81. Why Is It Her Again?
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The last week of January is bound to be explosive as the most awaited social gathering is about to start. Several months before the event, the list of people attending had been announced. Those who were blessed to receive the green and black envelope garnered plenty of attention. 

Everyone is excited but there is no one who is much more thrilled than the Luz family. 

Maya clicked on an article about Timothée and smiled. A gossip column revealed that the young man was dating a newcomer celebrity but no name was mentioned. The passerby who took their picture on a golf course also failed to capture her face. The words set in bold plus Timothée's outstanding background caught the eyes of passersby. 

The love affair of the Rosamaria family's only son. He's dating an actress. Does his parents approve?

[I’m curious who!]

[Considering her background, it’s probably just another fling.]

Normally, the relationship rumor is destined to be ignored like the rest. Which rich kid doesn't have a fling or two, right? However, an anonymous account bent on chasing the drama posted an explosive revelation. 

[Are you curious who she is? It’s the daughter of businessman Albert Luz. Miss Maya Luz.]

It quickly detonated a fierce discussion.

There were clear photos of them sitting in the restaurant, riding a buggy and laughing while he teaches her how to hold a club. The images were nothing special but thanks to the eloquent captions and catchy writing it turned into a toothache-indusing sweet article. 

[It was rumored that Ms Luz and Timothée met at a charity event held by CWI a few weeks ago. Their friendship was further developed when Ms Luz’s family auctioned an art piece at an exclusive party of the bigwigs. The Rosamaria family is a frequent participant of the Chartreuse Gala, perhaps we may be able to guess who will be Timothée’s date during the benefit ball.]

Netizens eat this kind of gossip and it soon gained a spot among the popular searches. 

Maya was a little suspicious of the sudden appearance of these photos so she called her mother to ask.

Crisanta only laughed after hearing her daughter's naive question, “Mom is only helping you out. If the photos were not sent out, who knows which bitch is going to stake a claim and grab your credit.” 

“Mom, please don't do this next time. We are dealing with the Rosamaria family, they have a lot of people within the media.” She warned. “If they find out it was you who gave the tip…” 

“Don’t worry dear. I was very careful.” Crisanta coaxed softly. 

Maya bit her lip when she put down the phone. She worried that the Rosamaria family might have misunderstood the news and see her as an opportunist purposefully approaching their son. The last experience at the party wasn’t so pleasant which made her uneasy for a while. Fortunately when she called Timothée preemptively to apologize, he did not show any signs of anger. He even assured her that his parents did not mind. On one hand she was relieved, frustrated on the other because their apathy only meant they never took her presence seriously. 

Her fans were most elated that she is involved with one of Capital City’s sought after bachelors. Son of a business tycoon and philanthropist, an Ivy Leaguer and a promising tech entrepreneur. She may not have a grandiose family background but she is confident she will be able to surpass that hurdle by her own strength. Who doesn’t like the classic Cinderella story, right? 

[Is this for real? It’s the first time baby Maya got involved with the opposite sex.]

[No it’s not. Someone said that she also had a handsome businessman companion before but no one is talking about it now.]

[Humph, maybe they are just friends. Maya did not say anything though.]

[Hahaha doesn’t that prove that our baby Maya is the best? She is surrounded by such excellent men. I approve of this!]

[They look so sweet together! So that means Maya is going with him to the gala?]

[Absolutely!]

[Maya is such a bright girl. She deserves everything!]

[Successful career. Checked. High quality suitors. Check.] 

At first Maya was a little scared for deliberately leading an online topic but when she saw the comments it quickly satisfied her vanity and her fear eventually melted. 

It looks like there were few people opposing her ambiguous relationship with Timothée. This is a good start. She wanted to get into that circle to establish a wider social connection and Chartreuse Gala will be her ticket. 

“Maya?” Gina came into her mini dressing room. “The host and cameraman are done with the preparation. Once this interview turns out successfully, there will be more offers to come.”

Maya fastened the gold bracelet on her wrist and checked her makeup on the mirror, “Will this really help?”

“Why not?” Ms Gina frowned. “Remember what the current audience now likes. Aside from celebrity intrigues, they wanted to dig in further into the lives of their idols in order to know them better.”

It was a pity Maya was not able to catch fire during Challenge Me so now they are making amends with a more direct approach. Since Maya has taken the sweet image they can take the current popular trend. Ruche Magazine wants a video of her preparation a few days before the gala, today’s itinerary includes the fitting for the dress, an interview and a recording of her daily life.

“Hello everyone,” Maya greeted the camera sweetly as she opened the door of her apartment. “I’ve been receiving a lot of requests about a complete house tour from you guys so I decided to finally show you my sanctuary…”

Dressed in an off shoulder ruffled floral dress and white sneakers, she made a wide welcoming gesture. Maya had made a Yu-tube channel over a year ago to show off her daily life to her fans and garnered more than two millions loyal followers. Showing off one’s lifestyle from the food you eat, beautiful clothes you wear down to the littlest details of one’s daily life is a growing fad these days that even popular celebrities begin to imitate. Although they say it was vulgar there are still people who liked watching these kinds of videos. Fortunately, she had some vision and created a channel early. Her popularity finally paid off and she scored another interview with a pretty well-known magazine, Ruche. 

But she later realized that she assumed too soon.  

 

The collaboration between Andy Zhang and Sena had been keeping the internet abuzz these days that even haters dare not come out to throw shit for the time being but when it was time for the launching party of Alpha Tech, they came out to hound her again. 

During the party, a young woman about her age bravely approached Sena to ask her opinion about the upcoming Chartreuse Gala. Sena was sitting in one of the high stools of a bar counter rolling a martini glass between her fingers. Today, she is wearing a classy and elegant dove grey cocktail dress and had her hair neatly tied into a low bun exposing her small face.  

The party organized by Alpha Tech is held on the topmost floor of Chase Towers, in front of a giant LCD screen across the street. 

“Miss Erde, this year’s biggest event is drawing close. Any plans so far?” 

Sena looked at Jane, and gave a polite smile. The afternoon sun slanted towards the west basking the whole place in an ethereal golden hue. The breeze caressed everyone ever so gently just enough to drive the heat away. The lady in front had half of her profile on the light exposing every line of her delicate face and a clear view of her hazel eyes. 

Perhaps it was because of the light that the color of her pupils seemed to shift from light green to light brown. At this moment, those in Jane’s live broadcast seemed to have discovered one special thing about her. Sena’s hearstopping beauty was mainly because of her intense and captivating gaze.  

Jane's friends who stood not far away remarked haughtily, “What’s the use of asking her about this? She’s not going to make it to the event anyway.” 

“Miss Jane sure knows she will come. Among the two of them, Miss Jane is a genuine wealthy lady while the other was just pretending to be one.” 

“With Jane here, let’s see how she swaggers around. For once I want to see her crushed.” 

Just when Jane thought she would not bother to reply, she heard a soft clear voice.

“If you are asking about the gala of course, I have everything ready.” 

“Does this mean you are attending this year?”

“That's what I said.” 

Jane had an unbelievable face for a scant second. What did she say? How come the news she received was different?! 

“Well I’m not surprised because the Tang family is known for their philanthropic ventures. Maybe she will hitch a ride.” Jane’s friend said with an eyeroll. 

The girls laughed, “That’s the only way she would be able to show off.”

Their conversation was so loud that a lady nearby could not stand it and denied. 

“What do you mean because of the Tangs? Remember what happened to a certain senator when he wanted to get his girlfriend invited? He got banned because despite not meeting the standards, he insisted on including her.”

Jane exchanged glances with her friends. She was not entirely convinced that Sena could make it by herself. That's the Chartreuse Gala for heaven’s sake, not a simple cocktail party!

“You mean you are coming in with a date?” Jane smiled. 

Sena raised an eyebrow then looked at her mysteriously, “What makes you think I can only attend by going with a date?”

Jane’s smile froze. Isn’t it? She lost her momentum and stammered out. 

“I’m sorry, I did not mean that.” 

“You did and  you said it.” Sena replied nonplussed. Her tone was so light it doesn’t appear to be admonishing her deliberate ridicule. “If you’re curious as to when I received an invitation, I must say it had been a couple of months earlier.” 

She’s invited! 

“C-Congratulations.” Jane said awkwardly. She suddenly found herself being stared at by other guests. 

Sena expected her reaction, after all, Crisanta and Maya would have never thought she would still get invited to the gala this year. She knows Jane is popular in a certain circle of rich kids and her connection with the Luz. Aside from that, she used to be her neighbor and playmate. Nine out of ten she came here to avenge Maya. Ever since she approached, she did not fail to notice the phone held on Jane’s hand but the other did not even bother to ask her opinion whether or not she wanted to be recorded on her vlog. 

She guessed they have already heard of Andy’s interest in her which is why they used this crude method of ambushing her for an interview to make trouble.   

Who’s Andy Zhang again? Not only was she an award-winning master photographer but an influential figure as well. Many people in the entertainment industry are scrambling to get into her good side. 

Jane’s friends did not want to give up.  

“So what if Sena is invited?” 

“What a joke. Who doesn’t know that ten percent of those who received an invite would not be able to come?”

Most people in the upper middle class know that the biggest costume charity ball is an invitation only event with a ticket worth fifty thousand dollars. A staggering price if you don’t have deep pockets. As selected people know, the event is the Darlian Institute for Children's primary source of income. Every attendee is pre-screened and has to get the approval of the board of directors of the Darlian clan but having an invitation doesn't necessarily mean one can go. Those who qualify for the invite are the kind of people who are guaranteed to be able to pay for a seat at a table. 

Every year, aside from the founding families, the biggest fundraising event gathers up some of the biggest names in many industries. There are celebrities, public figures, musicians, business paragons, and icons gracing the red carpet in order to raise more money for the charity. In the past decade, the benefit ball has loosened its restriction by going public. This year is its 10th appearance with the media. Every attendee is going to be watched and scrutinized for their name, background and of course, clothes.

It was this time where many major fashion houses and aspiring designers took advantage of the limelight to showcase their most prized work. Most well-known celebrities who came to attend do not usually end up paying for the exorbitant ticket and outfits as most of them are sponsored and bankrolled by major brands, in exchange they get more exposure and goodwill for participating in a charitable event. 

“If you have no money and sponsor. You can only dream!”

They strongly believed she would not make it to the gala. They even begin to anticipate what excuses she will make when the time comes. Jane used to play at Sena’s house and was always jealous of her things so when the simple and shy Maya came she found a sense of superiority. Every time Maya cried, Jane would sing along telling everyone that Sena did it.   

But things always have to change, the shy Maya outgrown her awkwardness and completely transformed now. Jane loves to think it was because of her influence and she was quite proud of it. Unfortunately for her, she had already been left out as a mere lackey and is yet to realize it.   

In the midst of Jane’s silence, it was when Andy Zhang came, “Just because you cannot pay for it doesn’t mean Sena Erde cannot.” 

The girls looked back and were stunned seeing Andy’s frosty gaze. 

“Seriously, who let these people in? The quality of guests is becoming terribly low.” 

Her words called out the attention of the manager. When he realized it was the chairman’s sister he panicked and apologized. He explained that the ladies were companions of certain guests. They can invite them out if she likes. Fortunately Andy did not pursue the issue further and went to look for Sena instead. 

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” 

Jane nearly dropped her phone camera. “You knew each other?”

Andy did not have a good impression of Jane so she ignored her and went directly to Sena’s side.

“Dear, I thought I had first dibs on your interview. You’re being unfaithful.” 

“There was none of the sort. It was merely a conversation.” Sena replied with a shrug. 

An unfriendly one to be exact. 

“Good. Since the gala is about four days to go, allow me to make a prep video of you. Your fans would absolutely love it.”

“Is it really necessary?”

“Necessary! You’re a celebrity-entrepreneur. Many people are dying to get to know more of you. You’re not going to disappoint them, are you?”

Sena’s eyelid twitched. “Let’s talk about that late, for now focus on your brother’s new app launch.” 

“He won’t lose a cent with me blabbering here.” Andy snorted and went ahead to order a glass of high ball. 

Jane and her friends hadn’t left  yet, they stood aside embarrassed like wet quails. She knew it was impolite of them to intrude but they couldn’t flee in despair either so they clenched their teeth and remained until the program finished. Thanks to this, when the current CEO took up the microphone to give a speech, almost everyone found out that Sena Erde was one of the investors of today’s new mobile application. 

Jane shrunk to the corner after seeing several pairs of sarcastic eyes aimed at them. They made such a huge fuss a while ago but now they couldn’t utter a single word. 

Who told them to attack Sena earlier? 

The ridiculous thing is that they assumed she was just one of the party crashers aiming to find a high branch to fly on. 

Her familiarity with Andy already alarmed them, but an investor?! 

Jane’s heart shuddered. Her boyfriend specifically instructed her to be polite to people within the party. Once he found out what she did… he will absolutely despise her if the negotiation fails! 

She might even get abandoned. 

Unaware of other people’s dilemma, the cameras turned towards the gorgeous lady with a dazzling smile raising her glass to toast the podium. 

After that, the fireworks blasted on the sky and drones began sprinkling confettis in the air. Colorful balloons were released nearly covering the whole avenue below.

 

Maya was recording live with the magazine crew when the host suddenly got curious about her giant TV screen. She excitedly pressed the button and turned to the news. Unfortunately, she had no idea how much she would regret doing it a few minutes later. 

Maintaining a celebrity image was never difficult to Maya since she has the capital. Her family is rich and she was quickly given an olive branch as soon as she entered show business. In the recent months, she became even more popular within the television and social media platforms when she opened up her life to the public.

Living a princess-like life is the unfulfilled wish of many ladies her age. Having a good family, living in a nice apartment and going to places only their circle can achieve. Just this Christmas she received a brand new car from her parents as a reward for her growing career. Her luxurious lifestyle is loved by her fans and quickly became popular. Knowing this advantage, Maya strived to make more topics. 

“Will there be a chance in the future for Miss Luz to change career from a celebrity to a big boss?”

Maya paused slightly. She wanted to scold the host for throwing personal questions all of a sudden. It reminded her about the trouble among the board of directors when her dad suggested giving her a post in the company. Unfortunately, even as president, her dad could not make the decision arbitrarily and until today, she still felt peeved about it. 

She laughed trying to cover up her annoyance. “It’s too early for me to think about that. My father is still young and he is the one in-charge of the company. For now I focus on something I am deeply passionate about.”

“So your acting career comes first?” The interviewer asked.

Maya nodded then added playfully. “I’m at the stage where most girls my age dream of being popular. It’s just my one tiny wish.” 

“Hahaha, I didn’t know Miss Luz has such a girlish heart.” The interviewer fiddled with the remote and commented about how amazingly feminine and stylish her apartment was. 

“As you all know, this was given to me  by my dad because he was worried about my—”

Her words were cut off when the giant TV screen showed today’s headlines. It was about Alpha Tech’s new application. Coincidentally, the CEO just finished his heartfelt speech and the camera panned over Sena’s face.

“Cheers to the most promising youth of her generation, to Miss Sena Erde!”  

The interviewer's eyes were trained on the screen then said in a low voice, “She’s a tough contender for the youngest billionaire below thirty.” 

A chill rose from the soles of Maya’s feet and crawled up to her chest, squeezing her heart. 

Why is it her again?! 

Maya’s smile fell and distorted almost instantly. All of it was caught on camera. 

Miss Gina knew it was a bad idea to continue recording so she forcibly called for a cut, making the host angry. She hurriedly pulled Maya away and brought her to her bedroom.

“What the hell were you thinking? You’re on livestream on the internet!” 

Maya shook her hands off and shouted. “I don’t give a shit!” 

She lifted a crystal vase and smashed it on the floor and began screaming. 

“They did it on purpose! They wanted to humiliate me in front of the audience.” Maya cried and threw herself on the large fluffy bed kicking her feet. “I want to call my mother. Call her now!” 

“Calm down, the Ruche crew are still outside. Do you want your temper fits to appear in the tabloid tomorrow?” 

“That might be a good idea! At least I would get to step on the slut Sena for once.” She said furiously. 

Her eyes were red not only with tears but with indescribable madness. Gina was taken aback.

This was the first time she saw Maya so unhinged. Her emotions were flying through the roof like a little beast. The more she watched her, the more she could not understand her. She was usually so calm and in control of herself. Petty and manipulative, proud and condescending but this… 

She could imagine Maya rushing towards Sena with a knife and laughing wildly while stabbing her half sister.  

Gina felt gooseflesh spreading slowly all over her body. 

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