**Chapter 10: Practical Experience**
Ellie nodded, already loading the candidates list on her computer. "Certainly, Mr. Hunter. I will start contacting—"
"No," he said, interrupting. "I have settled on someone already."
Ellie appeared surprised, peering over her computer. "Oh, and who would you like me to reach out to?"
"I have made a decision," He said, his facial expression devoid of emotions. "You."
Ellie blinked, thinking she had misheard things. "Me?"
"Me, yes" he said without any form of emotions. "You shall come with me to the charity dinner."
Ellie's mind struggled to comprehend what Mr. Hunter was saying. "Mr. Hunter, with all due respect, I am not sure I'm the best suited for this. I am not exactly... I suppose I lack the suitability to such an important event."
"Exactly, that is the reason for my choice," he said, capturing the gaze of Ellie with his. "I need someone who will not attract any focus or create a scene. You will."
Ellie found his attitude irritating yet within reason and tried to sound professional. "I understand, Mr. Hunter. I will ensure all arrangements are made."
"Good. Make sure you are ready," He nodded curtly.
"It is important that you represent the company well."
"Of course," Ellie said, offering a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
As she exited the office, she felt like her entire body was processing a whirlwind.
She was set to go to one of glamour's holy grails: A charity gala for fashion heads alongside Lucas Hunter.
Wildly exhilarating and equally petrifying.
She spent the entire day prior to the gala preparing for the event and researching it to the best of her ability. There was one thing that she was completely sure of, there was no way she would come under the spotlight and make any blunders.
The moment she stepped out of work, she found herself browsing through her favourite boutique in hopes of finding the perfect outfit.
While the store was enveloped in brands and designer gowns and other attire, Ellie quickly noted that she was not an ideal case for their lookbook.
Right when she was prepared to throw in the towel, she came across a simple, yet exquisite black dress on the sale rack.
The gown had a beautiful, classic design featuring a slowly ballooning skirt attached to a slim waist underneath a supportive bodice.
Ellie tried it on and was met with the exciting surprise of the dress fitting her perfectly.
It was nothing short of, well, perfection.
With excitement on her side, Ellie made her way back home after purchasing the dress, and just like that any nerves she had felt had been whisked away.
That morning, she endowed herself with all the knowledge she could gather about guests attending the event along with spending an abundance of time perfecting how she would carry herself.
Pleasantly stepped out of her comfort zone to polish off his presentation, which meant working on it throughout the night.
As soon as Monday morning opened up, Ellie was the first to arrive at the office, her mind working nonstop on everything that she had to complete before the charity dinner.
However, as the office watched the lift doors swing open, Clara was there to greet them and she appeared to be slightly more frazzled than normal.
"Miss White," Clara mentioned, now sounding rather brisk, "Mr. Hunter needs to speak to you, right now."
Clara's words made Ellie's heart skip a beat, therefore she proceeded to Lucas's office.
With his temper flaring, Lucas was walking back and forth when she walked into the room.
"Miss White," he said with a cutting voice, "The plans have changed."
Ellie's stomach sank, "What is the situation?"
"You will have to accompany me instead," he stated and stood there silently for a moment. "I have been told that my original cry-in-a-corner date has cancelled."
A few blinks later, Ellie remained clueless on how to correctly react, saying, "I... Sure, Mr. Hunter. I can manage."
He studied her for a moment and then nodded. "Make sure that you are ready, because the event is tomorrow night."
Ellie nodded, half deafened by how intense this new twist was to her life. She knew she had less than 24 hours to prepare for one of the most prominent events of her life.
From confirming their RSVP to arranging transportation, she spent the rest of the day in a flustered scramble trying to get everything in order and make sure that she was fully prepared for the following day.
That evening, once she left the office, she returned home immediately to prepare for the event.
Getting ready required so much time on hair and makeup, and the rush of confidence she received while slipping into the black dress was unparalleled.
She felt confident that she could get this done.
She knew that she had to.
The following evening, Ellie arrived at the venue early, her heart thumping as she stepped out of the car into the venue.
In the lobby of one of the finest hotels in New York, the charity dinner was taking place, and guests with flashing cameras were adorned in spectacular clothing.
Her breath was heavy, but with hope that she would find Lucas in the room, she started walking inside.
Her eyes caught sight of him just near the door, where he was impossible to miss and had an extremely tall build.
His expression was as cold as it was unreadable, but the black tuxedo he wore was perfectly tailored to his stature.
A flash of something unrecognisable passed his eyes the moment he set his sights on her, but it faded far too quickly to place what it was.
"Miss White," were the words he greeted her with. The tone was unaffected and cold, "You're here."
The smile she forcibly showcased was different from the coldness of her eyes. "Thank you for the invite, Mr. Hunter."
He offered no retort but instead lent her his arm.
She took it, not without pause, and her heartbeat quickened as they walked into the ballroom.
From the ornate floral decor to the glistening chandeliers and impeccably dressed attendees, the room radiated extravagance.
Ellie felt she was on entirely unfamiliar terrain, but nonetheless, remained composed.
While making their way around the room, she was introduced to various guests and Lucas's tone, though polite, remained aloof.
As much as Ellie tried to stay in the loop, she did have the feeling there was something clouding their judgement.
Dinner offered Ellie a chance to relax, and as they sat to eat, she appreciated having a moment of rest.
But she wouldn't have that peace for long.
Ellie began to sense that she was losing track of the discussion as the night progressed.
She spotted Lucas's ever colder stare trained on her each time she misjudged her actions, whether it was spilling wine on herself or grabbing the wrong utensil.
Against all odds, she was determined not to be defeated and intimidated by her anxiety.
Having to represent the business, she had no choice but to bring her A game.
As the dinner ended, Ellie felt thankful she managed to grasp the thoroughly chastening experience unscathed.
Perhaps, she pondered, the charity dinner was behind her without missing any deep blunders.
Lucas, however, left Ellie with his unreadable expression as she swiftly moved nearer to the door.
"Miss White," he said flatly, "You did... adequately tonight."
Ellie blinked, completely uncertain of how to respond. "Thank you, Mr. Hunter."
He nodded curtly then walked off, leaving Ellie to stare after him in stunned silence.
That was by far the most generous statement he had made all evening.
And that was more than enough at this moment.
As Ellie stepped into the car to head home, she couldn't help but smile.
She survived the charity dinner.
Now, she was prepared to face all challenges that lay ahead.