Chapter 670: She Got the Lucky Number Tag

The party hall buzzed with music, the evening's main event imminent. Elvis, tall and handsome, stood on the podium, bathed in dazzling light. His flawless features seemed to radiate a golden glow, making it difficult to look directly at him. The noble ladies blushed and gazed, their hearts pounding. They all craved the first dance with Elvis, but recent rumors linking him to Princess Visionary fueled speculation that the lucky number tag was already hers.

They clustered around Clara. “Princess Visionary, did Mr. Augustine choose you? Will you dance first with him?” “Princess Visionary, we envy you!” Bathed in their attention, Clara smiled radiantly. She recalled asking Elvis earlier in the elevator if he’d chosen her; he’d promised a surprise. This, she suspected, was it.

Clara looked up at Elvis; his deep, narrow eyes briefly met hers. It felt like confirmation, and her heart quickened. She then noticed Olive in a corner, keeping a low profile, her demeanor almost maid-like, unnoticed by the others. The contrast between their situations was stark. Clara straightened, exuding pride and confidence.

The personal secretary announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the highlight of tonight’s event is about to begin. Now, please welcome our CEO to personally draw the lucky number tag. The lady with the matching number will have the honor of dancing first with our CEO.”

Everyone had received a number tag upon entry. Clara checked hers: 29. Nervousness gripped her; her heart pounded. Even knowing she was chosen, she felt uncertain until the public announcement.

Elvis began to draw the tags. Despite knowing a candidate was pre-selected, the noble ladies remained anxious. The room held its breath.

Olive, in the corner, felt deeply disappointed. She knew the first dance wasn't for her; she ate cake. Elvis had likely chosen Clara, hadn’t he?

Olive watched Clara's proud display and adjusted her dress, ready to take the stage should Elvis announce her. The noble ladies, though aware of the pre-selected candidate, remained nervous. What if they were chosen? The room waited with bated breath.

The personal secretary announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the climax of tonight’s event is about to start. Now, let’s invite our CEO to personally draw the lucky number tag. The lady with the matching number will have the honor of dancing first with our CEO.”

As the secretary spoke, laughter erupted. Clara stood on the podium, paralyzed, unsure whether to leave or stay. Her smile faltered; embarrassment overwhelmed her. She heard the noble ladies whispering and pointing, finding her situation amusing. Humiliated, Clara looked at Elvis. “Mr. Augustine, is this a mistake? How many numbers did you draw?”

Elvis glanced at Clara, then handed her a tag. “Number 19.”

Number 19! It was number 19. Clara felt a crushing descent from heaven to hell.

The personal secretary continued, “Princess Visionary, since you are not number 19, you have no business here. Please leave.” The secretary guided her off the stage. Laughter swelled; some noble ladies even pitied her. Trembling with anger, but under everyone’s gaze, Clara could only leave, humiliated.

The personal secretary chuckled, “I apologize, everyone, for a minor mishap. Let’s resume as planned. Could the lady holding number 19 please join us on the stage?”