Bedmates Soulmates
CHAPTER 424

Gideon asked him to take care of it.

Being new to the city, Martin decided to go with a familiar choice.

He asked Miss Kira-no, she was Miss Gwen now-to accompany Young Master.

But Gideon didn't look too pleased about it.

Gwen Reyes was keenly tuned in to Gideon's feelings, having been with him for more than two years.

It wasn't hard for her to discern that the man's displeasure was directed at her..

She bit her lower lip. 'I asked Martin to bring me along. If you don't like it, I can go home.'

Gideon got out of the car and said simply, 'You're already here. You might as well come with me.'

A smile spread across her face as Gwen followed him.

Tentatively, she took his arm.

Gideon didn't object.

They walked into the hotel lobby looking just like a regular couple.

But Gideon's words shattered that illusion.

'You will go back to Ourhlana tomorrow. I'm staying in Stamford.'

Gwen stopped dead in her tracks.

But Gideon kept on walking, pulling her along.

She stared at the man's face.

He looked as handsome as always.

And just as indifferent.

Gwen lowered her eyes and hid a bitter smile.

Was that why he wanted her to start using her own name?

Because her life as Kira Hewitt's stand-in had come to an end?

But Gwen Reyes was not a woman to give up so easily.

Over the years, she'd learned quite a lot from the young master.

She would figure out a way to stay in Stamford and by his side, by fair means or foul.

A Party For The One Pet Cent

A Party For The One Per Cent

Kira scanned the banquet hall and was relieved to find no one who looked like a reporter.

At least none armed with an SLR camera.

Her mind at ease now, she took in the scene.

The party was well underway.

Well-dressed men in tux and women in slinky evening dresses mingled, chatting amicably and laughing decorously.

Crystal chandeliers cast their faces in soft white light.

They didn't walk so much as glided on the beige broadloom carpet.

Glasses clinked gently to the accompaniment of soothing piano music.

So this was how the one per cent lived.

Kira recognised half a dozen faces she'd seen on TV-politicians and business moguls.

Without Austyn, she would never have been able to set foot inside such a venue.

Actually, she could have gotten in by herself.

As a waitress, maybe, instead of the one being waited on.

It reminded her again that she and Austyn were from different worlds.

The thought depressed her a little.

Within thirty seconds of walking through the door, Austyn was besieged by a throng of people.

Some shook hands and greeted him.

Others hovered nearby, waiting for their turn.

Kira was soon nudged out of the way.

She stood there for a moment, observing the crowd of beautiful people.

Austyn was in his element.

With an erect, almost military, bearing, he towered above everyone else present.

His habitually expressionless face did not deter the attendees who jumped at the chance of making his acquaintance.

There was an actual queue forming in front of him.

Kira found it amusing.

So it wasn't just the employees at the M Group who treated Austyn like a celebrity.

Her stomach growled.

Lunch was more than eight hours ago.

She had not had dinner yet.

Kira quietly found her way to the buffet table.

The organisers had pulled out all the stops.

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A 12-metre-long table was covered with dishes and trays and plates.

Canapés in spoons, cute little amuse-bouches, spinach and feta tart soleil, mini beef tourtières, easy smoked salmon, ham 'n' cheese biscuit stacks...

For the meat lovers, there were shrimp tartlets and steak & blue cheese bruschetta with onion and roasted tomato jam.

For the vegetarians, there were baked aubergines stuffed with vegetables and mozzarella cheese, as well as marinated olive and cheese rings. There was even a chocolate fondue.

Party For The Ca Per

Kira was spoiled for choice even with just the hors d'oeuvres.

A tuxedoed mixologist offered her a charming smile along with a fruity mocktail.

Kira sipped at her watermelon agua fresca and sighed contentedly.

She could get used to this life.

No wonder people wanted to be rich.

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The two hours spent being a stylist's doll were totally worth it.

Almost twenty minutes had passed before Austyn finally realised his wife was missing.

He scanned the room for the truant.

But there were close to two dozen women in red dresses, and Kira was short.

Austyn couldn't find her.

Samson Pierpoint, CEO of Wireline Telecom, noticed his distraction. 'Mr McCarthy, are you looking for the lady who came with you?' 'You've seen her?"

Samson pointed towards the buffet table. 'I've kept an eye on the lady, seeing as how she's your date.'

Austyn had to resist the urge to facepalm when he saw Kira with a plate in one hand and a cocktail glass in the other.

Others came here to socialise and make new contacts.

She came here to dine.

Samson noticed Austyn's pursed lips. 'The young lady is pretty vivacious and rather...unconventional.

He went with a tried-and-true flattery technique. 'Your girlfriend is quite remarkable.'

Austyn said with a faint trace of a smile, 'She's not my girlfriend.

'O...oh,' Samson faltered.

It was rare for his compliments to misfire.

'I'm sorry, Mr McCarthy. I must have made a-

'She's more than just a girlfriend,' Austyn corrected the man.