Chapter 11

It was finally the night of the most awaited annual Ford charity event. Unfortunately, Cedric has been feeling under the weather since this morning after waking up from a killer headache. Ever since his gran was hospitalized, his workload is packed more than ever and he has been traveling back and forth to the Ford main headquarters to several branches to handle management matters personally without a day's rest. Cedric may love working but he also knows how to appreciate rest days once in a while.

And right now, spending some time alone in his penthouse with a cup of coffee and a book sounded good. He thought as he casually fixed his tux while looking at his reflection on the glass window of the library.

A part of him is relieved that Lucas is handling the problem regarding his grandmother's will. Of course, he trusted his cousin. Lucas is clever, smart, and an overall good kid. He's a Ford after all but he can't help but worry about him. Sometimes, there's a look on his face that spells trouble. He just hopes that things will turn out fine. Lucas is the only other person who knows about their grandmother's will which makes him the only person he can trust and rely on right now.

The butler, Fred, appeared in the library doorway after knocking on the open door. "Sir? your secretary is here."

Sudden spots flashed Cedric's vision that he had to hold on to a nearby wall to keep himself from getting out of balance.

"Are you alright, sir? You look pale and unwell." the butler was immediately on his side, supporting him. Cedric's suit jacket was on his other hand, while the other was on his back.

"I'm fine. Thanks, Fred." Cedric accepted the butler's assistance who was holding out his suit jacket open for him as he smoothly slides his arms inside it.

"Shall I call for the doctor, sir?"

Cedric shook his head slightly, "No...no. Just get me some medicine for my headache."

"Understood. I will let your secretary in shortly."

After downing a tablet of medicine for his raging headache, George, his secretary, came into his office wearing a red suit and a full-face skull mask.

If Fred didn't tell him of his secretary's arrival, Cedric would have mistaken him for some lunatic who got past the mansion's security.

"What in the world are you wearing?"

George was putting a paper bag on top of Cedric's desk when his hand froze midway. "S-sir?"

"Do you have another event to attend that I don't know of?"

"N-no, sir." George immediately answered his boss, "I'll only be at the Ford charity event."

Cedric was now looking at him as if he's been spouting nonsense which made George even more confused.

"What's the mask for then?"

"It's for the charity event, sir. It's a masquerade-themed party that you approved of yourself a few days ago."

A looming headache threatened Cedric once again as if he hadn't taken medicine to ease the previous one. He let his body collapse on the leather sofa before running a hand over his face.

He swore he looked over everything before signing it for approval. Damn it. How did he miss this?

It was no use thinking about this anymore though. It's not like the event theme can be changed when everything's already set for tonight. Besides that his grandmother invited a lot of important persons, the event will also be filled with people from the media to broadcast and document everything. There should be no more room for any more mistakes.

The night's not even started yet but Cedric already let out another exhausted sigh. Truthfully, this has never happened before because Cedric rarely made mistakes when it comes to working. He really must be sick then. he thought.

"What's that?" he asked pointing at the paper bag as soon as he recovered.

George dashed to the paper bag and quickly brought it to his boss. "Mr. Hill sent this for you, sir."

Cedric took out a white box from the bag where he found a white-silver Venetian eye mask and a card.

The other pair is with your 'Wife'. See picture at the back. As you read this, I'm currently on a plane to Korea so don't call me.

P.S. feed Leo for me.

Love, Lucas

Cedric turned the card and a picture of a pair of masks was there. One that looked exactly like the one inside the box, and the other one with the same color. It's almost as if it's designed specifically to be worn by couples. No scratch that, it is a mask for couples.

Cedric crumpled the card in his hand before throwing it across the room. He exhaled a heavy breath before turning to face his secretary, "Call Lucas right now-" he paused, "-and change that mask into something more child-friendly." he added while pointing at the skull mask his secretary is wearing.

In a panic, George instantly took out his phone and dialed Lucas Hill's number. From the tone of his boss's voice, this is no doubt a matter of life and death. he thought when he redialed the number once again when his call went to voicemail for the first time.

***

Limousines and expensive cars queued up on the long and wide driveway. The women wore lavish dresses and glittering jewelry while the men are in tuxedos and expensive-looking clothes. Their eyes are covered with a variety of colorful and plain masks as they walk up the red carpet leading to the entrance of the building. Some stay to pose for the dozens of cameras flashing even almost blinding Veronica who was far enough from the scene as April's car drives to the back of the building where the staff entrance is.

Tess was sitting in the back seat while clenching the phone in her hands. As if noticing the tension at the back, April looked at her from the rear-view mirror, "Relax, Tess. I've never seen you this tense before."

It was only after a few seconds before Tess responded to her boss. "huh?" her eyes looked wide with worry. "I-I'm just nervous," she said before letting out an awkward laugh.

April narrowed her eyes at her employee, "Calm down. You can't mess this up." Before turning her eyes back on the road as the car reach security personnel who then checked their staff IDs.

_to be continued_