Chapter 80: Oak garden mall

In the lap of luxury, Damien reclined, delicately pressing the furrowed space amidst his brows. "Why exactly do I need to be there again?" he inquired.

Derek proceeded to explain, "Well, to begin with, your ownership of the largest security firm extends beyond our nation's borders, reaching a global scale. Additionally, you preside over the esteemed Apex conglomerate, and your status as the world's most sought-after bachelor is no exaggeration."

Damon interjected humorously, "That's certainly true in the bachelor category, surely, it's me."

"Let's focus, gentlemen," Derek said, cutting through the banter, with Serafina nodding in agreement. Meanwhile, Damon enjoyed a glass of fresh blood, a grin playing on his lips.

"Moreover, it's an opportunity to apprehend the imposter responsible for heinous acts of killings of innocent humans and, most notably, Lauren will be in attendance," Derek added with a concealed smile.

Disregarding the thoughts Damien could discern in Derek's mind, he calmly countered, "It's hardly my responsibility to apprehend that nuisance. I possess a surplus of resources at my disposal to handle such matters. As for my role as the President of Apex, you, as one of the proprietors, can readily stand in for me. After all, Anderson is already representing Apex Securities. Provide me with a substantive reason to attend the gala."

Lounging elegantly on the seat, his long legs crossed in a display of regal ease, Damien emitted an aura of majesty that seemed to echo that of a Greek deity.

"I have already presented a reason," Derek stated, unwavering.

"I have the means to see her at my leisure, not solely at the gala," Damien parried.

However, before Derek could press on, Serafina strode into the room, her presence introducing an air of expectancy.

"What if the malevolent marauder sets his sights on her at the event, or even worse, perpetrates an attack?" Serafina interjected, her words bearing an undertone of foreboding.

"Visualize this scenario: the vampire executes an assault, given Lauren's selfless nature, she valiantly leaps to the aid of others, neglecting her own safety. In the aftermath, she could find herself abducted, or worse yet, grievously harmed or even... killed. Bearing in mind her relations with the clan of witches, it is a matter to consider," Serafina trailed off, leaving her audience deep in thought.

"That's enough!!," Damien declared, his hands clenching into fists as he rose from his seat with poise. "Where is this event to take place?" he demanded, his elegant stride carrying him towards the elevator.

"It is to be held at Oak Gardens mall," Derek disclosed, following in Damien's wake.

"Then you will be attending?" Damien inquired, a trace of amusement tinting his tone, but his question was left hanging unanswered as Damien disappeared into the elevator, whisked away to his penthouse.

"My work here is done it seems. I shall await for you boys in the car. Venessa, do join me," Serafina declared as she gracefully made her way toward the porch, with Venessa trailing in her wake.

----

Three grand convoys escorted the Benneth family to the Oak Garden Mall, an opulent and expansive venue renowned as the paramount event center throughout the entire country.

"Oak Gardens, I've heard of it, but goodness gracious, it's truly reminiscent of a fairytale, isn't it?" Lauren exclaimed with unbridled delight as she disembarked from the car.

Flanked by vigilant bodyguards on either side, the family proceeded into the resplendent mall, absorbing the grandeur that enveloped them at every turn.

"Take a guess who owns this grand establishment? None other than the Apex conglomerate," Alanna remarked, her tone infused with a touch of amusement.

"They seem to possess ownership of every exquisite locale in the county," Ariana observed, her eyes alight with wonderment, taking stock of the mall's grandeur.

"Speaking of Apex, did you manage to visit his residence? Have you manged to find him?" Ariana inquired in a hushed tone, mindful of her mother's proximity.

"I did visit, and I did see him," Lauren replied simply knowing who her cousin was asking of, instantly the memory of his condition when she saw him swiftly crowded her thoughts.

Caught off guard by the revelation, Ariana was left reeling. If lauren had seen him, did that mean the vampires had been remiss in their search?

Madame Veronica gracefully excused herself from the girls and made her way to rendezvous with some acquaintances and business allies who had also graced the gala with their presence.

"Now that we have a moment to ourselves, can we discuss what just happened at Damien's premises?" Ariana asked candidly, her mother no longer within earshot.

"Darling, perhaps we should save this conversation for a more suitable time, after the gala," Lauren replied with a tinge of discomfort in her voice, a hint that Ariana deftly picked up on. Sensing her cousin's unease, Ariana chose to honor her request, abstaining from pressing the matter. The last thing she desired was to create any discomfort for her beloved cousin.

"Of course, whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here for you," Ariana reassured her with a warm smile, embracing her cousin.

"I must say, every day I can't help but wonder if the two of you are in love with each other," Alanna interjected, her brow arching as she sipped her champagne, observing the affectionate embrace between her sisters.

The realization of Alanna's statement elicited a shared chuckle from both Lauren and Ariana as they continued their conversation, only to be interrupted by the approach of two women and a gentleman.

Lauren was taken aback as she felt a gentle touch on her back and turned to find herself face to face with a familiar figure. "Director Fernanda!" Lauren greeted her with an earnest smile as the director graced her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Allow me to introduce my dear cousins, who are my sisters in every sense—Alanna Benneth and Ariana Benneth," Lauren spoke with pride. "Ladies, please meet my esteemed idol, Director Fernanda."

The sisters exchanged pleasantries with the esteemed Director and her companions, gracefully excusing themselves so that Lauren might engage with her colleagues, while they, in kind, explored the venue a bit more before the commencement of the event.

"I'd like you to meet my son Jerry and his fiancée, Rebecca. Rebecca happens to be one of your most ardent admirers," Director Fernanda shared with a sense of pride as she introduced the enraptured couple to Lauren.

"May I have the honor of a hug?" Rebecca beseeched, her eyes alight with joy. Lauren, returning her joyous smile, nodded in agreement, and the two embraced. Rebecca, seemingly unable to contain her excitement, began to pour forth a torrent of admiration and personal details.

"Regrettably, I'm unable to pursue a career as an agent, given my current professional commitments. However, I vow that one of my future daughters will undoubtedly follow in your illustrious footsteps. You serve as an inspiration to countless women, myself included," Rebecca expressed with genuine warmth, her smile radiating with sincerity.

Lauren found herself deeply moved by Rebecca's impassioned words, almost feeling tears well up within her. The two continued their exchange, sharing a moment of deep bonding, before the couple eventually withdrew, leaving Lauren alone with the Director.