"Come," Director Fernanda beckoned, and together they strolled in quiet conversation.
"Did you know that I made several attempts to recruit you away from NDI, and each time I failed?" the Director abruptly revealed, a note of surprise permeating Lauren's features.
"No, ma'am, I was not aware," Lauren responded, taken aback by the revelation.
"Naturally, that old reprobate Director Shaw would keep such details from you. However, I have been keeping a close eye on you since your first year at NDI. Five years ago, I endeavored on four occasions to facilitate your transfer to the Interception Intelligence Agency (IIA), only to have Director Shaw thwart each plan. Each attempt blocked, and yet, mark my words—I will try again," she stated plainly, her words tinged with quiet determination as she delicately sipped her wine.
"Do not hesitate to consider the Interception Intelligence Agency (IIA) as an option when the time comes that you no longer wish to remain at NDI," Director Fernanda jested with a sly smile, prompting a soft chuckle from Lauren.
"Would you consider this your fifth attempt, Director?" Lauren inquired with a lighthearted chuckle.
"Indeed, my dear, you might consider it as such," Director Fernanda responded, her smile widening.
"Lauren, do you happen to be acquainted with the gentleman casting glances in our direction for the past few minutes, at your three o'clock?" the Director inquired smoothly.
"Why yes, Director, I do know him. That would be Marcel Bruce," Lauren responded simply.
"I did not ask for his name," the Director retorted, a smile dancing in her eyes, leaving Lauren slightly embarrassed.
"Don't be embarrassed, my dear. I understand the predicament of trying to warm up to someone, even if our heart is already claimed by another, even if we despise the person it beats for," the Director uttered, her words striking a chord with Lauren, who couldn't help but regard her with astonishment.
"Shall I share with you what I perceive?" the Director posed, gracefully depositing her empty glass upon a server's tray and turning her full attention to Lauren.
"Yes, please do," Lauren answered.
"I believe he knows that your feelings toward him do not mirror his own, and he has come to terms with it. Yet, he finds solace in simply being near you, even if you do not reciprocate his feelings. That is an unfortunate place for him to be, wouldn't you agree? I hope someone rescues him from this plight and returns his affections in kind," the Director expressed gently, guiding Lauren toward the heart of the bustling room.
"Tell me, who is he, the one you hold affection for... is he here?" she continued.
"No, he is not present, and I doubt he will be attending," Lauren responded plainly.
"That is regrettable," the Director expressed, her gaze mirroring empathy. As the two continued their discussion, Lauren's father, Mr. Turner, approached them.
"Oh, father, you look absolutely handsome," Lauren exclaimed, embracing her dad warmly.
"And my darling, you look absolutely radiant," he replied in kind.
"Allow me to introduce you to one of my esteemed idols, Director Fer—" Lauren began before her father interjected.
"Fernanda Armando, how long has it been?" he asked, a warm smile adorning his face, while for the first time that evening, Lauren noticed a subtle blush gracing the Director's cheeks.
"It has been over twenty years," she remarked softly. The aura of the unexpected encounter left Lauren visibly surprised.
"Do the two of you know each other?" she inquired, her expression filled with astonishment.
"Not only do we know each other, but I once considered her my soulmate, before she chose another young suitor, a fellow Mexican, back in our fifth grade days," her father answered, revealing a tint of playful petulance in his voice.
"In my defense, I patiently awaited and hoped for your overture, expecting you to declare your affections, yet you disappointed me. Therefore, I opted for the one bold enough to confess his love at the tender age of five. Do not lay blame upon me," the Director stated matter-of-factly.
Lauren was on the brink of erupting into laughter, but she managed to stifle it, realizing that it would be unseemly. With a deft excuse, she discreetly slipped away from the delightful yet unexpected reunion, seeking out her cousins. As she made her way through the crowd, she unexpectedly bumped into Marcel, who was heading towards her.
As her distress threatened to overpower her, he deftly caught her in his arms, preventing her from falling backward.
"Are you all right?" he inquired, his gaze fixated upon her, his emerald irises glistening under the glow of the chandelier.
Just as she was about to respond, a wave of boisterous murmurs and chatter swept through the crowd, drawing her attention past Marcel's shoulder. Instantly, her gaze locked with Damien's, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes held in a poignant exchange, before he averted his gaze and strode inside, flanked by his fellow vampires.
Lauren felt her heart plummet into the pit of her stomach, her pulse quickening with an intensity that left her feeling faint. Her mouth grew dry, and she was seized by the sensation of a looming panic attack.
"Lauren, are you all right?" Marcel inquired with a note of deep concern, observing the pallor that had washed over her features. He would have willingly ushered her to a more secluded area, but doing so here would only attract unnecessary attention from onlookers and, quite possibly, end up as fodder for tabloid gossip. Therefore, he held her close, offering a comforting embrace, waiting patiently for her to regain her composure.
Upon spotting the unusual disposition, the Benneth sisters quickly made their way to her side. "What's the matter?" they inquired concurrently.
"I don't know—she was fine just a moment ago, and then suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing," Marcel narrated, his worry evident.
Ariana swiftly conjured an illusionary veil to make their situation less conspicuous.
"Look at me," Alanna directed. As Lauren complied, Alanna discerned the root of the issue. "Did you cast a numbing spell on yourself?" Alanna asked with a hint of skepticism, though she was already certain of the answer.
"She did what? Why?" Ariana inquired.
"Repeat after me, Lauren, 'normo svet luerver atease,'" Alanna instructed. As Lauren uttered the incantation, within moments, her erratic heartbeat gradually began to steady.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed to the main hall for the commencement of the main event," the MC announced, prompting the guests to migrate in clusters toward the adjacent hall.