Chapter 16 The ne


    Are you sure you want to attend the party? After all it is only his son''s birthday,"


    "I know but if I don''t show up, Robert will think I am scared of him and I am not."


    ire said every word with confidence in her tone.


    "okay, if you say so."


    Matthew open the car door for her and ire with her strapless ck dress filled with beautiful rhinestones on the neckline shimmering under the evening lights. A slit on the side that showcase her long legs caught the paparazzi attention, Even though Robert said this party is private he does not really mean it.


    Robert loves attention and he will do anything to make it one the front page of New York Times or maybe Vogue.


    "He paid for the paparazzi." ire whisper to Matthew who is next to her.


    "Well, what do you expect from the man.


    "Excuse me, miss? Can you pose for us?"


    Another paparazzi chime in.


    "Miss, can you turn to the right please?"


    The shing of the camera slightly blinded ire''s eyes.


    This is the first time she has experienced this scene after 3 years. ire was stunned by the loud paparazzi and shing


    camera.


    Matthew, noticing her slight stumble, quickly steadied her. "Stay confident, ire Focus on your goal," he whispered, his hand resting reassuringly on her waist.


    ire nodded, regaining her poise. With a confident smile or sometimes a subtle smirk, she began to pose for the cameras, each click of the shutter adding to the spectacle.


    The other guests, initially oblivious to ire''s arrival, couldn''t help but turn their attention as the paparazzi frenzy grew. They whispered among themselves, wondering who this captivating woman was stealing the spotlight One bold paparazzi, eager for a headline, called out to ire, "Who are you, miss?"


    ire turned slightly, her demeanor exuding power. "I''m ire Peterson, CEO of Metacortex Corporation."


    The camera shes intensified, capturing her deration as if it were breaking news. ire and Matthew finally made their way into the opulent mansion, leaving the paparazzi behind but not without asting impression, "You nailed it, ire! I knew you would."


    ire chuckled seeing Matthew excitement


    As they headed inside, ire took in thevish surroundings. A sudden memory washed over her.


    Matthew noticing her expression shifted raised an eyebrow.


    "You okay ire? Did the sh blinded your eyes?"


    ire shook her head, a tight smile etched on her lips.


    "Nothing it''s just...this mansion...my dad wanted to buy this mansion. He once brought Robert over and told buy this but then


    "Robert stole it from you." Matthew finished ire''s word as she nodded her head.


    him he really wanted to


    "I don''t know when Robert buy this, but my guess is after the ident that urred. He always wanted to take everything that makes me and my parents happy. He is just a petty man."


    Matthew put his arms around her shoulders and offered her a warm smile.


    "Don''t worry ire, you will get everything you own back just in due time." st in due time."


    "I know." ire smiled back at Matthew as they walk in thevish party.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Thevish house was abuzz with activity, filled with elegantly dressed guests and adorned with decorations fit for a grand event.


    ire observed the scene around her, she couldn''t shake off the feeling that this birthday party was more akin to a business party than a birthday party for an eight-year-old.


    While their parents appeared to be deep in conversation over sses of wine, children were running around under the watchful eyes of exhausted-loolding nannies.


    Robert noticed ire''s approach with Matthew by her side, his expression briefly clouded with annoyance. He couldn''t understand why Matthew was always glued to ire''s side, seemingly Inseparable from her even in social gatherings. Despite his inner irritation, Robert put on a charming smile as ire and Matthew reached them


    "Ah, ire, what a delightful surprise!" Robert eximed; his tone slightly forced but masking his true feelings well. "I see you bring this man.. I''m sorry who is he again?" Robert said as he nce to Matthew.


    He is trying to be rude but masked it with a look of politeness.


    ire mentally scoffed in disbelief. She always mention Matthew''s name to him. Funny if he easily forget it.


    "It''s Matthew, He is my advisor as well as my friend."


    Greta, Robert''s wife, joined in, greeting ire warmly despite the subtle tension in the air.


    "ire darling! It''s been so long. Where have you been? And where is your parents?"


    At that moment, ire felt like someone punch her in the guts.


    She can''t help but wonder if the Robertson genuinely innocent in the car crash ident or they pretending to be oblivious.


    ire honestly can''t tell.


    "They are dead."


    ire didn''t bother to be discreet as she is curious to see their reaction.


    As she thought Greta ce her hand on her mouth in shock while Robert pretending not to hear as he greet the other guest, but she know his ears perked up at the mention of ire parents.


    "How? And why didn''t you tell us?


    "Some much happen in the past 3 years. Maybe some day I''ll tell you. But now I just wish Mick a happy birthday. I''m sorry I didn''t bring present, but it seems like Mick has enough." ire said as she gesture to the mountain full of present. Greta waved her hand in dismissal. "Nonsense dear. Mick has enough toys. Thank you foring dear."


    ire''s gaze drifted towards Greta''s jewelry, and her smile faltered momentarily. It was a custom-made plece that ire had ordered for herte mother, unique and unmistakable.


    How did Gretae to possess such a rare item?


    After the greetings, ire and Matthew made their way to a table at the back of the room, strategically ced away from the center of attention. It was a move she had anticipated from Robert, a subtle attempt to minimize her presence. However, ire remained unfazed, choosing to focus on enjoying the evening with Matthew rather than getting caught up in Robert''s


    petty games.


    "Are you okay?" Matthe asked ire as they are seated.


    "Do you want an honest answer?"


    "Okay, every time you said that it scares me."


    ire rolled her eyes as she took a sip of the champagne.


    "No, I am not alright. I could flip any minute.


    Is this because of the question about your parents?"


    ire''s jaw tightened as she nced at Matthew, her eyes shing with anger. "Aside from that is the jewelry that Gretta wore that caught me off guard and also anger me."


    Matthew furrowed his brow in confusion. "The ne? Why does it bother you so much?"


    ire turned to him, her frustration evident. "That ne belonged to my mother. It was a custom order which I exclusively asked for it. You can''t find that necldace even if you search the whole world. There is only one and Gretta is wearing it." "Why didn''t you say anything?" Matthew asked.


    ire let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I was caught off guard. I didn''t expect to see it here. Let''s just try to enjoy the party until it''s over."