Karl Gordon Is Back

Chapter 8 : Charity Gala

The charity gala had always been Melody’s dream.

From her dress, to her hair, necklace and accessories, it's all been planned out months in advance. She had to look her best, there was no negotiation on that.

The venue was grand in a way that wasn't excessive; high ceilings washed in warm light, marble floors polished, tables dressed in white linen with centerpieces that spoke quietly of money rather than screaming it.

Everything about the charity gala tells you this is no place for mediocre people.

Melody wore an emerald gown that fitted perfectly, the fabric catching the light with every step she took. Her hair fell over one shoulder and the diamonds at her ears were small but unmistakably expensive, a gift from Karl.

Caden walked beside her, his hand resting at the small of her back as though he belonged there, as though he had earned the right to touch her like this in a room full of eyes.

They were noticed immediately.

Heads turned, conversations paused just long enough to register them. There were nods of recognition, murmurs of approval, the quiet assessment that always came with wealth and status.

Melody drank it in without shame, her lips curving into a smile. This was the reaction she expected, the one she believed she deserved and tonight's event was her stage.

“You look stunning tonight,” a woman from one of the board committees said as she approached, her gaze lingering appreciatively on Melody’s dress.

“Thank you,” Melody replied smoothly, tilting her head just enough to seem gracious rather than arrogant. “You’re too kind.”

Another man stepped forward, shaking Caden’s hand with enthusiasm. “You two make quite the pair,” he said, his eyes moving between them. “Very well suited.”

Caden laughed, squeezing Melody’s waist a little tighter. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Melody felt the satisfaction settle deep in her chest.

For three months whispers had followed her, questions about Karl's sudden disappearance and where he was now.

Karl’s sudden disappearance had caused more curiosity than she would have liked and it infuriated her. He had vanished into the night after moving out of their apartment and somehow everyone made it their duty to ask her about him like he was a little child.

Who cares where he went? He was throwing a tantrum and she'd be damned if she entertained him. That bastard, he should be glad she even wants to be seen with him in public.

But tonight was proof that she had moved on, that she was thriving, that she had not lost anything worth mourning.

“The charity gala.” Caden said as though registering the event. “We finally made it.”

Melody chuckled, “Is there a reason we wouldn't have been able to?” She asked dismissively.

Caden met her gaze, “What I mean is we made it in time.”

Melody nods. “Good. I hope to meet potential investors tonight,” she adds.

Melody was supposed to come here with Karl. He had a way with people but no! He just had to run off to God knows where.

A server passed with a tray of champagne flutes, and Melody accepted one, lifting it delicately as she continued to greet familiar faces.

“Ms Melody!” Minster Park, the CEO of the largest bank in the country, greeted as Melody and Caden got closer.

“Mr Park. Such pleasure to see you again.” Caden said, offering a handshake that the old man took graciously.

“Same,” Mr Park said with a small smile.

Melody remained graceful, she knew she needed to befriend this man and make him build an investment in her and her company.

“I learned about the progress of your company.” Mr Park said. “I'm impressed. Having Karl on your team is a smart choice..”

Melody smiled, she expected this. “Well, it was great while it lasted.”

Mr Park's smile faltered, “I'm not sure I follow.”

“Karl has gone haywire for three months now. No one has been able to reach him and I believe that is his way of stepping down from the company..”

Park is stunned by the news. He might just be the only person who hasn't heard the news yet. “Oh.”

“He proposed to another woman right in front of me.”

Park gasped, “Ms Melody, I wasn't aware of this.”

Melody smiles, “It's fine. But I assure you we are still very much operating in full swing. It is my company afterall.”

Mr Park tilts his head as though thinking and then shrugs, she wants exactly wrong.

Melody raises her glass, “Cheers to our future partnerships.”

Mr Park clicks her glass with his and the duo take a slow sip of their wine.

“I heard Mr Karl might be attending tonight.” A woman said behind Mr Park to her group of friends.

Melody's smile didn't falter but her eyes darted open slightly. What? Karl is coming here?!

She exhaled, pulling herself together as she turned her head towards the women behind Mr Park.

“Karl?” she echoed, as though the name itself were amusing. “That’s unlikely.”

The woman shrugged. “That’s just what I heard.”

Melody let out a light laugh, one that carried just enough volume for those nearby to hear. “I don’t know who started that rumor, but it’s ridiculous. Karl wouldn’t dare show up here.”

The woman glanced at her, curiosity flickering across her face.

“You don’t think so?”

She turned to her, arching a perfectly groomed brow.

“Of course not. How would he even get in? This event is invitation-only, and last I checked, he no longer has access to the kind of circles that matter.”

A few people murmur.

“I heard Mr Karl proposed to another woman instead of her.”

“I did too. Unbelievable. They've been together since college I hear.”

“How could Karl do such a thing? He should be happy a woman as beautiful as Ms. Melody glanced his way.”

Melody smirked, now everyone is on her side.

“She looks so much better with Caden. Perfect match I tell you.”

“And even if he did come,” Melody continued, “it would only be to beg.”

A few people chuckled politely.Someone nodded in agreement.

“I wouldn't take him back if I were Ms Melody. Such disrespect..” Someone murmured.

Caden smiled, clearly pleased by the implication.

Melody felt the unease in her chest settle. She straightened her shoulders, letting the music and the atmosphere reclaim her attention.

Karl had always needed her more than she needed him. And if he does make it in tonight, she will make him pay for trying to embarrassing her.

Across the room, the doors to the ballroom opened again.

At first, the shift in attention was subtle. A pause in conversation here, a glance there. Then another. And another.

The low hum of voices dipped just enough for Melody to sense it before she understood it.

She turned, her champagne glass still raised, prepared to greet whoever had entered with the same smile she had offered everyone else.

The smile froze.

Karl stood at the entrance, his presence commanding the space without effort or announcement. He wore a black tailored suit that fit him, the lines clean and sharp, emphasizing a build that had not been there before. His shoulders were broader, his posture unyielding, and the calm on his face was not the usual resignation but something stern.

Anna stood beside him.

She was dressed in a deep navy gown that complemented her complexion beautifully, the fabric flowing elegantly without overwhelming her frame. Her hair was styled simply, pulled back to reveal her face, and the minimal jewelry she wore did nothing to distract from her natural grace. She held herself with a confidence that surprised even her, her hand resting lightly on Karl’s arm as though it belonged there.

For a moment, the room seemed to forget how to breathe.

Whispers rippled outward from the entrance, growing louder as recognition spread. Heads turned openly now. People stared without apology, curiosity and surprise written plainly across their faces.

Melody’s fingers tightened around her glass.

No.

Her eyes moved over Karl again, searching for something familiar; some trace of the man she had dismissed so easily.

She found none.

He looked comfortable. Like someone who knew exactly why he was there.

Beside her, Caden stiffened. “Is that...”

“Yes,” Melody cut in sharply, her voice low. “It’s him.”