Why did this feel so scary? Teddy couldn't explain how he knew; still being shoved forward he couldn't yet see Elena but somehow felt it was the blonde woman from his dream. Full-on PTSD attack.
Then, for some reason, Anastasia and Christian were shaking almost as fervently. Did they know this Elena? If so, how? Before anything could be answered, Taylor drew in a rattling breath, laughing:
"Pardon me, Mrs. Grey. It isn't Ms. Lincoln, though she's due any minute now. May I introduce Elena Rae Jr."
Jr? Gracing their presence was one of the most gorgeous angels Teddy had ever set his eyes on. No. Angel sounded too tame for her- more like goddess or Aphrodite. Somewhere in her early twenties, the young woman filled the blood-red dress to excess... Lord. The neverending curves. Then dark lipstick and midnight hair to match... Theodore couldn't find it in him to utter one word.
Christian, however, was entirely different.
"What the hell is this?"
The beautiful angel opened those full lips to speak:
"You must be Christian Grey. My mother would like to make amends after the misunderstanding."
Theodore barely caught onto the meaning of these words before a dasterdly figure appeared eerily; The very blonde from his dream- or rather nightmare- came into existence. She wasn't as young as expected though some form of youth emanated through years of cosmetic surgery.
Dressed to the nines in hip-hugging latex, she grinned. Christian glowered:
"Elena Lincoln."
"Oh, come now, C. Aren't we past all these kind pleasantries?"
"Not after everything you put us through. What the fuck do you want?"
When it became clear no one found her jokes hilarious, Lincoln nodded.
"Merely wish to apologize. For real. And ask for help regarding... Blackmail."
Blackmail. Teddy finally fell out of his reverie coming to terms with reality; His father knew this lady to an extent. And because she'd never been mentioned he wondered why the elderly woman played an integral part in certain nightmares...
"Shall we sit?"
Shockingly, though the high-handed business owner was pissed, he agreed. Now entirely facing said ballroom, it became clear the Grey's came to impress. Surrounded by intricately decorated tables laden with pink tones were throngs of entertainers, vendors, and an impressive stage. Then the famed raffle bowl.
Once everyone was situated at a table closest to the stage housing unfamiliar bands, Teddy realized the black-haired angel was set directly across from him. Leg to leg. Oh boy... What now...
"I hear you're quite the philanthropist."
Turning awkwardly, he grinned. God. How more beautiful she appeared up close, with barely any makeup or procedures. And what was with her deep, misty voice?
"Y-yes... I..."
Grey trailed off, not knowing how to respond. This felt surreal; on a daily basis it was no big deal talking to other females. Why now?
"Whom is this blackmail regarding?"
Theodore ripped himself out of the trance again, focusing, as did everyone else. Obviously it had to be something illegal, right? Christian grabbed his wife's trembling hand, leaning closer.
Elena Lincoln Sr. said simply:
"Jack Hyde. He wants to use leverage against me for... Um... Initiating intercourse during conjugal visits... It's the very reason my daughter, Elena Jr. exists."