The storm (I)

Chris went straight to Jade Palace Hotel, where the event was held, he had a lot of things to settle to ensure tonight's event were smooth. This hotel was opened 15 years ago by Jade under Matriach Lu's guidance. Jade designed the buildings herself with a team of architecture. This building had been named one of the top 5 architectural design and has won many architectural awards. It incorporates nature into the design.

Chris marvelled at the hotel and praised Mama Lu for her vision and judgement regarding Jade's capabilities and abilities. She had also shaped Jade to be an astounding woman across generations. He saw how Jade managed to handle the chaotic situation this morning without a flinch. He admire her greatly and wants to be like her firm, resolute and kind at the same time.

The night of the event has arrived, the siblings decided to wear white as a sign of mourning for Mama Lu. Jade was wearing a white laced long sleeved, long fishtail qipao dress, and in contrast Derek wore a black Bruce Lee style tuxedo. The couple caught a lot of attention and was the envy of the crowd. Such perfect looking couple, a match made in heaven.

Chris came alone, looking elegant in a three piece single breasted long tail tuxedo. His outstanding look gave the single ladies a sliver of hope. The guest were most shocked with April's outfit, it was tasteful, refined with an air of sophistication instead of her usual skimpy dress and slutty appearance. She was wearing a white halter sleeveless, backless, wide legs jumpsuit with overlaying white tuxedo jacket. Her usually heavily painted face was devoid of make-up emphasizing her natural beauty and beside her was a young man, looks comparable to Young Master Lee, but just who is he. The crowd were intrigued and the women were drooling, some men too.

Crystal who had long arrived, was sitting at one corner, looked up when she heard hushed whispers, she guessed that the main stars must have made entrance, the first couple she saw was Derek and Jade. Such adorable looking couple, let's see if you are as in love as you claimed to be. Then she saw a dashing looking young man with some resemblance to Jade and Master Lu, that must be the supposed heir. What shocked her the most was the entrance of a beautiful young lady in white and a familiar looking man. It's him. She recognised him in an instant, how could she not recognize the man that broke her heart, the catalyst of her misfortunes. If he had accepted her love, she would have not fallen in love with that useless husband of hers.

Madam Lu was furious with April for ruining her plan. Now she have to make some changes to her plans all because of her damn daughter was too stupid. She gritted her teeth in anger. Madam Lu suddenly felt a deep chill in her bones, she looked around trying to find the source of her discomfort, finally she spotted a pretty and voluptuous young lady around Jade's age, staring at her. Madam Lu had a feeling that this was the slut sleeping with her man. She even had the audacity to turn up. Madam Lu wanted to rush forward to give her a slap but instead she smiled. I won't lose to this slut. Madam Lu went to look for her husband and found him in the company of some big shots, she decided to act lovingly to annoy that lady in the corner but unknown to her, those actions had no effect whatsoever.

Aileen was dumbfounded when she saw April entered with that man, that day, the guy at the bar. They must be in a relationship. Some people are just lucky and can move on easily. She clenched her fist, after tonight, my moment will arrive. She rubbed her hands in glee. Little did she know that Madam Lu decided to use her instead of April. Madam Lu wanted at least one of her objectives to be fulfill.

The night started off well, Jade's paintings all sold off for high prices. Art lovers wanted to know if the painter had more paintings to sell. Jade was happy with the response. Other items also auctioned off at very high prices. They managed to gather 100 million dollars for the scholarship trust fund and it will sponsor students with poor financial background but has good grades and personality. The recipient of the scholarship will also have a chance to work for Lu corporation. The night is nearly coming to an end, Jade went up on stage to thank the all attendees for coming and donating to a good cause, she thanked the team responsible for making this night a success and lastly she invited Chris on stage to welcome him as the new Area Director of Revenue Management. She also informed everyone that Chris was the man in charge of making this night possible.

Chris went up stage accompanied by loud applause especially from the team he led for this event. He gained everyone's respect, despite being young and inexperience, he was respectful to both the seniors and juniors, firm in his decisions, and when in doubt he consults with others, he listens well to opinions expressed and works well with others. He truly is a great leader and has potential to grow further and greater.

He maintained his composure and walked up confidently. April and Jade hearts swelled with pride. April was more determined to improve herself and plans to enter the family business, she wants to join hands with her siblings and make them proud too. Chris gave a short speech and thank a few people of notable importance, his sister, Jade who gave him the opportunity to grow and prove his worth. He also thanked Director Pua, who gave him a lot of guidance and support and most importantly, the team under him for being great and efficient, without them this event would not be a success. This was followed by loud applause and hooting sounds from the floor. His speech made clear to everyone present that his relationship with Jade might not be as portrayed or rumoured.

Master Lu was fuming with rage, he could feel people staring at him and whispering behind his back. His own son, his own bloody flesh and blood, thanked outsider instead his own father. Such humiliation! Ungrateful, unfilial son, he cursed. Not once did it crossed Master Lu's mind that he did not deserve to be mentioned because he played no role in his own son success.

The night continue with some performances slow musical performances. This allowed guests to mingle around and make business connections. Madam Lu's moment to execute her plans finally arrive. She gave a signal to Aileen and told Aileen to wait in Jade's suite upstairs. Aileen had a key because she had to make sure the paintings were exported carefully from the suite to the ballroom. Aileen was confused to why she had to wait in the suite. Once she was there, after some minutes passed, she started to feel dizzy and there was a burning sensation running wild in her body. She needed a relieve, but she did not know what, she started to grope herself and undo her clothes. Her mind could not think straight any longer.