Friday October 30th, 1936
——

"It is truly a privilege to have each of you joining us today for the F.T.C (For The Children) fundraiser. I know very well that we shall have a great evening, and even greater joy at being able to bless the beautiful children to whom we are here for." Mother confidently speaks as we all sat at our tables. Even I couldn't deny she looked beautiful in her floor length emerald green gown, designed by the greatest designer in all of Pemberton.

The rich, jewel-toned fabric cascaded to the floor in soft, fluid lines. The bias-cut design sculpted the silhouette effortlessly, hugging her figure before flaring gently at the hem. The high neckline and long sleeves exuded a refined sophistication, while the lustrous satin shimmered like liquid emeralds in the light.

Mother was known for her fashion choices, and indeed she had outdid herself once again.

"The auction will take place at the end of the night after dinner, where we will have many artworks and creative pieces that were made by the children of F.T.C Orphanage presented to you, and of course the main event, an all expense paid dinner for two at Lux's Fine Dining with the heir to the Kingston empire, Paulina Kingston herself." She says pointing to me, and I give a little wave to everyone as they applaud.
"Let us indeed have a great evening, and thank you once again, for joining us." She concludes and we all begin to applaud. She makes her way off the stage and walks towards our table that consisted of our main two families and Robert.

"Great speech honey." Father stands to his feet, wrapping his arm around her waist, placing a kiss to her cheek. He whispers something in to her ear making her blush a deep red and hit his chest, telling him to behave, which only made him laugh.

Her eyes make a quick glance at Robert before they meet my own and her face falls slightly before she looks away, responding to Mrs. Ignius as she speaks to her. Weird.

Something was different about their interaction: Her and Robert I mean, but even her and father. I have been watching it over the last few days, she was not as irritable and angry towards Robert as usual, and seemed extra clingy and smiley with father.

Very unusual.

"I know many are holding fast to the idea of having dinner with the heir of the Kingston Empire." I hear Mrs. Ignius say and I snap out my thoughts looking to her, smiling.

"I am sure as well."

"I hope you are okay with lending her out for one night." She teases Carl and he chuckles, looking towards me.

"I have no problem at all mother." He says lifting my hand and kissing it, the soft sound of awes all the proof we needed to know that we were being watched, even though our backs faced majority of the guests tables.

I had expected him to be a lot more cold towards me, seeing as he has not truly spoken to me since the incident in the parking lot. When on front of my parents he would act as if nothing was wrong, but when in private he spoke not one word.

"When shall you both leave for London?" Father asks, and Mr and Mrs Ignuis looks at us confused.

"You did not tell me you were planning to go London son." Mr. Ignius says.

"We were still deciding actually, but I have the issue coming up and Paulina is very busy with the apartment building, so we decided to cancel." He says as if we had a discussion of this, but I guess it is expected.

"That's no reason to cancel. The issue is still weeks away, and I'm sure Mr. Kingston can oversee operations while Paulina is gone." Mrs. Ignius suggests and father nods in agreement. Mr. Ignuis, mother and Robert however stared at with us calculatingly.

"Its fine truly. We'll plan for another time. Won't we Paulina?"

"We will." I reply and he smiles. We fall into an awkward silence, but Mrs. Ignius comes to the rescue.

"Robert Dawson, you said right?" Mrs. Ignius changes the subject and I couldn't help but be grateful. The tension was slowly caving in on me.
"What was it that you said you did again?"

"I am a lawyer ma'am. Recently appointed the Kingston's family lawyer." Robert goes along with the change.

"Ahhh. I still can't believe Smith retired." She laughs. "I would have thought him to remain with you all till his last breath."

"Old man said he wants to spend more time with his family than my own." Father repeats Mr. Smith's exact words, making us all laugh, except Carl and his father, who seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes.

"I was there when he said it." I add, looking away from the two.
"I think Mr. Smith is one of the only persons we would consider a Kingston, outside of blood and marriage."

"Indeed. He is family." Father says and I smile.

"To be chosen..." Mr. Ignius break eye contact with Carl, glancing at me and then to Robert.
"By Smith, means you are the best person for the position."

"I would believe I am." He replies and Mr. Ignius chuckles.

"I like your confidence." He raises his glass to him.

——

"We're you able to show Carl the items you both Paulina dear?" Mrs. Ignius asks and Carl freezes mid bite of his steak, I slightly choking on the asparagus.

"Show me what?" He looks to me and I chuckle nervously. Normally I am not like this-I am confident and very poised, but the recent events with Carl have left me very nervous.

"Oh umm...your mother and I went shopping together, and I had bought some.. things." His eyebrows furrow in confusion, only making my face warm even more.

"I thought to teach Paulina some of my tricks in regards to dealing with an Ignuis man." Mr. Ignius looks at her confused.

"What exactly does that-"

"What is Assad doing with that man?" Mother suddenly interrupts Carl and his father, drawing all of our attention to what she was looking at behind Carl and I. My eyes widened slightly when I see Assad entering with Mr. Kelvin to his right but I quickly soften my gaze when I realize onlookers were watching my reaction as well.

"You said he would not work with him." I hear mother say and I turn back around, glancing at Carl who had become tense.

"Good evening." That familiar deep voice is heard from behind me.

"Hello again Assad, Kelvin. It's good of you both to join the fundraiser tonight." Father maneuvers the situation with ease as he is always able to do.

"It is for a good cause. I had to show my support." Assad replies looking to me, and I feel my chest begin to tighten.

Remain calm Paulina. Just remain calm.

The sudden feeling of a hand taking hold of mines causes me to look down, and then up to Carl.

"I met Assad here while entering the building." Mr. Kelvin says, hitting Assad's back in a friendly manner.
"He truly has a way of making an entrance, won't you all agree." The fool chuckles, looking to me.

"Paulina I swea-"

"Go have a seat Assad, we will all catch up later. I'm sure you both are very hungry, being late and all." Father says, but Assad does not move immediately.

"Assad go take your seat." Mother says with tone that left no room for discussion, and only then moves off.

"Interesting fellow." Mr. Kelvin says winking at me and walking after Assad, their seats only two tables across from us.

"What was that about?" Mrs. Ignius asks looking directly at me.

"Nothing at all my love." Mr. Ignius says, smiling brightly at his wife, tapping her nose. Mrs. Ignius in that moment playing along with his ploy, knowing just as I the signal of when a situation is to be solved in private.

"Fine my love." She replies, tapping his nose back.
"We will speak of this later." She smiles, glancing at me.