"Brownie points?"
He smiled a wry smile at her curious question and explained. "They are like imaginary points for doing something good and commendable. So, meaning I didn't intervene for glorification or to get rewarded, I intervened because it was the right thing to do".
....
They approached the stairs and began descending down, the sound of classical music, clicking of champagne glasses and conversations could be heard as they approached the hall.
"With everything happening, I don't even know your name", Aiden said in a quiet laugh.
Red had completely forgotten that too. She thought about saying Red but no, everyone In the underworld knew her with Red. She had to keep this whole thing as discreet as possible. So, her underground name was out of the options, plus it wasn't actually a real name.
She thought of making up another name, but it might implicate her further and complicate the situation. If he discovered she was lying, it could have serious consequences. Additionally, she might need to provide proof of her real name for the contract signing, which would reveal her deception.
The very few people that knew her by her real name were either long dead or she was dead to them, completely erased from their memories, many years ago.
"Isabelle", she whispered quietly, as if scared to hear her own name again. "My name is Isabelle Aisling".
He placed his free hand on hers, rubbing her hand softly, he titled his head, slightly to hers and spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
"You can call me Aiden, Isabelle".
And with that they made their way through the hall.
The chattering lowly begins to die down, quiet whispers could be heard as they walked through the hall,her hand in his arm. Red could feel the eyes burning on her skin, boring into her soul,studying her as they wondered.
"who is she".
Aiden guided her through the wondering and curious guests. Bowing his head and offering brief greetings to his guests as they passed. Some, taken aback by the sight to even give a reasonable respond back.
He stopped at a table, of a group of four, standing and chatting.
"Apologies, It seems I've arrived late to my own event. I'm afraid I was monetarily distracted by a certain pressing matter", he said, giving her hand a quick, gentle squeeze. On queue, Red plastered a broad smile that made her face ache.
I hope it doesn't look fake,or scary
She thought to herself, trying to look as normal and collected as she possibly can.
"I can see that", a short man who appeared to be in his 60s, wearing a white tuxedo answered, giving a small amused smile at the both of them.
"Well, I'll be", whistled another man at the table, Also suprised as he stared at the couple standing in front of them. But, like everyone else, his main focus was on the mysterious woman, who was clutching Aiden's arm dearly, attempting to smile as sweetly as she could, although she was as nervous as could be.
"Aiden", a matured pretty woman smiled sweetly at him.
"Aunty", he kissed her on her cheeks, "you look as breathtaking as always".
Oh God...his Aunty???
Red thought to herself.
"Aren't you going to introduce us to your...friend?", She smiled warmly at Red.
"Ah yes, forgive me,where are my manners. Isabelle, allow me to introduce you to my associates", Aiden spoke softly to Red.
"This", he gestured to the old short man in a white tux, "is Dr Greg Rayman,a dear friend of my family and i, and brilliant neurologist".
The man beamed proudly, trying to appear a little taller than he actually was, taking Red's hand and placing a kiss on it. She could see the top of his head, and she knew for a fact the hair on his head was not his,but a toupee, looking slightly out of place. She was tempted to reach out and push it back in place, just to amuse herself.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance"
The man greeted.
"Likewise", she offered a small smile.
"This, is Mr Phill Billman,the brilliant mind behind the viral OC3 computer chips and the CEO of Nexarion Technologies". The man who appeared to be in his late 40s nodded, raising his glass to her.
"This is Sue Reshman, Co-founder of Ray's cosmetics, my business partner and... my beloved, forever-young, dear aunt", he beamed at her.
"Oh, you", She slapped his arm playfully. They appeared close.
"I'm not that young I'm afraid. Pay no mind to him dear, this one likes to tease me", she laughed, walking towards Red to give her air kisses on both sides of her cheeks.
"It's a delight to meet you dear, Oh you're stunning!", She beamed at Red.
"Thank you", Red smiled genuinely and nervously at her, as she reciprocated, kissing the air at her cheeks too.
She felt refined and posh!
"And this, is Elena Lévêque".
Aiden made the last introduction, gesturing to a stunning young woman. Beautiful and sophisticated. She did not smile at all, she had a cold demeanor around her that immediately made it clear to Red that this woman did not like her.