The Upward Ripple

Chapter 8

Nate hosting the gala was the first step in getting back on the business and social scene that the Duncan family was known so much for. Truth be told, he was not particularly looking forward to being back in the social scene. He had found such peace living a life of solitude that stepping into his father’s shoes seemed almost impossible. However, he had underestimated just how much being back in high society meant especially when he noticed his former stepmother mingling in the crowd.

“Of course,” he muttered under his breath.

Elise always seemed to land on her feet. She was obviously there to get her hands on the new husband. Having had a taste of the high life, there was no way she was going back to normal life. Maybe this time she was going to get a bigger nest egg getting out of whatever sorry idiot she managed to trick into marriage. He was not so sure how she had managed to get someone so quickly but then again, it was not like Elise had such high standards. All she ever really needed was a healthy bank account.

“Nathaniel,” Elise said when she got to where he was. “I am surprised to see you here.”

“First of all, the name’s Nate. Nathaniel was my father. Secondly, why would you be surprised to see me at a benefit my father started?” he asked at the risk of sounding cynical.

“Well, you never come for these things. I mean, last time I checked, you were living it up with an outlaw biking club in Nevada.”

“Actually, the last time I saw you, I was this close to getting the authorities to throw you out of my father’s property,” he said holding his thumb and index finger apart.

“We do not have to dig up the ugly past, now. Do we?” she asked.

“I thought that since you were already on a destructive path, it would be perfect to give you a taste of your own medicine.”

There was an insincere smile on his face. It was all he could do not to point out her desperate attempt at what could only be considered a serious desperate wardrobe attempt to get herself her next victim. She was wearing a white sequined gowned with a plunging neckline to show off her rack. Her lipstick was a bright red, anything brighter and she would have been a cheap Marilyn Monroe impersonation.

“So, who is the unlucky chap you managed to trick this time?” Nate asked, the insincere smile still on his face. He did not even notice when a man walked up to them.

“Actually, here he is now. My date, Alistair Vale,” Elise bragged. “You may know him from…”

“Vale Securities,” Nate said, cutting Elise short. “I only recognize the name because it shows up in almost every piece of paperwork I have checked out from my father’s books. You are a long-time supporter of this foundation.”

“Yes, your father and I have been business partners for a long time. I have handled a substantial portfolio from your father for years.”

“Given the returns I have seen, you must be pretty damn good at what you do,” Nate said, with a smile.

“Yes, he is a genius with numbers this one,” Elise beamed, punching his arm playfully. Nate was about to gag.

“And this one is a charmer,” Alistair pointed out.

“Kill me now,” was what Nate wanted to scream out.

“We should get together and talk about growing your portfolio. I mean, I know the Duncan portfolio is already healthy enough, but no one ever said no to making more money, right?” Alistair pointed out just as Cynthia walked in.

Everything Alistair said after that was a blur because all he could think about was how beautiful she looked. She was looking black tie fabulous and even his body agreed. He excused himself and walked up to where she was wondering how and why it had taken him so long to meet her. Taken so long to know her. He could feel his heart beating harder and faster the closer he got to her. She looked absolutely divine. She took his breath away. He had a smile on his face as he made his way to where he was. He was only thinking of one thing: holding her in his arms. He considered himself the luckiest man in that room just having Cynthia as his date.

He got to where he was all the while wondering where Deloris and Leon were. The two were supposed to keep Cynthia company while he walked over to the front to give his speech, but Cynthia did not seem to mind being alone. So, when he went to the front to give his short speech, he had his eye on her all along. His speech was short. It was just a few words to remind people who his father was and why he had started that charity. But while he was up there giving his speech, he noticed something. Alistair Vale walked up to where Cynthia was and suddenly, she looked uncomfortable. It took everything inside him not to cut the speech short and just walk up to where she was.

“This foundation and many others like it have and still continue to strive to find ways to fight against cancer.”

Alistair was standing behind Cynthia. He struck up a conversation that made her turn around.

“The cancer research foundation my father founded has continued working closely with various organizations in this country, Canada and Africa in an attempt to do what we can to reduce the risk of cancer spreading more than it already has.”

Alistair was still talking to Cynthia and the expression on her face had changed. She was scared. She looked scared for her life and what was most annoying was the fact that he looked like he was enjoying it.

“Through the foundation, millions around the world are benefiting from the free screening and….”

Alistair was saying something to Cynthia, and she was openly recoiling. Nate’s grip around the glass in his hands tightened so much that he thought he was going to break it.

“The foundation is benefiting people within the States and Canada but also out in Africa. Soon, we will be launching the service in Asia, so give generously. We hope to see more people benefit and also find a way to get rid of the scourge that is cancer. Thank you.”

Nate stepped off the podium and quickly made his way to where Cynthia was. She was shaking. Obviously, Alistair had said something to her to make her act like this.

“Is everything alright here?” he asked, and Alistair said something, Nate was not so sure what he had said. It sounded dismissive at the very least. It was like he was trying to save face, shocked that Nate even knew Cynthia.

He took her hand in his and led her out of the ball room to the hallway. He looked around before he turned his attention back to her. Her eyes were all welled up.

“What happened?” he asked but she wouldn’t say anything. “Do you know Alistair Vale?”