The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 92: She Felt Insignificant

Chapter 92: She Felt Insignificant

As the night became deeper, the banquet hall started filling up with people. Aryana saw Erik’s grandfather, his parents, uncles and cousins entered the banquet hall one by one. There were also the children of the Lopezes and the big shots from different businesses and entertainment industry.

Aryana realized how impressive the family background of the Lopezes were and how much importance they had given Cassie by hosting such a high profile banquet for her. Aryana suddenly felt how insignificant she was for Erik. She felt a bit down and inferior.

"My father was right Miss Jones. Indeed you are a rare treasure and I’m glad you signed up with us." Clark’s magnetic voice beside her pulled her back to reality.

She smiled. "Your father was exaggerating Mr. Ham."

"Just call me Clark. We haven’t been introduced formally." He extended his hand to Aryana and when she grasped it, he brought it to his mouth and kiss it lightly. Aryana retracted her hand casually.

"Hi Aryana. Hi cousin. Can I share the table with you?" It was Antonio Lopez.

"Your family is seated over there." Clark pointed with his lips.

"They will be talking about boring stuff. I’ll be discussing business with you." Antonio was talking to Clark but his eyes were on Aryana. She was dressed elegantly tonight.

"Mind if I take a selfie?" Without warning, he leaned towards Aryana and snapped a photo.

There was a commotion on the banquet hall entrance. Cassie Lopez, the Star of the Night has arrived.

Aryana looked towards the entrance and there stood Cassie in a lavishly decorated red ball gown. Her hair was done in a neat updo with a few strands curled and left hanging to frame her exquisite face on both sides. A pair of ruby dew drop earrings were suspended from her ears and her a matching necklace was nestled on her bare chest.

She saw Erik looked towards the direction of Marlon. He frowned. He was looking for her but with the sea of people between, it would be difficult for him to see her.

Cassie was feeling ecstatic when she saw the many big shots guests that they have. She was also pleased to hear comments of what a perfect match she and Erik was. She glanced at the man beside her. He was expressionless and distracted. He was looking for someone in the crowd.

Cassie tugged at his arm then smiled at him brightly.

"Let us go. The master of ceremonies called us to go inside."

Erik lead her through the red carpet and to the VIP table in front. The audience were told to stand up and wait for Cassie and Erik to be seated first.

Erik finally saw Aryana. She was flanked by Clark and Antonio. He held her gaze for a moment and he frowned.

Marlon felt a chill down his spine. He glanced at Erik and he was throwing daggers at him with his sharp gaze.

’I am doomed.’ He cursed inwardly. ’But what can I do?’

The banquet officially started. Vicente Lopez went up the stage and beckoned for Cassie. Erik escorted her like a true gentleman.

Aryana’s heart skipped a beat. Her man was so handsome. But no matter how open minded she was, she felt a pang of jealousy in her heart. Seeing Cassie standing beside Erik in all her grandeur like a noble queen, Aryana felt so small and insignificant.

She released the breath she was holding. Like the rest of the women in the banquet hall, she cannot take her eyes off Erik.

"Good evening everyone." Vicente Lopez started. "I would like to introduce to you my Granddaughter, Cassie Lopez, born to my eldest son Hugo. She recently came back from Italy. I hope you will welcome her in your circle and support her. Thank you everyone. Enjoy the party."

His introduction was brief and straightforward. He was showing that the Lopezes were backing Cassie.

During dinner, Clark and Antonio were making small talks with Aryana. Aryana however was distracted. She could feel a pair of eyes watching her but every time she stole a glance at Erik, he was busy talking with the people in his table.

"Erik, why not make Cassie the new brand ambassador of Gaeya Corporation?" Grandpa Lee said out of the blue.

Erik paused.

"Grandpa, our sales grew by over 70%. It is unprecedented and this year’s commercials was the reason for breaking sales record."

He looked at his grandpa before carefully saying, "Why not make Cassie the brand ambassador for our companies that are not doing well?"

Grandpa Lee cleared his throat. "You are right."

The master of ceremonies announced the dance floor to be opened and requested Cassie and Erik to do the first dance. Erik led Cassie into dance the floor. While their movements were restricted because of Cassie’s ball gown, it was obvious that it wasn’t the first time they had their dance. Their movements were in sync and graceful.

Aryana felt something squeezed her heart. She wore a bright smile on her face but she was very jealous. She can’t take her eyes off the lovely couple. She has to agree that indeed Erik and Cassie was a beautiful pair.

Her eyelashes fluttered and she looked down. The music ended but a new one started playing. Couples started filling the dance floor. Two pairs of hands were outstretched in front of Aryana.

"May I have this dance?" Clark and Antonio said at the same time.

Before Aryana can do anything, Erik grabbed Aryana’s hand.

’How did he arrived so fast and where is Cassie?’ Aryana wondered.

"I’d like to have this dance with my assistant if you don’t mind." Then he led her into the dance floor.

Clark and Antonio looked at each other with a question mark on their faces.

"I thought you are dancing with Cassie." Aryana whispered.

"It is her night. It is not right for me to monopolize her. She needs to interact with the others." Aryana looked around the dance floor and noticed that Cassie was dancing with another partner.

Erik tightened his hand on her waist as he led her in dancing.

"You looked beautiful tonight. I wanted to gouge out those eyes that are ogling you." Erik leaned closer and whispered.

"You are wrong. Everyone has only eyes for Cassie." Aryana protested.

"You are blind. By the way, why are you with Clark and Antonio? Don’t you know how jealous I was?" His voice sounded hoarse.

"Clark asked me to join their table as he said he did not have the chance to welcome me."

On the middle of dance floor, Cassie was all smiles to the man who was dancing with her but her eyes were secretly trained on Erik and Aryana who were dancing gracefully and looking intimate.

Her fingers curled and dugged the flesh of her palm.

’Vixen!’ She cursed.