The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 163: The Gala Night

Chapter 163: The Gala Night

"Someone claimed that the CoChi designs were copied from another designer’s work. They accused us of plagiarizing."

Elaine showed Aryana her cell phone. Aryana read all the slanders that the netizens were slinging on CoChi.

"Looks like we offended someone. Maybe it’s our competitor. But we are just a small brand." Elaine continued browsing the comments.

"Maybe it is related to Cassie’s company launch. Such a big event but was overshadowed by GoChi." Aryana carefully said. "Don’t worry. All of Vince’s original designs were protected by copyright."

She forwarded the copyright notice to Elaine. "You can post that on the internet to clear the misunderstanding. I had previously applied for copyright to all our designs so no one can accuse us of plagiarism."

...

Aryana was very busy the following days. The company CoChi was registered. She was the CEO while Elaine was the Director of Finance and Marketing, Vince was the director of Design and Jessa was the Director of Operations.

They did not have a physical store and it was something that Aryana and Elaine were working on.

Their online shop ’Cool and Chic’ became popular along with the brand CoChi. Vince became more inspired and he has drawn so many designs. He learned how to use the kaleidoscope app which enabled him to create more design drafts.

Aryana hired and contracted two more designers recommended by Rex. They were paid on a commission basis.

That Friday night, Aryana promised to be the female companion of Jax on a gala event for the financial institutions. She was wearing the latest design of Vince. It was a fiery red gown made of tulle, encrusted with eight toned color crystal palette that ranged from yellow to dark red creating an illusion that it was a lava flowing out of a volcano’s crater. It was tight fitting and it featured a high slit and has short sleeves.

"You looked beautiful tonight, Aryana." Jax said breathlessly.

"Thank you." Arayana said politely. She remembered the look on Erik’s eyes when he saw the dress. He did not know that the gown looked beautiful on Aryana, but then no matter what Aryna wore, she always looked beautiful. He was unhappy. He did not want others to see Aryana in such a pretty gown but he has no choice.

"I am so lucky to be standing beside you tonight Aryana Jones." Jax let her hold the crook of his arm as he proudly walked the red carpet and led her into the banquet hall.

There were a lot of people who attended the gala and they were gossiping and speculating who was the woman beside CEO Jax Lee.

"She is the brand ambassador of Gaeya Corporation, a friend of mine and the CEO of CoChi." Jax would reply nonchalantly every time he was asked about the lady obediently standing beside him.

’I will make her more than a friend in the future. I will make her my wife.’ He silently vowed in his heart.

Jax introduced her to some of his business partners. Aryana accepted the business cards and keep them in her purse.

A few of the ladies inquired about her unique dress and she took the opportunity to endorse CoChi.

"Isn’t that the one accused of plagiarizing? I saw a designer in an interview that his designs were plagiarized by CoChi."

"That matter was already clarified. The man made a public apology. Besides, every design of CoChi were copyrighted to protect our products from being plagiarized." Aryana explained gently.

"That’s good. I like CoChi’s unique and artistic style. I am your follower Miss Jones. I am happy that you are endorsing and promoting local brands. By the way, my name is Gabriella. I am the president of the Women’s League." She smiled broadly and extended her hand for a handshake.

Women’s League was an organization that promoted women’s rights and gender equality. She took a selfie with Aryana and added a Aryana to their group.

"I will endorse CoChi to the organization." She assured Aryana.

"Thank you Gabriela. I am lucky to bump into you tonight." She smiled at her and heaved a sigh of relief. She thought that the woman was difficult to handle. In the end she can help her with the promotion of her products.

Jax approached them. He smiled warmly and said. "Ladies, I’ll borrow her for a while. I hope you don’t mind."

Jax introduced her to a few more business partners. Aryana was getting bored and wanted to go home but she cannot offend Jax. She was fidgeting with her cell phone when she heard a familiar voice from behind her.

"Enemies are really bound to meet. It is you again Aryana Jones." Karla’s contemptuous voice filled the air.

"It is also you. How can you follow me wherever I go? I almost believe that you are stalking me." Aryana looked at her with a challenged look.

Karla pursed her lips.

"Lindsay, let us go to the other side. The air here is suffocating me."

Karla pulled the woman who was standing beside her, but the woman did not budge.

"So this is the infamous Aryana Jones?" Her tone was sarcastic. "Indeed you are beautiful. No wonder you are able to seduce a lot of men including Jax."

Aryana narrowed her eyes.

"I am sorry. Do we know each other?" she was baffled. She can’t remember having an interaction with the lady beside Karla.

"You don’t know me, but I know you. Jax and I are in a special relationship and yet you seduced him." Her voice was loud attracting a few people near them.

"I don’t know what you are talking about. I accompanied Jax tonight as a friend. If you have malicious thoughts, then that is your problem." Aryana turned to leave but Lindsay held her wrist and pulled her back.

"Stay away from Jax." Lindsay glared at Aryana.

"Are you threatening me?"

"If I say that I am threatening you, what will you do?"

"I don’t like to waste my time with insecure and unreasonable people. Excuse me!" Aryana turned around left.

"Damn! Bitch!" Both Lindsay and Karla cursed. They gritted their teeth and followed Aryana with their gazes.

Aryana went to the poolside to get some fresh air. She was starting to get bored but cannot leave until the event finishes. She was leisurely walking on the edge of the pool when she heard a rustle behind her. She turned around in time to see Lindsay rushing towards her at full speed.

Aryana has guessed her intention. She stepped aside and Lindsay fell into the pool with a loud splash.

"You pushed her! How dare you." Karla yelled at her at the top of her voice.

"You should go save your friend first instead of accusing me. Hurry or she might drown."

Karla get back to her senses and called for help. A server jumped into the water and rescued Lindsay.

Lindsay was angry. She wanted Jax to save her but Jax was nowhere to be found.

People inside the banquet hall heard the commotion and they went out to check what happened. Jax also went to the pool area.

"What happened?" Jax asked Aryana.

"She rushed towards me like she would push me into the water. I dodged and she fell into the water instead." Aryana explained.

"She is lying. I saw her pushed Lindsay into the water." Karla said while pointing her finger at Aryana. Since Lindsay’s plan to push her failed, Karla tried to push the blame to Aryana instead.

Lindsay who was already out of the water and wearing a coat cried. She held Jax by the wrist.

"She pushed me. We had an unpleasant exchange earlier. I didn’t know that she was a vengeful and vicious woman." Lindsay’s voice sounded very pitiful.

"You are pathetic." She said aloud. ’What a good actress!’ Aryana silently applauded her.

"Is what she is saying true?"

"Jax! How can you not believe me? I am the victim here. Are you standing up for this viscous woman?" Lindsay asked him in an aggrieved tone.

Jax ignored Lindsay and looked at Aryana eagerly looking at her rebuttal.

"I have already explained myself earlier. I did not push her. She is the viscous one and intended to harm me fortunately I was able to sense her motives and dodged her attack in time. If I haven’t done so, then I was the one who fell into the water."

Aryana looked at Jax meaningfully.

"I don’t know her so I don’t understand why she bear a grudge on me. I think it is related to you."

Jax narrowed his eyes and looked at Lindsay. Lindsay cowered and shivered.

"Is what she is saying true?" Jax asked in a stern voice.

Karla saw Lindsay hesitating.

"I am a witness. I saw her pushed Lindsay."

"Are you sure Karla? There are cameras here and we can look at the recording." Aryana arched her eyebrows and challenged Karla.

"I..." Karla panicked.

"Enough! Since Lindsay fell into the water because of her own doing, let us end this farce now." Jax announced.

The crowd slowly dispersed.

"Jax don’t you care about Lindsay any more Why are treating her like this? Why are you standing up for that bitch?"