The Royal Contract

Chapter 278 – Just An Illusion

"Alex, I had been looking for you. Some investors wish to talk to you." Marcus reached their location and invited Alex to join them.

He entertained some of their guests, and after explaining their new projects, they seemed to be showing some interest. Now, they wished to meet the head of their company and host of the evening.

"You seem to be alone. Where is your date?" Alex asked, noticing that his friend had been flying solo since he arrived.

He wondered if his date decided not to show up or had an emergency. He was not used to seeing him with no woman in his arms. Maybe she dumped him even before they reached the party.

"Nah, I decided to come alone this time.." Marcus expected the disbelieving reaction from his friend after that statement.

Who would think that the great Marcus would have no date on one of the grandest events of their company? Well, he could not believe it himself. But so far, he found the experience different.

"Wait, are you sure that you are Marcus and not an impostor?" Dani intruded with the conversation with a naughty grin on her face.

The Marcus she came to knew through personal experience, and Jacky's stories did not match the man in front of her. What had changed? She wondered as she watched his response.

"Yeah, funny. The two of you can joke around and laugh, but I decided to work for tonight and not have any distractions." Marcus explained what he was doing.

Well, that was what he had been telling himself and whoever dared to ask about his date. But he also wondered if that was the truth. Anyway, he was here to help Alex with his plans.

"Ok. I won't laugh if you are serious about this new Marcus." Dani said, controlling the smirk on her lips.

In truth, she was happy to see that Marcus had finally had his realization. Well, if that was what was happening to him. It was just sad that he did not have it during the time that he still had Jacky.

"Will you like to join us? I can certainly use some of your opinions." Alex asked Dani as Marcus reiterated that the guests were waiting for them.

One thing he loved about Dani was her quick wit. She could easily catch up with the conversations even if she had no previous knowledge of the details. 

"If it is ok. I will skip this one. I wish to go to the powder room. I'll look for you after." Dani excused herself, not wanting to have another debate on corporate issues and the likes.

She certainly needed a break from the non-stop chatters. Although it was necessary to mingle and please all their guests, she still deserved a few minutes of alone time to breathe and recharge. 

She admired the energy of all these people who organize events like this. She was proud of Alex for putting up with this just because of her. She could not love him more for supporting her passion.

"Ok. Call me if you need me." Alex pulled her closer and gave her a quick kiss before moving away with Marcus.

She, on the other hand, looked for Jacky. She had not seen her since they separated at the start of the party. She wondered how she was doing in the company of Lance.

But when she turned to the dance floor, she could see that Lance was taking care of her. She had nothing to worry about her. She also noticed that Jacky and Lance looked so good together. 

Then, she saw Edward on the other side of the dance floor, talking to some people but looking at her. He was the last person she wanted to see or talk to, so she turned away from him and walked in the opposite direction.

"Dani." A voice broke into her thought as she was making her escape. From the noise of the crowd, she initially thought that she might have only imagined it.

But when someone called again and gently touched her shoulder, she stopped in her tracks and quickly turned around to look at the unknown person.

"Dani. I hope I did not startle you." The man said as he presented himself in front of her. 

He arrived more than half an hour ago. He was already mingling with some people that he recognized. But when he saw Dani closed by, he decided to approach her.

"Of course not, Troy," Dani answered him. She was slightly surprised but not shocked to see him. After all, she invited him to the event. "I'm glad that you came."

The last time she saw him at the apartment, she felt so guilty that she had no time to talk to him. So, instead, she sent him an invitation to this event. 

"Well, it is an important event, so I thought I might as well check it out." He explained as he stood in front of her, looking around the place.

He knew that being seen in this event would be very beneficial for his business. But he was not here to find investors. There was another reason why he was seeking her out.

"Yes, if you like, I can introduce you to some of the people that might be interested in investing in your company." Dani offered when she saw him scanning the room.

She believed that Troy had a good business in his hands. She agreed with Alex that the place had great potential. With more investments, in an instant, it could grow and expand.

"No need. Some of these people are already investing in my expansion plans." Troy explained to her. 

Some of his patrons liked his concepts and decided to help him in his business. With Dani's encouragement during their few talks, he made several deals with them that looked promising.

"Good for you. I am happy that things are looking up for you." Dani said, genuinely happy for her friend. "Well, you can always come to me if you need any help." She offered.

"Of course. I am glad that I came tonight." Troy said. "Count my pledge for your cause." He added as they continued their conversation in the middle of the crowd.

"Anyway, do you mind if I leave you for a while?" Dani excused herself, wanting a few minutes for herself. "I'll come to see you again later." She promised. 

"Of course. I am hoping that we can talk some more later." Troy uttered, giving her a friendly smile before she left him.

His business was the last thing on his mind when he decided to attend this party. It is not the main reason why he was here. But that could wait until later when he had the chance to talk to her again.

As he watched Dani walked away from him, he decided to move to the bar to grab a drink. "Give me a gin and tonic." As he sat on the stool, his eyes wandered around the place. 

After his second glass, he let his eyes roamed the room again as if he was looking for someone. It finally landed on a couple with their arms entwined, talking in a group of people.

He suddenly contemplated if he wanted to fight for her. Should he keep hoping that she would end up with him or give her up now while he still could? Did he truly love her, or was it just an illusion?