CHAPTER EIGHT

It was now late afternoon at the angel Hearts Orphanage. Most of the guests had already arrived and settled at their tables after exchanging pleasantries with the Cole’s who were standing at the entrance of the gala venue.

Amelia sat by herself at the table close to the podium which held a small wooden plate with the COLE name on it as she watched her father and Viviana welcome the guests. They had discussed whether it was time to introduce her as a Cole during this event, before leaving the house and they had all agreed that it was better and safer for her if they did not introduce her to the public yet. It would be too chaotic to Amelia who was just learning to adjust to the city life having Paparazzi’s on her back if anyone found out she was a Cole.

The children, now cleaned up and dressed in matching soft-blue uniforms, giggled excitedly as they mingled among the guests. Their joy was infectious, and even the more formal attendees couldn’t help but smile.

A black Mercedes pulled up and young lady, Viviana’s age alighted in the back seat. She wore a sleek white jumpsuit with golden accents, her hair pinned up in a perfect bun. She came straight to Viviana and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheeks. Then Viviana pulled her aside and they started talking and giggling, once in a while the girl would look over at Amelia then keep listening to what Viviana was saying. She seemed excited about whatever it was that they were talking about with Viviana.

After they had finished their conversation, the girl went to where the orphanage staff were standing and started whispering to one of them. Then dipped into her purse and removed a few notes of cash which she gave to the man she had been whispering to. She then retreated to where the guests were and sat at a table that was close to the podium as well.

When all the guests had arrived and settled at their tables, Vincent and Amelia joined Amelia at their table. There was quiet murmurs and chatters among the guests as they waited for the event to start. Every now and then a bout of laughter would be heard from one of the tables as the guests chatted away.

Adrian Reyes arrived a little later just before the event started. Vincent waved at him to join them and he came and sat on a vacant chair beside Amelia on their table. He was in a black silk shirt and sharp slacks, looking handsome as always. Amelia immediately recognized him from the mall incident, and so did he, and the energy shifted.

“Good afternoon sir, Viviana, you’re looking gorgeous as always!’ Adrian said as he sat down, “I hope I didn’t miss anything”

“Of course not, you’re a man who knows how to keep time without wasting it, that’s why I like keeping you on my side” Vincent said cheerfully.

“ Amelia,meet Adrian Reyes, an executive with the company. He’s like a son to me. I hope you two get along well” Vincent said

“Adrian, this is my daughter Amelia, we recently reconnected but we are keeping her identity secret for now. I trust you’ll keep it to yourself and help her where you can” Vincent continued.

“Of course sir” Adrian replied not wanting to reveal that they had already met with Amelia. But his opinion of her was already formed from the incident at the mall.

Adrian sat stiffly, pulling his chair subtly away from Amelia. Every few seconds, he adjusted his phone or wallet on the table, pulling them closer as if Amelia were contagious. She noticed. So did Viviana, though she didn’t acknowledge it.

Amelia swallowed hard and looked away, her shoulders tightening.

Adrian didn’t speak to her. He offered no smile, no courtesy. His jaw was tight, and his eyes flicked toward Viviana often. His discomfort was evident, and deliberate.

Felix, seated discreetly at the furthest corner table with David beside him, noticed everything.

“That's Miss Alma,” David said between spoonfuls of ice cream. “She comes sometimes with Miss Viviana. She brings us pizza and candy.” David said pointing to the woman who had been speaking to Viviana before.

“Isn’t she beautiful?’” David leaned closer to Felix and whispered in his ear, obviously infatuated.

Felix nodded absentmindedly. His eyes fell on Alma, then on Viviana. His instincts told him this was the person on the other end of the phone call he had eavesdropped on. And these two were up to no good.

Felix’s gaze fell on the main table again. He pulled out his phone under the table and began snapping a few photos, nothing obvious. Just enough to log the positions, the faces, the expressions.

Then Vincent stood.

He walked with poise up the small stage built just under the old jacaranda tree. The mic squealed briefly before settling.

“Good evening, friends, sponsors, staff, and our bright young stars of Angel Hearts,” he began, his deep voice commanding but warm. “It’s a privilege to be with you today, as we have every year, to celebrate your dreams, your growth, and your beautiful energy. You are our future, and we are proud to be part of your journey.”

Polite applause filled the courtyard.

“I would also like to take a moment to thank my daughter, who will be hosting this event today. Many of you already know her,” he said, looking at Viviana. “She has a heart for this orphanage and a passion for giving back. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Viviana Cole.”

The applause grew louder as Viviana rose to her feet, gave a gracious nod to Amelia and Vincent, and walked confidently to the podium. Her heels clicked gently on the wooden stage as the wind tugged lightly at the hem of her gown.

Amelia clapped sincerely, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. Viviana really did own every room she entered.

“Thank you, Daddy,” Viviana began, her voice smooth and charismatic. “This orphanage holds a special place in my heart, not just because I was raised here, but because it taught me the meaning of love and family. I’m honored to be part of the Cole legacy and to give back to the place that gave me so much.”

Polite murmurs passed between the guests.

“And tonight,” she continued, “we’ll be enjoying music, food, and most importantly , we’ll be raising funds to sponsor not just education, but the dreams of these wonderful children. So eat well, drink responsibly, and give generously.”

The crowd clapped again. She beamed.

Just then, two male staffers one whom had been talking to Alma, wheeled in a black upright piano and a velvet-cushioned stool, setting them up near the stage. The instrument gleamed in the low evening light. A subtle stir passed through the guests.

“Dinner will begin shortly,” Viviana added, stepping down from the podium. “But first, a little music.”

She returned to the table and whispered something to Adrian, who smirked and nodded, then lifted his glass of wine in a quiet toast to her.

Amelia glanced away, heart unsettled. The interaction between Viviana and Adrian made her skin crawl, though she couldn’t say why. The man cleared hated her. And he didn’t put any effort into hiding this fact.