intelligence, and unwavering dedication. It is my honor to introduce the person who has shaped this company into what it is today."

I felt my pulse quicken. Whoever this CEO was… they commanded respect. I didn't know them, yet the way the room reacted made it clear—this wasn't just a party. This was a declaration.

I shifted slightly, trying to get a better view of the stage, unaware that I was about to witness something that would completely change my understanding of the room… and maybe everything else.

The room fell silent as the lights dimmed

slightly, and a spotlight focused on the stage. I straightened instinctively, curiosity pricking at me.

Then… she walked out.

I froze. The moment she appeared, I couldn't look away.

Her dress… an elegant shade of deep sapphire that shimmered under the lights, perfectly tailored, graceful, yet commanding attention without trying. Every step she took made the crowd hold its breath.

Guests started clapping, some whispering praises. I didn't hear any of it—my eyes were fixed entirely on her. There was a quiet confidence about her, a presence that seemed to fill the entire room.

"She's… incredible," I muttered under my breath, forgetting where I was.

The voice from the mic continued, introducing her achievements, listing milestones and innovations, every word painting a picture of someone who had worked tirelessly, someone brilliant, someone unstoppable.

And yet… I didn't know her. I only knew… her face. My mind raced. Could this really be…?

_____________________

Guyss i need your opinion which one do you like

•Do you like Jay's chaotic energy more in the raw version?

•Does the polished version make the scene easier to read but still fun?

•Which one made you laugh or feel the tension more?

Please tell me it help me. And share your though about the chapter in the comments!💋

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