CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE – THE CULMINATION

The ballroom was a whirlwind of activity, staff rushing every which way to put the final touches in place for Storm Enterprises' annual charity fundraising gala. Kayla stood in the center of the controlled chaos, one hand braced against the small of her back as she surveyed the proceedings with a critical eye. "No, no, that centerpiece needs to be moved over more to the left," she called out, waving over a flustered-looking intern. "It's throwing off the whole line of the tables." The young man hastened to obey, carefully relocating the towering floral arrangement per her instructions. Kayla watched him go with a satisfied nod. "You'd think after doing this for so many years, hosting these events would get easier," a droll voice commented from behind her. "But you always did have to make things difficult for yourself." Kayla rolled her eyes good-naturedly as Lance stepped into her line of sight, an affectionate smile playing about his lips. "Well, where would be the fun in just pho