El, the girl suddenly heard a familiar voice. A tall, red-haired girl in a blue dress was walking straight towards her.
Sophie! Lincoln jumped up and hugged her.
Sophie Taylor, the daughter of Jason Taylor and Gail Jones, was Lincoln s best friend. The girls became friends in childhood and had been inseparable ever since. Sophie was 5 years younger than Elena and was just finishing her studies to become a programmer. A quiet and modest girl, she always supported Elena in word and deed.
Sophie, when did you arrive? Elena could not take her eyes off her friend.
It s been about 20 minutes, and I m immediately looking for you. At first I thought you were going to miss the ball, but when I saw you in the garden, I felt such a lift and joy, Sophie laughed. Is your father here?
Where else would he be? Taylor s faithful guard dog, Elena spoke tenderly.
As a teenager, Lincoln was quite the rebel. After quarrels with the Grays, she would pack her things and move in with the Taylors for an indefinite period. What s most surprising is that Jason and Gale didn t give her away and were patient with her unplanned visits.
Hi, El. I m going to see him, I ll see you at the party, Miss Taylor waved to Lincoln and went into the house.
There, going down to the basement, she entered the TV observation room, with a bunch of screens and computers. Taylor reigned here a reliable guard and loyal protector of the Gray family. He knew every corner of the house, every path and tree in the garden.
- Hi, Dad, - Sophie hugged her father from behind.
- Oh, fox, you're here, - Jason hugged his daughter. - How are you?
- Tired. The flight from Madrid was tiring, then the hassle with the luggage. But now I'm here and I'm glad about it, - Sophie kissed her father.
- And I'm glad. Mom was wondering if you'd come or go straight to your "friends," - Jason's face darkened.
- Dad, don't start. They saved Mom's life. I'm grateful to them for that, and I think you are too, - Sophie's face darkened. - Will you let me use the computer? I'll install updates for you and download new episodes of "Gotham"
- Sit down, of course, Soph, - Taylor let his daughter into his observation post and went out for coffee.
Left alone, Sophie opened the guest list for the ball and added a few names to it...
Elena's POV
Champagne, manicure, sweet chatter from Franco, who is busy with my hair. I completely relax and smile at my mother, who is sitting in the chair opposite. Greta, Gretchen's sister, is working on her image. They are both irreplaceable assistants in our family. Gretchen is a maid, and Greta is a personal stylist. And we value them as we value everyone who works for us.
After I am completely ready for the ball, I go down to the garden, holding the hem of my pink satin dress. When I enter, everyone freezes and looks at me. I straighten my shoulders and proudly look at the guests. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Isaac and Phoebe standing at the buffet table and laughing. I nod to them and go to my parents. Christian and Ana are standing near our table and warmly greet the guests. I stand next to my father and do the same.
An hour later, I am standing at the buffet table, drinking champagne. Soft music is playing, and I can hear the laughter and conversations of the guests. My soul becomes calm, and I even think about agreeing to dance with one of the guests.
Miss Lincoln, I thought you didn t like such gatherings, I hear a familiar voice and shudder. Robert De Niro is standing next to me in a strict black tuxedo without a bow tie. His whole figure exudes majestic calm, proud arrogance, and icy cruelty.
How did you get here? I swallow. My executioner looks at me with defiance and undisguised sexual desire.
I received an invitation. Nice evening, Lena. But I like sabbaths and orgies, Robert grins.
Of course, you prefer the worship of death, debauchery, and cannibalism, I grin. - But behave more restrainedly here. This is not your castle and I am not your sub.
I want to move away from him, but the ogre gently squeezes my hand. I feel the electric discharge again and take a deep breath, raising my eyes to him.
- Lena, will you not refuse me a dance? - The ogre gallantly swears and looks expectantly...