**Chapter 5: The Invitation to the Charity Dinner**
Ellie nodded, already looking for candidates on her computer. 'Certainly Mr. Hunter, I will start contacting…'
'No,' he said before she could finish. 'I have already made up my mind.'
Ellie looked up confused. 'Oh. Who should I be contacting?'
He stared at her for a second, his expression unreadable. 'You.'
Ellie blinked thinking she had not heard right. 'Me?'
'Yes,' he replied factually. 'You will come with me to the charity dinner.'
Ellie was trying to process what he said, 'Mr Hunter, I do not think I'm the ideal candidate for this role. I am not very… familiar with such events.'
'That's exactly why I chose you,' he said while locking his eyes with her. 'I need someone who will not gain attention or create a scene. You will work.'
Ellie felt a flicker of annoyance for his sleeplessness but forced herself to stay form. 'I appreciate your honesty Mr. Hunter. I will ensure the arrangements are made.'
He nodded curtly. 'Good. Make certain you are ready. I expect you to represent the company well."
"Sure," Ellie responded while giving an unconvincing smile.
As she exited his office, she still felt jolted.
She was set to accompany Lucas Hunter to what is arguably the biggest event in the fashion world.
That notion was just as exciting as it was terrifying.
The entire day for Ellie was spent conducting her research and readying herself for the event. She understood all too well that her every move would be observed and that she could not afford any blunders.
When Ellie finally left the office that evening, she went directly to her favourite boutique in search of a suitable dress for the event.
She had walked into a store filled with designer labels as well as sophisticated looking gowns, only to remember that the majority was not within her budget.
Just as Ellie was about to give up all hope, she spotted a simple yet stunning black dress on the sale rack.
The black dress fit Ellie's body perfectly due to its subtly tight bodice and loose skirt.
It was perfect.
The little nerves that Ellie had felt transformed into excitement as she headed home having bought the dress.
Just like the day of the dinner, Ellie spent hours practicing her etiquette and learning about the guests that would be present at the dinner.
Although she understood she would be relatively uncomfortable, Ellie was determined to make a positive impact somewhere.
She went to the office early on Monday morning to ensure she completed all her tasks before the charity dinner. However, whenever Ellie got to the office, she had just exhibited somewhat unsurprising behaviour and was rather bewildered.
On her way to the lift, Ellie was able to find Clara, who, to her surprise, looked rather out of sorts.
"Miss White," Clara said, but this time she sounded slightly alarming. "You need to speak with Mr. Hunter right now."
Ellie was taken aback for a moment, but she tried to catch up with Clara so that she did not lose her.
As Lucas's office came into her view, she could see him walking around the room with his face looking mildly annoyed.
"Miss White," he offered deviously. "The agenda has changed."
Ellie, who had been so deep in her thoughts, had completely zoned out for the entire conversation. "What now?"
"It came to my attention that my first partner for the charity dinner has decided not to attend at the last minute," he said, with a noticeable decline in warmth, "so you will replace them."
Ellie blinked, unsure of how to respond. "I… Yes, Mr. Hunter. I'll certainly try."
After hearing her, he kept quiet for a while and observed her body language so she assumed he was contemplating something. "The theme is for tomorrow night and is simple, ensure that you show up ready."
Ellie, having come to the conclusion that there was less than a day for the dinner and for that task to be completed, did not care to put a mask on.
Following that, she fretted around trying to sort out all the different details and made sure there were no problems with the RSVPs accompanied by the specifics of transportation.
When she finally left the office that day, she went straight home to get ready for the event. She spent hours working on her hair and makeup, and when she finally put on the black dress, she felt a boost of confidence. She could do this. She had to. The next day, Ellie arrived at the venue ahead of time, her heart racing when she got out of the car. The charity dinner was at one of the most posh hotels in New York, and the lobby was packed with well-dressed guests and buzzing cameras. Ellie exhaled deeply and stepped inside, scanning the room for Lucas. Her eyes landed on the figure standing near the entrance. It was hard to miss his tall imposing frame. He was wearing a perfectly fitted black tuxedo, and his expression, as always, was blank. When he saw her, his eyes darkened with something she couldn't quite place, only to return to normal a moment later. "Miss White," he said, his tone neutral, "You're here." "Yes Mr. Hunter, thank you for inviting me," Ellie said through gritted teeth while forcing a smile. He said nothing but extended his arm towards her. Ellie was hesitant at first, but then she grabbed onto his arm and allowed him to lead her into the ballroom.
Dazzling crystal chandeliers illuminated the breathtaking room where guests draped in elegant attire waltzed amidst towering displays of floral decorations, stopping to chat with each other.
Obtaining complete self-control was not simple for Ellie, but she ensured she did not lose her cool, even when feeling out of sorts.
As they walked through the room, Lucas spoke to her guest with a polite yet aloof demeanour.
Feeling judged from all angles was unshakeable for Ellie, and so she tried her utmost to keep pace.
Ellie wanted nothing more than to catch her breath when she finally sat down during dinner, which was much needed.
Unfortunately, her short-lived period of relief was not in sight.
Ellie found herself in dire straits when the topics of conversation kept changing as the evening drew to a close.
The way she used her utensils, spilled wine over herself, and many other blunders did not make her anxious, but it was Lucas' stare that bothered her the most.
Rather than holding her apprehension in, Ellie snapped herself out of it and decided she was bold enough to be confident.
With her goal set on representing the company, she was determined to give it her best.
Even after dinner, when Ellie's body was exhausted, her mind was relieved.
Surviving the charity dinner without the possibility of causing a catastrophe for herself was an added bonus.
As they strolled out from the venue, Lucas' gaze shifted towards her, with a blank expression that was hard to grasp.
"Miss White," he spoke. His tone gave nothing away. "You did… adequately tonight."
Ellie blinked. She did not know how to respond to that. "Thank you, Mr. Hunter."
He gave a quick nod, which was followed by him walking away, leaving Ellie staring at him with her mouth agape.
It was not really a compliment, but 'you did well today' was better than the rest of the statements he had made throughout the evening.
But for now, that was all she wanted.
As she got into the car for her ride home, Ellie felt a small smile touch her lips.
She had made it through the charity dinner.
Now, she was all set for the next set of challenges.现在,她已准备好迎接下一组挑战.