Chapter 4 The Banquet

The morning was a blur of nervous energy. Valerie managed a quick breakfast, leaving a scribbled note for Nora before rushing to the Noir Group. Her first task was prepping Ellan's schedule, a task she performed with extra care. When Ellan arrived, his presence seemed to command the very tiny particles in the air. She followed him into his office, reciting the day's agenda with a steady voice.

"Okay," Ellan said, his gaze lingering on her for a second too long. "Once Eric arrives, hand everything over to him. Then, follow my driver."

"Yes, sir," she replied.

"It's Ellan to you tonight," he corrected, his voice dropping into a low, private tone.

Valerie felt a prickle of heat climb her neck as she left his office. She hadn't gone far before Eric appeared, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"Hey, . How are you doing?"

"I'm good, Eric," she said, offering a small smile.

"You left without bidding me goodbye earlier-it's not fair. Did someone miss me?" he teased, leaning against her desk.

Valerie chuckled. "I had a few things to handle. Sorry about that. Ellan asked me to hand these documents over to you."

"No problem, baby," Eric said, taking the files. "Consider it done."

As Valerie gathered her things, Rose watched her from the reception area. "Leaving so early?"

"The boss asked me to handle some personal business," Valerie said shortly, not wanting to stir the office gossip further. She stepped into the waiting black sedan, and the driver immediately zoomed off into the city traffic.

Back in the office, Eric turned to Ellan. "Why is she leaving so early?"

"She's accompanying me to the banquet tonight," Ellan replied without looking up.

Eric's expression shifted to one of genuine concern. "Are you sure? She's fragile, Ellan. She might not survive the world you're trying to drag her into. You have to stop this."

Ellan finally looked up, his eyes flashing with cold fire. "Since when do you dictate my moves, Eric?"

Silence fell over the room, heavy and absolute. Eric didn't push further.

The driver took Valerie to a high-class boutique nestled in the city's most expensive district. The interior was all white marble and gold accents. As she entered, a man with flamboyant energy and impeccable style floated toward her.

"Hello, gorgeous! How are you doing?" his gaze swept over her . "Are you Ellan's new girlfriend?"

"No-no," Valerie stammered, her cheeks flushing. "I'm his assistant."

"I'm John, and you are?"

"Valerie."

"Such a pretty name for an even prettier face," John fawned, circling her. "I love your skin, and this hair... perfection." He clapped his hands, the sound echoing through the showroom. "Everyone! Get to work! Ellan will be here by seven, and that man does not believe in waiting."

They whisked her away to a private suite. The next few hours were a whirlwind of work . A pedicure, a manicure, and a full-body spa treatment that left Valerie's muscles feeling like silk. By the time they moved her to the makeup chair, she felt more relaxed than she had in years.

John applied a cocktail of expensive oils and creams before starting on her face. When he finally finished, he leaned back satisfaction "Open your eyes, darling."

Valerie gasped. The woman in the mirror was a stranger. Her hair had been styled into loose, cascading curls that bounced off her shoulders. Her eyes were framed by a sultry, smoky shadow, and her lips were painted a bold, defiant red that matched the silk of her gown.

With less than thirty minutes to spare, they helped her into the dress. It was a floor-length, armless red gown that clung to her hourglass figure like a second skin. Shimmering silver stones were hand-stitched across the bodice, and a daring slit at the front showcased her long, straight legs.

John added the finishing touches: a diamond teardrop necklace that rested against her collarbone and silver heels that made her feel seven feet tall.

When she stepped into the showroom, Ellan was already waiting. He was dressed in a dark, perfectly tailored tuxedo, leaning against a display case. John beamed. "Your girl is magnificent, Ellan. You made a perfect choice with the dress. And that necklace... you must really love her to give her that."

"I'm not here for your chatter, John," Ellan said, though his eyes never left the doorway. "Where is she?"

Then, Valerie stepped into the light.

For a long moment, the air in the room seemed to vanish. Ellan was visibly stunned. The dress highlighted her full breast and narrow waist, the red fabric making her skin look like porcelain. She looked breath-taking.

Valerie shifted uncomfortably, feeling exposed by the slit in the skirt. "It's just for one night," she whispered to herself. "I can manage."

John beamed. "She was already a diamond; I just provided the polish."

Ellan stepped forward, stretching out his hand. Valerie hesitated for a heartbeat before placing her fingers in his. He slid a matching silver bracelet onto her wrist, his touch lingering.

"You look beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick.

"Thank you," she replied, her heart drumming against her ribs.

When they arrived at the event, Eric was waiting by the entrance. He moved to give Valerie a friendly hug, but Ellan stepped in, physically pushing him back. "Ride in the other car, Eric. You're not with us."

The banquet hall was a sea of sophisticated women and men in power. As Ellan opened the car door for her, Valerie felt a wave of nausea. "I don't fit in here," she whispered, her hand trembling.

Ellan seemed to sense her fear. He tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her closer to his side. "You fit wherever I say you fit."

They walked through the grand doors, and a collective hush fell over the room. The whispers started instantly-a hiss of curiosity and envy. Ellan ignored them all, heading straight for his parents.

"Good evening," he said coolly.

Valerie followed suit, offering a polite greeting. His mother's eyes were like ice. "Who is she, Ellan?"

Before he could answer, Bella appeared, her voice dripping with venom. "His personal assistant."

"So you ignored Bella just to bring your assistant?" his mother sneered.

Ellan didn't even blink. "If you'll excuse us." He led Valerie away before the conversation could turn into a bloodbath.

He was pulled away by a group of business partners a few minutes later, leaving Valerie alone near the edge of the ballroom. That was when she saw them.

Claire and Ryan.

"How did you get in here?" Claire hissed, her face contorting with rage. "I'm sure you must have lost your way. Or did you sleep your way in?"

"I don't think so," Ryan added, his smirk making Valerie's stomach turn. "She was a virgin the last time I checked. You're a lowlife, Valerie. You don't belong here. Maybe I should call security and have them toss you back to the gutter."

"Are you here to beg Dad for money?" Claire laughed. "Jokes on you. He's spending a fortune on my engagement party. I'll be sure to send you an invite so you can watch what a real life looks like."

"Enough," Valerie said, her voice shaking but firm. "I'm not here for Dad, and I'm certainly not here for my leftover that you call a husband."

Claire's hand flew up to slap her, but it never landed. Ellan was suddenly there, his hand catching Claire's wrist mid-air with a strength that made her wince.

"I wouldn't dare if I were you," he growled.

"Mr. Noir... I... has she offended you?" Claire stammered, her cruelty vanishing. "Tell me, so I can deal with her!"

"I don't think you understand," Ellan said, his voice dropping to a lethal level. "You will never speak to her like that again if you want to keep your head on your shoulders. Do I make myself clear?"

Ryan tried to step in. "Mr. Noir, I own Berries Company. We submitted a proposal to you-"

"And why would I want anything to do with a man like you?" Ellan cut him off. He raised Valerie's hand, intentionally flashing their matching silver bracelets to the crowd. Without another word, he led her away.

"Who were those people?" he asked, his jaw tight.

"My stepsister and my ex," she whispered.

"You shouldn't let anyone talk down to you," he began, but another partner intercepted him before he could finish. Valerie was relieved; she wasn't ready to explain the depth of the betrayal.

Exhausted by the drama, Valerie headed to the bar for a glass of champagne. Nora had warned her not to drink, so she pulled out her phone to text her friend instead, desperate for a pull to reality.

"Why is such a beautiful woman sitting alone while the party is in full swing?"

Valerie looked up. Standing before her was a tall man with striking blue eyes and a scent that was both expensive and predatory.

"I'm not really the party type," she replied cautiously.

"Can I at least have a dance?"

"I don't think my boss would like you putting your hands on what is his," Eric's voice interjected. He stepped between them, his friendly demeanor gone.

The blue-eyed man smirked. "I'm sure Mr. Noir won't mind. Miss Valerie?"

"No," Valerie said quickly. She took Eric's hand and let him lead her away.

"You shouldn't talk to that man," Eric whispered, his voice urgent. "He's dangerous. Ellan would kill him if he saw him near you."

"Not like he cares," Valerie muttered. "I'm just here for show."

"It's not what you think, Valerie," Eric started, but she was already heading for the restroom. "I just need a minute alone, Eric."

Bella saw her opening. She slipped into the restroom behind Valerie, her heels clicking like a predator's. As soon as the door closed, she bolted it.

"You refuse to stay away from him, don't you?" Bella hissed.

Before Valerie could even process the threat, Bella's hand lashed out. CRACK. The slap sent Valerie's head snapping to the side. Her face stung, turning a violent red in an instant.

Bella grabbed Valerie by her hair, tossing her against the marble wall. While Valerie was disoriented, Bella pulled a white handkerchief from her purse-one soaked in a toxic, chemical scent. She forced it over Valerie's mouth and nose.

Valerie struggled, her hands clawing at Bella's arms, but the world began to spin. Her limbs grew heavy. Her vision flickered and died. She slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Bella stepped over her, checking the hallway before locking the door and tossing the key away.

Inside the ballroom, it was time for the first dance. Ellan scanned the room, his eyes growing frantic.

"Where is she?" he demanded, cornering Eric.

"She went to the restroom a while ago," Eric said, checking his watch. "She hasn't come out."

From across the room, Bella smiled over the rim of her glass. Search all you want, Ellan.

Ellan didn't wait. He sprinted to the restroom area and gripped the handle. It was locked. He pounded on the door, shouting her name, but only silence answered him.

"Eric! Get your men! Search every exit! Now!"

He kicked the door with everything he had, the wood splintering as Valerie lifeless body stay limp on the cold floor.

Will Ellan find her before the trail goes cold, or is Valerie's nightmare just beginning?