Chapter 157: Unplanned

Damian The Night of the Gala I reached for my bow tie, finding myself uncomfortable during the ride in my limo to the venue. I hated parties, with a few exceptions. This one, unfortunately, was not one of those exceptions. Grimacing, I began fidgeting with my cufflinks, hating the thought of having to smile at as many people as possible. The fake smiles and the shallow conversations did nothing to ruin my mood—they only soured it further. So much so, that I had no choice but to put on a mask as soon as I entered, not for fear of the conversations, but because of Charlotte. Unfortunately, I couldn't hide from the night ahead. I could hide from seeing her eventually, though, and I needed a contingency plan. I whispered in Howell's ear, “I need you to cover for me.” “Why?” he asked, turning his head toward mine with such obvious confusion that I almost burst out laughing. “Oh,” he said, rubbing his forehead, beads of sweat already forming there. “Got it.” He shot me a wink. “Go get t