Chapter 17

I stood agape in front of the Clarke’s mansion. What I felt when I saw Stefano’s ’house’ was no different on what I felt right now. Ashton’s engagement is taken place in their mansion. And man, these people are like royalty or something. I was dumbstruck with the Ranallo’s, now this. They certainly hold the title of two of the world’s most powerful familes. "Are you just gonna stand there or are you gonna come inside?" Stefano suddenly stood beside me. I unconsciously hook my arm to his. I was startled with my gesture and apologized to him. He just looked at me and tightened his arm that was hooked with mine. I was surpised that he didn’t intend to let my arm go. He then started to walk inside and I followed. I have no idea why I’m suddenly so nervous right now. Maybe because the only people I knew here is Stefano and Ashton. Make that three with Carson. I raised my brow when I saw him approaching us. I giggled. "I swear, Ashton is just too friendly for his own good." Stefano looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "What?" "Your grumpy old pal is here, too." I smiled teasingly. "I heard that, Miss White." Carson caught my small talk with his grumpy old boss. I rolled my eyes. He nods to Stefano. "Sir." Stefano nods back. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the kind of greeting grumpy people do. "Mr. and Mrs. Ranallo has just arrived as well. They’re congratulating Ashton right now as we speak." Stefano nods. I was suddenly became conscious of my arm hooking with the most famous and powerful businessman here. I coughed lightly to cover up my awkwardness. I removed my arm from his. I already feel awful by these men and women scrutinizing me like I’m some real or fake painting. "Are you alright, Miss White?" I really hate Carson for being so attentive and considerate. He took notice of my discomfort right away. And I still want to keep hating him though. Why? Because it’s fun. "You know you have nothing to worry about. You look fabulous enough." He taunted annoyingly showing his rare smirk right after. There you go. "You know I can easily wipe that ugly smirk of yours any time. Just like how I almost broke your arm. Ring a bell?" I threatened him almost growling. Carson immediately frowned. "That’s unlady like of you, Miss White. I suggest you keep your attitude to yourself tonight. It doesn’t suit with the way you look." I was inwardly growling when I noticed Stefano was looking at me. I looked up and caught his striking grey eyes. "Let’s find you something to drink, Miss White." I was going to say something when I realized Carson was no longer there. The bastard suddenly left us. As we walked towards the bar section, Stefano was held up with one of his friends or maybe his business associates. "Miss White-" "I know. I know." I smiled to him reassuringly. "I’ll be fine. I could see the bar from here anyway. You go have fun." I shoo him away. I glanced at the man who held him up. He was staring at me. I couldn’t define the look he was giving me. However, is it okay to assume that he was attracted to me? The man was just average looking especially when he’s next to the great Stefano Ranallo. Nevertheless he’s a fine man that I could tell. "Call me if you need anything." He said. "I’ll be fine, Stefano. There’s always Carson... maybe Ashton if he’s not busy enough with his guests." I showed him a thumbs up. He nods then leaves with the man who took a quick glance at me for the second time. I sipped the last drop of my cocktail, this is my third drink by the way, when someone suddenly appeared beside me. "Hello there, darling. I’m quite surpised you’re alone." "Holy shit!" My hand flew to my chest. I almost couldn’t move like my spirit just separated from my body. Of course, the velvety voice was ever familiar. "****, I swear my heart just stopped beating." "I hope it’s because you can’t handle my godly presence." Is this woman high? She always seems to treat everything as a joke. "I hope you’re not here for the-" "For the deal?" She cut me off. "What if I am." She scoots closer to me. I backed away on an impulse. She suddenly laughs. She then backs away. "I was just joking, dear. But you do look ravishing tonight." "Okay~" I then sat straight on the stool. "I never had the chance to thank you for that night. Thank you." "No problem. Well, if you change your mind about a having night with me, I’m always open for that." Oh, god this woman. "You’re not really..." I cleared my throat with discomfort. She then laughs. Her laugh was beautiful and it was as elegant as her. Is that even possible? "You can find that out in one night." Her red lips smiled mischievously. "Miss White..." He then noticed Emery’s presence. "Miss Williams. I see you’re here. I’m grateful you came to Ashton’s party." "Of course. Wouldn’t miss your friend getting tied down with one of the fiercest cats in New York." I winced at the nickname she called with Ashton’s fiancee. She then looked at me and smirked. "I see you’re with him. Wouldn’t want to mess with Ranallo here. It’s a shame though. I’m beginning to like you, you know." She points her sharp nails to me. My eyes widened. He then eyed Stefano. "I’m expecting you soon to follow your friends’ footsteps." She teased. "I don’t plan on it, Miss Williams." Emery chuckled. "You should. Avery here is a rare catch." She winked at me. My eyes widened and my mouth formed an o. "I should go now. Ranallo here seems so eager to have you all by himself." She eyed Stefano’s fists that just unclenched. She chuckled and left. What the hell was that about?