"Mom just sent me a message, reminding us not to forget about the event at the Whitehouse tonight," Ariana announced, her voice carrying from her seat in the room.
"What event is that?" Lauren inquired, retrieving a bottle of fruit juice and three glasses from the refrigerator. Fortunately, the hospital cleaners had already taken care of the shattered glass on the floor, bringing a sense of relief to the atmosphere. Furthermore, Lauren herself felt a newfound calmness, free from the previous restlessness and anxiety.
Handing each of her sisters a glass of refreshing, chilled fruit juice, Lauren settled behind her desk and took a sip from her own glass.
"It's the President's forty-fifth birthday celebration," Alanna responded.
"What?" Lauren almost choked on her juice, taken aback by the sudden revelation.
"You didn't know? Mom told me that you were personally invited by the President. How could you forget?" Ariana playfully questioned.
"Well, unfortunately I did forget," Lauren confessed, letting out a sigh.
Honestly, she couldn't entirely blame herself for the oversight. After all, she had been unconscious and asleep for three consecutive days not too long ago. It was understandable that certain details may have slipped her mind.
"Well, who's hungry? I certainly am. We could grab a bite to eat and maybe even browse some dinner party gowns at Astral Couture while we're at it. What do you think?" Ariana suggested, her tone brimming with excitement.
"Here's what I think—I definitely need to eat, but I don't need to buy another dinner gown. We literally bought several just a few days ago, and I haven't even worn them yet. So, no shopping for me," Lauren asserted, removing her lab coat and hanging it on the coat hanger before departing with her cousins.
---
Lauren stood before her vanity, adorned in a stunning strapless mermaid dress shimmering with blue sequins. With careful precision, she applied a coat of red lipstick to her already pink lips. Thanks to Chloe's skillful assistance, the dragon tattoo on her back remained concealed, allowing her to feel fully prepared for the evening ahead.
Chloe, equally elegant, wore an off-shoulder satin dress in a captivating shade of green. The ensemble was beautifully complemented by a sash and gloves, enhancing her overall look. She carried a small sequin purse, completing the ensemble with a touch of sophistication.
As the two ladies emerged from the elevator, their hands intertwined, they made their way towards the spacious living room where the Benneth family eagerly awaited for them.
"Oh my God, Lauren! Chloe!" Ariana gasped, her eyes widening in awe at the sight of them. Alanna greeted them with an enthusiastic smile, clearly impressed by their stunning appearance.
"You both look absolutely gorgeous," Madame Veronica Benneth declared, her face filled with immense pride as she beheld them.
"Awww, thank you all, and thank you, Aunt. You look incredible," Lauren expressed, placing a gentle kiss on her aunt's cheeks.
"Let's capture this moment in photographs, everyone," Alanna proposed, extending her phone to one of the household staff members.
The five ladies gathered together, striking poses as the maid expertly captured multiple snapshots. With a satisfied smile, she returned the phone to Alanna.
"Alright, let's go," Madame Veronica declared, leading the group towards the waiting limousine stationed just outside the house. Behind them, their private bodyguards followed in a protective convoy.
---
As soon as Damien, Vanessa, and the DeMarco brothers stepped into the opulent ballroom within the majestic presidential villa, a wave of astonishment and excitement spread through the crowd. Whispers filled the air, mingling with gasps of admiration.
These three men were already renowned as the most desired and sought-after bachelors in the world, despite their reclusive nature. Yet, witnessing their presence in person tonight felt like stepping into the realm of a fairy tale.
"Happy birthday, Madam President," Damien greeted as he lightly pecked her cheek, a sly smile playing on his lips. President Charis, ever astute, whispered a wry remark in response before they moved onto their separate ways.
"Uncle Damien! Uncle Derek! Damon!" Selene, the President's daughter, couldn't contain her excitement as she spotted them amidst the crowd. Rushing towards them, she called out their names, her eyes alight with joy.
"Hey, kiddo!" Damien exclaimed, enveloping her in a gentle embrace, his hand ruffling her blond hair. Selena playfully pouted, "Oh my God, Uncle Damien, I'm almost twenty-one, and you're still messing up my hair!"
Damien and his companions had purposely made their appearance at the President's grand event to silently convey a warning and establish their presence, ensuring that any supernatural beings would think twice before encroaching upon the President's family.
Prominent guests began to arrive in droves. Witches, werewolves in influential positions amongst humans, and vampire council members holding esteemed offices in the country gracefully made their way into the resplendent ballroom.
Selene's voice rose with awe as she observed the arrival of glamorous young ladies accompanied by Veronica Benneth. Damien and the others turned their gazes towards the entrance, their attention captured by Selene's excitement. Their breath caught in their throats as they, too, caught sight of the captivating figure Selene had fixated upon.
For the first time in his centuries-long existence, Damien's usually impassive heart skipped multiple beats as he laid eyes upon her, gracefully walking hand-in-hand with Chloe. He felt an indescribable magnetism, an enchantment that penetrated his being.
Her radiant smile seemed to illuminate the already dazzling room. Her long lashes fluttered delicately as she scanned the ballroom, as if searching for someone. Just then, her gaze locked with his, and in that fleeting moment, their eyes connected. An involuntary smile graced Damien's face, while Lauren, on the other side of the room, blushed upon witnessing his reaction to seeing her.
In the midst of his desire to approach her, he was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of another man who positioned himself in front of her, obstructing his view.
Damien couldn't help but mull over this unexpected turn of events, a frown etching its way onto his face as he witnessed the man gently bringing her hand to his lips, bestowing a kiss upon it.
As he turned his gaze, Damien caught sight of the man's face—Marcel Bruce of Stellar Tech Solutions. Marcel walked alongside Lauren, engaged in cheerful conversation, as they navigated their way toward the presence of the President, where they intended to offer their well wishes.
Damien's expression shifted into one of indifference as they drew nearer. Annoyance tinged his emotions; he couldn't help but feel frustrated that she smiled at Marcel and allowed him to hold her hand so freely.
"Happy birthday, President Charis," Madame Veronica Benneth exclaimed, pressing a friendly kiss to the President's cheek—a clear sign of their deep and genuine friendship.
"Well, thank you, my dear Veronica. I'm delighted that you could join us, and you all look absolutely stunning," the President replied with a warm smile, her gaze encompassing the beauty of the assembled ladies.
"Happy birthday, Madam President," the Benneth sisters chimed in unison, accompanied by both Lauren and Chloe.
"Happy birthday, President," Marcel added.
"Thank you all for being here tonight. You will be seated beside me," the President declared, motioning for them to take their places at the presidential table, where the vampires were also gathered.
Veronica Benneth briefly pondered declining the offer, preferring to have her entourage seated separately from the vampires. However, considering the unique nature of the event, she decided to oblige the President's request.
Next to Damien sat Madame Veronica Benneth, and unable to contain himself, he engaged her in conversation, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "Considering how much your coven despises the vampires, it surprises me that you would approve of your people sitting with us," Damien remarked to her, making no attempt to sugarcoat his words.
Veronica Benneth arched an eyebrow, finding amusement in his audacity. With an air of indifference, she replied, "We will sit wherever we please, and I care little for the vampires, Damien Voltorie."
"I must say, I appreciate your honesty. It's quite refreshing," Damien acknowledged, a smile gracing his lips as he took a sip of his drink, all the while fixating a deadly stare upon Marcel.