A/N: Hopefully, everyone is still with me. Chapter 30 anyone?

It appeared that I owed Angela Weber a small debt of gratitude. My heels were sky high, but I felt like I'd been walking on a cloud, and as I made my way back to the table where Edward was waiting, I felt the cooling of what could only be gel insoles. Bless that woman. Now that tacky, wannabe Barbie was gone, Edward looked more at ease. He appeared to be in his element, ever the young, successful CEO. I hadn't heard any of Edward's conversation with the man in front of him, and tried my best to slip into my seat silently.

"King, this is that young engineering student I was telling you about. Bella, darling, this is Royce King."

Darling. That was new. There was something in Edward's eyes. he wasn't smiling, and while it happened so quickly, I registered a wink.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. King."

"Nonsense. Call me, Royce, Isabella. The pleasure is all mine."

Something about my full name falling from his lips felt unnatural. I didn't enjoy this in the same way I enjoyed it when Edward spoke it.

"Bella is fine."

"Isabella, I was just explaining Cullen Engineering's latest passion project."

Ah. There it was. While Edward knew that I was more than just arm candy, Royce King certainly didn't. Sure. I was here to look pretty, but this was a fundraiser, and I was there to help rake in the big bucks. His use of my full name, on purpose, after I had corrected King? Full power play.

"Oh yes! I believe Mr. Cullen mentioned something about water filtration?"

I watched the two men almost stare each other down I didn't know anything about Royce King, but I could tell that he was a big fish.

"Mr. King, I don't particularly care for the crowd here. There's a spot down by the bar that might be perfect for you and I to get to know one another more... closely. Will you join me?"

Grabbing my clutch, I began to walk away. He'd follow me. I was sure of it. From what I had seen, he seemed like the type. He'd pegged me as young and vulnerable and stupid and vapid, and good on Edward Cullen for knowing that. As I made my way to the bar, I wanted nothing more than a lemon drop. Rose and Alice had made sure to rave about them, and after that night at Headquarters, I was never going to drink a 'Blue Kids on the Block' ever again. I considered the man trailing behind me towards the bar. He wanted to be taken seriously, while making sure that he viewed me solely as a conquest or a play thing. What to order? What to order?

"Two Manhatten's please."

Ok. He was the ordering type. I hated it, but this is why I was here. Edward wanted me to essentially close his donation, so to an extent, I had to play by his rules.

"Nice choice. Can I have extra cherries in mine?"

I batted my lashes and moved an inch or so closer to him.

"Sure ya can. Let's make sure that drink is just as sweet as you."

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and lock eyes with the bartender. I can tell that she feels for me. As she hands me my drink, I watch as she puts a lemon drop right next to my arm and nods toward the watchful eyes of Edward and Rose. I wink. Maybe I feel alone, but thankfully, I now know I'm not. Royce King is a lightweight and before he's realized it, he's had his Manhatten and mine, and switched to straight whisky. A few well placed words, some coquettish smiles, and he's beckoning for his assistant Amanda.

"Mandy darlin', get the checkbook. Ms. Swan, will ten thousand do?"

I pause. How to answer this? I'm not sure how much Edward is expecting, but I certainly don't want King to balk at a demand for additional funds.

"Mr. King, how much does clean water for a third world country mean to you?"

I watch as he chuckles and grabs a pen. Once the check is safely inside of my clutch, I pick up my lemon drop and take a sip. Rose was right. Absolutely delicious. After downing my drink, I decide that I've listened to Royce King babble enough. I kiss his cheek.

"Mr. King, it's been an absolute pleasure, but I do think they're serving an amuse bouche right now. I do hope you have the most wonderful evening."

With that, I'm headed back to Edward and Rose. I'm confident that I've managed to get him to write a check for at least $25,000, so I'm taken aback when I hand the check to Edward and he practically chokes on his champagne.

"Isabella?"

I freeze then.

"How much did you think I needed?"

"Was $25,000 not enough? He originally said ten, but I honestly wasn't sure of the scope of the project."

"Isabella, this check is for a half a million dollars."

Rose is red in the face, and laughing hysterically.

"Must have been some whiskey then."

I shrug my shoulders.

"Any chance we're eating any time soon? I hate to complain, but I'm starving, and I think that the alcohol is starting to go to my head."

Edward is smiling now.

"I had no idea you'd be this much a hit with the donors. I'd lay the world at your feet if you continued to bring in checks like this. Probably even without it."

My head is a little fuzzy, so I don't put much stock into what he says as he helps me to the table that contains my seat.

"They'll serve four courses. If you don't like it, don't worry. I'll drive us anywhere you want to go after. I've flagged down a server, and he'll be serving you sparkling water for the meal. I've heard your concern about things starting to go to your head. I won't jeopardize your health for a few measly dollars."

This makes me giggle. As if half a million dollars is chump change.

"Rose and Alice can wrap up donations. Really. You've significantly set us ahead of our goal. I appreciate your contribution. It certainly doesn't go unnoticed."

He smiles at me then, and grabs my hand, squeezing it. He's beautiful this way.

"Well thank you. You're pretty beautiful yourself."

I feel my cheeks heat then. I can't believe I said that out loud.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

He sits next to me then, leaning in close to me. I take care to think about how good he smells in my head only.

"My mother chose the menu, and one thing about Esme Cullen is that she has excellent taste in all things. I believe we'll have a soup and salad, an entree and dessert. Something chocolate if I know her as well as I think I do."

As if on cue, the room suddenly quiets, and people begin to make their way towards tables. I'm thankfully sitting next to Edward one side of me and Rose on the other. Jasper and Alice join our table next, and our eight top appears to be missing two people. I turn to Edward and try to speak as quietly as I can.

"Edward, who's missing?"

"My parents will sit with us. I know that you haven't met them officially aside from that nasty business with Mallory earlier, but you needn't be worried. They'll be absolutely enthralled."

I nod. The alcohol has made me relaxed, but I really am starving. Esme comes to sit at our table, kissing everyone on the cheek on the way to her seat. I'm surprised when she kisses mine as well and when she's seated, she subtly catches my eye and winks. Suddenly there's slight feedback on a microphone, and a man that looks quite distinguished speaks.

"On behalf of myself and my wife Esme, I'm happy to welcome you the annual Cullen Foundation Fundraiser. We hope you've had enough time to register for our silent auction and visit some of the foundation's success stories. We'll get back to dancing as soon as possible, but in the meantime, please. enjoy your dinner and loosen those pants and purse strings."

With a bow, a wink, and a smile, the man exits the stage and begins to head our way. He was at the table and kissing Esme before I realized that this man was Mr. Carlisle Cullen. Like his wife, he rounds the table and gives everyone a kiss on the cheek, pausing when he comes to Edward and I.

"Edward, why don't you introduce your old man to your latest trinket."

The alcohol had made me brave. Before Edward could speak, I interrupted.

"My name is Bella. Bella Swan. And for your information, I'm not a trinket, but a human being."

A dead silence followed, and I knew that this was it. They were going to ask me to leave.

Before I knew it, Carlisle was smiling.

"My wife was right about you. A firecracker. Surely a good match for our Edward."

I sighed and relaxed. There was something about the Cullen family that felt... reassuring. With a polite kiss to my cheek and a hug and handshake for Edward and Emmett, Carlisle was sitting again, and before anyone could begin small talk, serving staff had appeared with a bright green colored soup. I tentatively brought the bowl a bit closer to me. I was wearing a gown that cost thousands of dollars. There was no way I was going to spill whatever this was on my clothing.

"Cucumber Gazpacho, Isabella."

I smiled in a way that I hoped was sweet. I had no clue what the hell a gazpacho was, but I knew I didn't want to wear it. Edward came in close, speaking to me quietly.

"It's just a cold preparation. I saw you eat scallops and goat the other day."

I smiled at that.

"I'm not afraid of the way it'll taste, but I am afraid of the way it'll look."

He smiled a genuine then.

"Slow sips, and I 'd recommend not filling your spoon all the way. But I've seen your table manners. I don't think any of us are worried."

This was probably the quietest we'd ever spoken to each other, but neither of us were angry. In fact, Edward seemed to be having a good time.

"What on earth are you two whispering about?"

Simultaneously, Edward and I attempted to answer Carlisle without having rehearsed our answer. I said, "Nothing".

Edward?

"I was just telling Isabella about the time Emmett went streaking through the pool house."

This was shaping up to be a very interesting evening.

A/N: Before I forget, or it passes me by, someone nominated Engineering Love for the 2021 TwiFic Fandom Awards, in the category of "Favorite Drop Everything Fic". If I understand correctly, Round one is already over (sorry guys), but I am seriously honored to have even ben considered. I hope that I can continue to write a story that everyone enjoys. Again, thank you for the nomination, and I hope to post more regularly in the future!