Bumping Into Tall, Iron Wall!

At Old Manor, around six o'clock. 

Annika walked out of the bathroom with a bathrobe wrapped around her hourglass body. She opened her wardrobe and took out a set of red satin blouse and black bootcut pants, pairing with a small vintage style handbag and black pumps. 

After she dressed herself, she gingerly applied light red lipstick and a little blush, making her look effortlessly elegant and sophisticated. Paired up with her exquisite beauty and graceful demeanor, she looked like a classic Hollywood star from the golden era.

Annika finished her last touch with her silk black hair ending in loose waves and a delicate butterfly necklace that Veronica gifted her, adorning her swan-like neck. She looked stunning and ready to turn heads wherever she went---a perfect look for a high-profile banquet.

As she sauntered downstairs, she noticed Bridget gazing at the setting sun with an expressionless face. She looked like someone who was drowning in an ocean of sorrows, but her face betrayed that look. Coupled with her splendid looks, she looked like a tragic heroine straight out of a novel, captivating and mysterious.

Annika felt a small pang in her heart. She had known Bridget since they were kids. Her father and Bridget's father had done a number of successful projects together to bring the two families closer.

Since she didn't have a mother, Aunt Astrid, Bridget's mother, took it upon herself to provide her with the love and support she needed growing up. She would casually visit their house, bringing homemade cookies, gifts, and clothes once a month for Annika and her brothers. Even Uncle Ash treated her and her brothers like his own daughter and sons.

If they were present on that life-changing night, Annika swore nothing that sort of would have happened to her. But the cruel truth is, they were not. They had to urgently fly to Eldora to visit Bridget's sick grandmother.

Therefore, to say that Annika barely knew Bridget wouldn't be a lie because, although they were together during their childhood, Bridget most of the time stayed in Eldora with her grandparents.

It wasn't until after coming back to London that Bridget called her after learning about what happened to her. From then on, they stayed in contact and together created an unshakeable, hidden empire for one's own personal gain.

But they were still each other's family and close- friends. 

Annika patted Bridget's shoulder, breaking her out of whatever emotional turmoil she was drowning in. "Bri, wanna talk?" Annika softly asked. 

Bridget didn't turn, but her shoulders relaxed, and she sighed. "What should I say, Annika?" Her voice was wobbly and heavy, clearly hiding some heavy past that affected her still. 

Annika's blue eyes widened in surprise. For the first time in years, Bridget had called her by name. Since they started working together, Bridget usually called her "Boss" because of her outstanding ability to lead those underworld fugitives, saying that she could be the only Boss. In return, Annika saw Bridget as her right hand, someone who would never betray her even during the strongest storms and the darkest terrors.

"Anything, Bri." Annika softly whispered, and she too stood next to Bridget, staring at the golden sun setting over the horizon. The red, blue, purple, and pink filled the sky, painting a breathtaking masterpiece. She added, "Just so you know, I will always be here, Bri."

Annika turned to leave, but before she could walk out of the doors, Bridget's shaky but gentle voice resounded in the silent manor. "Thank you, Annika. One day, I will definitely tell you."

Annika smiled to herself and marched outside to finish the task given by the Editor-in-Chief—catching Xavier Castillo for an exclusive interview!

...

~ Warner Estate ~

This was Annika's first time attending any kind of event in New York since that night. To tell the truth, internally, she was a little scared. And it's pretty normal for her to be scared because she isn't just a normal person. She used to be the biggest business magnate's only pampered daughter. The youngest world record holder and the chess grandmaster's one and only sister! Therefore, it wouldn't be impossible if someone could recognize her at this banquet. In addition, she became quite famous after falling down from the seat as the top socialite.

Annika took long but shaky deep breaths, trying to calm down her nerves and appear as calm as possible. Because right now she is on someone else's territory, everyone here is hiding something behind their smiling mask. If she let herself slip, she would become the laughing stock once again. After all, the people at the banquet weren't just anyone—they were the Elite of the Society. They all are a crafty people dressed in sheep's clothes.

One slip and you are gone for forever. 

In addition, her name had been smeared to dirt once already; if she couldn't keep her nerves in check and let herself fall again, she would never be able to show herself proudly in front of anyone. And all the revenge and planning that she painstakingly worked on will go under the water.

Annika strolled towards the huge gate, where two stoic-faced guards, adorned in black, stood watch. She flashed a small smile and showed her invitation. Normally, she wouldn't even have an invitation, but due to Zach pulling the strings behind the scenes, she was able to secure one.

The guards checked through her invitation, and finding nothing amiss, they gave her a mask. Annika's elegant brows knitted slightly, Zach didn't tell her this was supposed to be a masquerade party. However, this is good too. This way, she can keep herself hidden behind a mask, and no one would be able to recognize her or her background.

She put on the golden lace mask and entered the grand hall. The chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, providing little sparkles of light from one end to another, giving the room a feeling of an alluring starry night. Many round tables were placed around the room, decorated with red and gold decor. Each table was set up with fine china and crystal glasses.

This masquerade ball was certainly the display of wealth and luxury; from the crystal-clear champagne glass to the intricate gold filigree decorations adorning the walls, everything screamed RICH, ELITE, and OPULENCE.

Annika was a little bit dazed. How many years has it been since she last saw this level of extravagance? As the former princess of the Bussiness Magnate, it wasn't uncommon for her to attend events like this, but after her fall from grace, she had been living a much more modest lifestyle, away from the glitz and glamour.

She looked around the room, finding groups of people laughing, eating, and clinking glasses. They were all adorned with millions of dollars worth of dresses, jewelry, and other accessories.

Annika felt uncomfortable and out of place since it's been five, but long years since she last attended this type of banquet. And the last banquet experience she had was a total disaster. She tried to find a quiet corner, where she could blend in and observe without attracting too much attention.

As her eyes swept from one end to the other, she couldn't find a single spot where there wasn't any people present. Until she spotted the balcony down the hall. It was an open balcony with barely anyone lingering around there. Annika's face lit up and she carefully made her way, trying to avoid bumping into someone or trip over someone's extravagant gown.

But as they say, whatever you avoid the most, it happens. That saying proved right when Annika accidentally bumped into someone, or should she say a tall, iron wall!