Page 13 of The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball

Chapter 5

From the moment he stepped out of the limo, Xander wished he could climb back in and go back to his penthouse. He had been looking forward to this event for months, planning it for as long, but something in him had shifted. Maybe it was the conversation with Judy and Wyatt that had him questioning every decision. Or the way seeing Gail had suddenly brought back a rush of unwanted memories.

He shouldn’t have gone to the cemetery the day before. Every time he went, the reality of his grief ripped through him, leaving him shattered.

People moved on from loss all the time. Why couldn’t he?

Xander took a breath before stepping out of the limousine. His emotions felt way too close to the surface. He needed a stronger lock or higher walls. Hopefully he could make it through tonight without snapping.

He gritted his teeth even as he smiled for the cameras that were already flashing. There was a silver carpet for this event, rather than red, with full press access. Xander had arrived early since this was his event, but there were already other people on the carpet in their gowns, tuxes, and masks.

With his mask in hand, Xander stepped out of the limo. It was important that he be photographed and recognizable, at least through part of the event. He had Wyatt leave a second mask inside the event backstage. Later, Xander planned to switch them out when he needed a break from being the host. The second mask covered more of his face and would allow him to move more freely through the event. Who was he kidding? It would let him hide in plain sight. Just for a little while.

“Xander! Over here!”

“Xander! No date tonight?”

Xan smiled and stopped before some of the press, gathered at the edge of the silver carpet with their cameras. There were a few microphones as well. The local news would pick up at least some of the event. Good for the foundation, he reminded himself.

“No date tonight,” Xander said. “My focus is all on making sure the launch of the Sarah Ryder Foundation goes smoothly.”

“What led you to start the Foundation?”

It was hard to tell who was asking which question with the lights. “I’ve been giving charitably since I started Obsidian Development, but I wanted something more personal with my name and values on it. Sarah Ryder’s story came across my desk through mutual friends and it seemed like the perfect fit. I already have big plans for a phase two offering housing to cancer patients in need, but for phase one, we’re planning to raise enough to care for the cancer patients and their families as they seek treatment that’s necessary, but often crippling in its expense. I can’t wait to see the generosity of my fellow Chicagoans tonight.”

Xander fitted his mask over his face then, posing with the silver half mask for a few more shots before waving off any other questions and heading down the carpet towards the entrance. Olivia caught up with him near the doors and looped her arm through his. She wore a long red gown with a plunging neckline and a matching red mask. The mask covered very little of her face, so it was easy to recognize her, even before he heard the grating sound of her voice.

“I know you didn’t want a date, but can I at least let you escort me inside?” she asked.

“Just so far as we go in,” Xander said. “Then I’ll have to—”

“I know. You have work to do. Xander?”

“Yes?”

“Never mind.”

Olivia glanced at him as they moved into the ballroom, bypassing the check-in with a nod from Xander. He couldn’t read the look on her face, but there seemed to be something on the tip of her tongue that she wasn’t saying. She wasn’t one to hold back and knowing that she was made him nervous. The last thing he wanted tonight was to be thinking about what Olivia might be up to.

But soon after they entered the grand ballroom, Wyatt stepped up and Xander gave Olivia a pointed look. She squeezed his arm and disappeared. Xander didn’t have a moment to relax or recover as Gail approached, flanked on one side by two women and the other by a guy with a smug look on his face. None of them wore masks and Xander removed his as well. Ever since he had connected Gail with Mrs. Torres, he couldn’t stand to be around the woman.

“Gail,” Xander said. “You remember my associate, Wyatt. He’ll be handling everything tonight. You can find him if you need anything at all.”

He noticed Wyatt’s eyes widen at being called an associate, not an assistant. But he immediately recovered and shook Gail’s hand. His voice sounded deeper and more confident as he spoke. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Gail gave a tight nod and then turned her attention quickly back to Xander.

“Everything looks lovely,” Xander said.

Her eyes flitted over the room, measuring carefully. “I’m glad you think so. Please let me know if you see anything that needs attention. I wanted you to meet the rest of my staff. Eliza, Crystal, and Patrick.”

Patrick stepped forward first, edging around the women. Xander could feel an odd tension between them and couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. “I’m Patrick. Good to meet you. And congratulations on the launch of your Foundation.”

“Thank you,” Xander said.

No sooner had Patrick moved than the two women pressed forward. Xander had expected a handshake, but they instead brushed their lips over his cheeks in a little more than an air kiss. Were they…twins? Maybe just sisters.

They had the same white-blond hair and almost identical, overdone makeup. Eliza wore an emerald green dress and Crystal had on red. Both necklines rivaled Olivia’s, plunging almost waist-deep. Not very professional. But then, they’d probably blend in with the rest of the guests, which was probably the point. Xander kept his eyes above their shoulders, though he quickly redirected to Gail. He recognized the hunger in the women’s eyes—it was the way most women looked at him and made them both instantly unattractive.

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