Chapter 11: Cry Over Spilled Wine
Amelia gulped and wiped her sweaty palms on her dress, hoping that it did not leave handprints. Her eyes darted around the ballroom nervously; the ballroom was full of suited gentlemen and perfumed ladies, all clad in outfits that screamed wealth and extravagance.
After all, they would have to be frivolously wealthy to take part in this charity auction for the less fortunate.
Amelia's eyes scanned the crowd, trying to look for her boss. He had mentioned that he needed the restroom, but half an hour had passed and he still hadn't returned. Amelia decided she would give him another five minutes before she called him.
Perhaps he was suffering from a terrible stomachache. She could relate, her stomach gave a few upset growls, but that was due to incredible nervousness.
"Champagne, miss?" The waiter asked politely, and Amelia gingerly took a glass. She desperately needed something to soothe her nerves. She felt like a fish out of water in such a classy environment, and if it were up to her, she wouldn't have wanted to come.
But Mr. Montgomery had graciously invited her to this charity auction, claiming that it would be a good way for her to rub shoulders with others in the industry. Since he was so concerned for her future career prospects, it would have been ungrateful for Amelia to turn him down.
So she put on her best dress, did her own hair and makeup, and tried to seem confident when he picked her up for the gala.
But now that she was here, alone and nearly pressed against the wall of the ballroom, she wished she had rejected him. Without the protection offered by Matteo's presence, Amelia felt like she was a bleeding seal effectively thrown to swim with the sharks.
"What a weird dress... did she not get the dress code?"