Paula had never been prouder of herself in that very moment as she received a solid, satisfactory ovation after her speech.
"Wow! I think you should add motivational speaker to the list of things you do." The master of the occasion was back with the microphone in his possession.
"Thank you." Paula laughed. Then she waved to the guest and went to stand by David's side.
"That was a brilliant speech, bellassima." He winked.
She laughed. "Grazie mille, Signore."
"Ah, she knows Italian. I'm impressed." David was truly impressed by her Paula. Now he had no more doubts about her capability. He was certain she would be a pleasure to work with. An interesting woman she was.
"We all know you can't be in the movie industry and not have a good grasp on other languages. It goes with the territory, you know that." She was still beaming. She was certainly enjoying the night.
She was yet to wear her mask again.
"Our hostess has said it all. It's time for us to mingle and have fun. Have a pleasant evening everyone." And he was out of the podium and already discussing with some group of well dressed people.
"Care to join the host to greet his guests?" He offered his arm.
She nodded. "With the famous David Alesso? It would my honor."
He was letting out a boisterous laugh. "Interesting lady, that you are."
She just smiled and took his arm. Together, they wove through the guests and greeted. Many admired Paula for her speech and fashion. She even made deals with some CEOs of famous and expensive clothing line to model their clothes. She agreed.
The night was going well and Paula was on her third flute, making small talks here and there.
"Hey, my old boy Len." David enthusiastically shook the hands of his friend. He had copied Paula's style and removed his mask.
There was always going to be another masked ball. He would wear it to the end as he had been doing all these years. But this year, things were different with Paula here.
"Hello David." Len was trying his best not to spare Paula a glance.
But for Paula, it was quite easy for her. She had taken her fill of him from afar. Now they were close, she was not interested in gazing at him or at the girl she knew was her stepsister who was also gazing at her.
They were still together. Great! Then she was right when she'd said they were married. Good for them.
"Meet my beautiful Paula. She's a work of art, right Len? And bella, meet my friend, Len Bertram and his plus one…" David looked expectantly at Len for a reply.
This moment wanted to make Paula erupt into laughter. If only David knew she was aware who that person was, he woo not be bothering himself so such extent.
But she did not laugh. She merely gazed at Len and waited for him to provide the name.
"Melissa." He finally said. His eyes were on her too. Even behind that mask, she could see it.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bertram ." Paula's tone was cordial yet there was this briskness to it. "And you, Miss." She shook hands with Melissa who had almost not accepted her handshake.
She smiled inwardly. Melissa would never change. She was still the snake she was. Thankfully, it was no longer her problem to deal with. In her view, they suited each other.
"How's business going?" David began a small talk with Len.
Paula allowed her gaze roam the room, enjoying the sight before her. Then she saw him and she beamed. "Isak!"
He frowned a bit at her. He seemed a bit confused by her mask. He removed his as though that would allow him see who was greeting him properly. His beam matched hers. "Ma'am."
Melissa stood like a pathetic loner and she hated it. She glared as Len forgot about her and indulged fully in business discussion with David. While Isak and Paula both looked like they had seen a treasure in each other.
Bitterness and envy clogged her chest. The night was not going as she'd wished for it to go. No one was taking note of her and Len. Once again, Paula was ruining things for her. She had come into the picture and she was all they were talking about.
Her dress, her speech, how beautiful she looked. Everything was just not working out for her tonight. Even the apology she had intended to get from Ken using his mother had gone South the moment Anna had seen her friends.
Anna had been watching Paula ever since she had stepped into the stage. The transformation had been staggering and she looked better off but in Anna Bertram's opinion, a slut would always remain a slut. It did not matter how much she had changed.
She wondered what Paula was trying to prove. That she was suddenly this good girl with the perfect life? She would bet an arm that the girl stayed on top sleeping with top dogs. Now it was David Alesso. She had no idea how she had been able to manage that feat given David Alesso's private life but she would make sure she went nowhere near her son.
Melissa was a better choice for her Len than Paula. And as long as she lived, it would remain so.
"It's been a while, Isak." She hugged him.
Isak noticed his boss's eyes were on them but he could not push Paula away. So he hugged back but not to tight. That did not mean he was not happy to see her. "It's been more than a while, ma'am. It's been years. You disappeared without a trace."
"I'm sorry. I should have told you at least. You were nice to me." And he had truly been nice to her. Almost taking up Len's responsibility when she was still married to him.
"I'd like us to do business, David." Len uttered out of the blue. He had no idea what he was doing but he was beginning to put two and two together, and it was making him act on impulse.
"What kind of business?" David asked, surprised.
Paula was listening in, though she was not looking their direction. She was still exchanging pleasantries with Isak.
"For your new movie." He answered.
Paula was surprised but did not say anything.
"When did you begin to invest in movies?" David laughed, he too was a bit surprised.
"Yes, Len. When do you?" Melissa bitterly added, she did not bother to hide it but no one, not even Len whom she had directed the question to replied her.
"I know but I'm having a good feeling about this particular one. Moreover, I want to spread my business wings, test other waters in the business world even when it's not my usual kind." He merely shrugged. But he knew within that everything he'd just given as his reasons were nonsensical. Those were not the reasons at all.