Page 101 of Code of Heart
Selene appeared at her side just in time, pressing a cold diet soda into her hand.
“The Harvest Charity Ball has always been about supporting those who make the world a better place,” Charles continued. “And this year, we expanded that reach, allowing even those who couldn’t attend tonight to contribute online.”
“You haven’t stopped moving all day,” Selene whispered. “Have you had anything to drink or to eat?”
Aurelia shook her head and took a long sip, not realizing until now how parched she was. “You’re a lifesaver,” she whispered back.
“That’s what friends are for. And you’re going to crush this, so stop doubting yourself,” Selene said, nudging her shoulder playfully.
Aurelia smiled weakly and drained the rest of the contents as Charles wrapped up his introduction. Selene took her glass and gave her a final thumbs-up before shooing her toward the stage.
With one last deep breath, Aurelia stepped into the stage lights, the microphone trembling slightly in her hands. Shefound Levi in the crowd again and anchored herself to the unwavering pride in his eyes.
“Thank you all for coming and supporting our headlining charities,” she began, her voice shaky at first but growing steadier. “We took a slightly different direction this year, but your incredible generosity has already made this night one for the record books—one that Eleanor would have been proud of. We raised over three million dollars online before the night even began!”
Thunderous applause filled the room and her head. She pressed on despite the growing warmth under the lights and the wave of nausea beginning to crest.
“We selected three organizations for tonight’s event. First, District Child Welfare Services, which is a cause close to my heart, as I was once a child in their care. Your support gives children the chance to find safety, security, and a real future.”
More applause. The room spun slightly as another unwelcome wave of nausea rolled over her. She needed to get through this.
“The National Dyslexia Foundation also holds special meaning for me. I’ve met so many incredible people whose invisible disabilities never held them back. People who, with the right resources, thrive beyond imagination.”
The floor swayed beneath her feet. She needed to get outside for some fresh air.
“And lastly…” she pushed the words out through gritted teeth, her vision tunneling, “in honor of Eleanor Greaves—who would have loved every minute of this night—we welcome Glow Sticks for the Elderly, a grassroots organization focused on encouraging and promoting vitality among our senior population. They do this by bringing rave culture to retirement homes across the nation. Time to take out your glow sticks, get on that dance floor, and kick off the rave!”
The crowd roared as the lights dimmed, and the floor lit up. Aurelia barely registered it as she staggered off the stage, nearly tripping over her dress in the process.
Selene was there in an instant, her arm looping under Aurelia’s. Charles cast her a concerned glance.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“I…I’m not sure. I think…I need some air.” Her words sounded distant to her ears, her tongue thick and slow.
Selene looked at Charles and said, “I’ll take care of her.” He nodded hesitantly.
Aurelia knew without a doubt that whatever was happening was the source of the unease she had felt throughout the day. She tried to tell Selene this as they walked towards the patio, but her vocal cords were paralyzed.
Selene sat her down on a nearby vacant bench before rushing off to find Levi.
Something was wrong with her.
The moment Selene crossed the threshold back into the ballroom, a shadow loomed over her. A firm hand gripped her arm and mercilessly yanked her back onto her feet.
Aurelia turned with the last of her strength…and then the darkness encircled her.
CHAPTER 45
Levi
Levi’s attention was fixed on Aurelia the entire time she was on stage. The moment her gaze found him, it was as if no one else existed. He knew she was speaking only to him. He had become the rock she needed to steady herself.
Despite her nerves, she did an incredible job, and he couldn’t have been prouder to call her his wife.
By then, Martin had excused himself to rejoin his group. While they tried not to talk too much about work, Martin had discreetly shared his growing concerns about Project DL, confirming Levi’s worst fears about the mess Harris had left behind. There was something critical buried in that code, something they were all missing. Owen agreed, based on the limited information he had. They promised to revisit it on Monday, and with final congratulations, Martin headed off.
As soon as the lights dimmed and the dance floor lit up, Levi was on his feet, ready to find Aurelia. She had disappeared backstage, looking distraught. She was possibly overwhelmed by nerves.
