Evening had come and it was time for the big gala. Alex got into his new suit and went on to the valet where he grabbed his key.
Alex revved the engine, the powerful sound mimicking a beast's roar, as he pulled out of the valet and navigated through the bustling streets of Paris. Following June's directions, he arrived at the grand venue for the gala—a historic ballroom nestled between the Seine River and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
"Okay, looks like we are here,"
The venue, known as La Lumière Royale, boasted towering marble columns adorned with intricate golden details. The entrance was marked by a red carpet leading up to massive golden doors, and the soft glow of chandeliers inside spilled out through tall, arched windows. The ambiance was both regal and enchanting, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
"They sure did go all out to make the place look appealing," Alex thought, peering through the windows from outside.
As Alex parked the disguised Mercedes among a lineup of sleek, high-end vehicles, he observed distinguished guests arriving in an array of luxurious cars. The valet area was bustling with activity as uniformed attendants expertly maneuvered the expensive vehicles.
He spotted a sleek black Bentley, a polished Rolls-Royce, and even a limited edition sports car that looked like it belonged on a racetrack. Each arrival brought with it an air of opulence, and the attendees, adorned in elegant evening wear, made a striking entrance.
"Dang, whole place wreaks of money," he mused.
Apart from his rich boss back in the states and his wife, he hadn't seen this much rich oppression at a single venue.
When it was Alex's turn at the valet, he hesitated to hand over his key. The valet attendant raised an eyebrow but didn't push the matter, acknowledging the unusual behavior.
'I don't know why the system told me to come all the way to Paris to attend a gala but my guess is it's not just to enjoy the fine wine they'll serve. In case of a quick get away, I'll hang on to the key for now,' he thought. He began to walk towards where everyone else seemed to be heading, dressed in his own tuxedo, mingling just fine with the movers and shakers all around him.
Upon nearing the entrance to La Lumière Royale, Alex was greeted by the sight of impeccably dressed men and women mingling in the opulent ballroom. The guests wore haute couture gowns and tailored tuxedos, the epitome of sophistication and abundance of cash reflecting off of them.
The vibrant colors of the dresses, the sparkle of jewelry, and the low sounds of conversation created an atmosphere of refined elegance. This was something Alex wasn't too familiar with but knew he had to adjust if he was going to blend in.
Approaching the entrance, he encountered stern-faced guards in impeccable suits, each requesting an invitation.
'Shit!'
Panic surged through Alex as he realized he had no physical invite for the gala.
< Check your email,> June whispered in Alex's mind.
He opened his phone and behold was a strange email invitation.
With newfound confidence, Alex presented the bar code he received in his email. The guards, equipped with a handheld scanner, efficiently verified the authenticity of the digital invitation, and with a nod, they allowed him access into the lavish event.
Alex confidently proceeded into the grand ballroom dazzled with glittering chandeliers and intricate ceiling art. A sweeping staircase led to an upper level where a live orchestra prepared to enchant the guests with classical melodies.
Amidst the glittering crowd, Alex marveled at the sophistication and grandeur of the gala. He couldn't shake the feeling of being an imposter, but the mission ahead pushed him forward. The stunning setting, coupled with the captivating guests, he had to force himself to not show any apparent signs that he didn't belong. Getting caught surely wouldn't go down as a pleasant experience.
Alex navigated through the gala amongst the sea of aristocrats and wealthy important figures of the society. He couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water among the glittering elite.
He approached a group engaged in an animated conversation.
Guest 1: "Did you hear about the latest art exhibition at the Louvre?"
Guest 2: "Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world. The pieces they've curated this time are simply divine."
Alex, attempting to blend in, interjected, "Absolutely! The Louvre's art is... something else."
The group exchanged puzzled glances, but before they could question further, Alex tactfully redirected the conversation.
Alex: "Speaking of art, have any of you tried the escargot here? It's like a culinary masterpiece!" It looked those idle, lonely Saturdays where he would spend his time scrolling through the internet or flipping through random magazines he would pick up on his way back from work was starting to pay off.
Guest 3: "Oh, I'm more of a fan of the coq au vin myself. Exquisite flavors!"
Now Alex was lost. He didn't have a slightest clue what they meant but nodded his head.
"Ahh.. the coq au Vin, a favourite of mine as well. Alright fellas, there's more to be explored. Have a lovely evening,"
Alex walked off grinning slightly as he knew he had just slipped away from a close one. As he continued to his languid tour, he spotted a table with several types of dishes laid out. He saw people heading over and grabbing what they wanted.
"Don't mind if I do," Alex muttered as he grabbed a plate from a rank where everyone seemed to be taking one and went over to the table to serve himself.
"I could get used to this lifestyle,"
While savoring the gourmet dishes, Alex overheard snippets of conversation from another corner.
"We're organizing a charity event next month. It's for a children's hospital." A man whom appeared to be in his late thirties said in a thick accent. Alex guessed he had to be Italian or something along that route. His accent made him remember the taco guy close to his house back in the states.
The Italian guy had a woman with him. They both looked very well dressed for the occasion. Alex could tell their suits weren't 4 thousand dollars.
The man went on to narrate his philanthropic deeds to the woman by his side proudly, raising his shoulders and staring at the gentle man who was gouging down meal after meal.
Alex noticed they were looking at him weirdly and had to deflect their attention from him.
"That's a noble cause," Alex said, swallowing hard with a smile.
"I've always believed in giving back," he continued.
"Oh, do you work with any particular charity?" The lady with the man asked Alex.
"Yes, the... uh, International Children's Fund. Making a difference, you know?" Alex, improvising, replied.
"Oh, I've never heard of that one," the man said with a scrutinizing look almost like he could see through Alex's lies.
"It's fairly new. You should come be a benefactor, that's if you are willing," Alex spun the topic around.
"Perhaps after the ceremony, later. We could meet and talk more," the man said.
"Did you hear about the exclusive auction happening later? Priceless pieces up for grabs!" The lady by the man's side said. She seemed to have picked interest in Alex. Perhaps being a "philanthropist" was a catch after all.
Ladies did love men who were givers.
Alex, playing along, replied, "Ah, the auction! I can't wait for us to get to that part,"
"I heard there's a mysterious benefactor behind the charity event next month," the lady said to Alex, increasingly interested in talking to this man she had never heard anything about before. But since he was a philanthropist, she thought she could grab one or two from him.
"Mysterious benefactor, you say? Any clue on who that might be?" Alex, intrigued, asked.
"Speculations abound, but no one knows for sure. It's all very hidden. It was nice to meet you Mr..." the man chimed into the conversation, noticing Alex was stealing his shine.
"Alex... Alex Mercer," Alex introduced himself with a hand out for a shake.
"Good one. I am Rodriguez Dinero. Perhaps we shall meet at the auction and discuss more about how I could join your charity organization? For now, I shall take my leave. Ciao Mr Alex Mercer," the man waved, walking off with his date and drink in hand.
As they left, Alex began to think about the secret auction and what it entailed. He began pondering the potential connection to his quest, discreetly, he inquired from June.
'June, could this mysterious benefactor be our target?' he asked in his mind.
Alex found the extra warning strange but knew he was in no man's land and he personally didn't think it was too safe to venture into a place kept secret. Auctions were generally never good to begin with, at least from all the movies he watched, he knew that much.
Armed with June's input, Alex continued navigating the gala, now with a newfound focus on unraveling the mystery behind the auction event.
'All that lying is making me thirsty. This philanthropist needs a drink,' Alex mused with a smile as he spotted the bar.
Approaching the bar, he engaged in a conversation with the bartender.
"What can I get you, monsieur?" the bartender asked.
"A glass of champagne, please. And tell me, what's the talk of the town tonight?" Alex asked, slouching over the table separating him and the bartender.
"Haven't you been paying attention? The talk of the town just showed up," a mysterious woman sidled up to the bar. "Make that Champaign glass two, please," she said, glancing at Alex with a playful smile.
"Two champagne coming right up," the bartender acknowledged.
The woman turned to Alex, her eyes assessing him curiously. "Hmm, didn't I spot you at the valet? You were the one who wouldn't hand in their keys, correct? You seem a bit out of place here. Did you come with the intention of keeping a low profile, or do you just lack the... finesse required for an event like this?" she teased.
Alex, smirking, replied, "Well, I do enjoy flying under the radar, but who could resist making a grand entrance?" He nodded subtly towards the disguised Mercedes.
The woman raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A bold choice. It's either a statement or a challenge. So, which one is it, mysterious stranger?"
Alex, extending his hand, introduced himself, "Alex. And let's just say I enjoy a good challenge now and then."
The woman, a playful glint in her eyes, responded, "A challenge it is, Alex. I like that. Perhaps tonight won't be as dull as I expected"