Chapter 3：Masquerade

The next morning, Brione's team boarded the private plane that would directly take them to Perdu Private Island. She had never heard of it before, probably because the Royal family wanted to keep it private and sacred. The journey to the island would take them almost seven hours time.

While she made herself comfortable in her seat, her mobile phone beeped and she smiled seeing that it was from her sister-in-law Luo.

[Enjoy your trip and make sure to have fun Brione. Don't forget to bring us souvenirs!! By the way here's a cute send-off from your nephew-]

"He's a carbon copy of my big brother when he was still a kid. So cute…" she whispered, adoring the picture of the little baby smiling brightly in the picture.

Soon the flight started to take off.

She was not in the best mood so she tried to pass her time by reading Gavin's diary but soon fell asleep during the flight because she was tired. Mitch woke her up again when the plane was about to land to enjoy the magnificent view.

"I'm sorry for waking you up but you have to see the view. It's so gorgeous that I didn't want you to miss it," Mitch apologetically said.

She smiled and was indeed mesmerized at the breathtaking view from her window. She had never really traveled for pleasure all her life and her tours had mostly been for work. She had been to various places and seen the most scenic views but it was the first time she was awed by the breathtaking beauty of such a clear aerial view of the island.

She was enchanted by the luxury water villas, powder sandbanks, and coral reefs fanning out all around the crystal clear azure waters.

"It's so beautiful," she whispered and continued admiring it. As soon as the plane landed, she came down and was immediately greeted by a fleet of staff who were there to welcome her.

They all greeted her very warmly with a sweet smile and admiration for her was clearly shown in their eyes. They had even arranged a short presentation informing about their indigenous culture such as their unique greeting which was actually a dance with the island's local costume.

"Oh my God. You're truly as gorgeous as we had heard and seen in the pictures, you indeed are a Goddess Miss Brione," the manager of the place, who introduced herself as Manager Ruth, commented as they walked towards the car.

Brione smiled at her exaggeration. She was a very approachable and friendly superstar who often allowed her fans to take a few pictures with her when requested. Seeing how the staff waited and anticipated her arrival she was touched by their hospitality.

She was an international superstar who was known worldwide for being exceptional in singing, dancing, and acting, so it was no surprise that she encountered fans on this deserted island as well.

She could also understand the local dialect of the island although it was mandatory for the residents to speak the world language since the people on the island were working for the Royal family. She in particular knew five different languages aside from the world language.

"You will all stay in the Perdu Castle as per the Princes' orders. As you're all his responsibility, he wanted to keep your arrival confidential to avoid other guests from pestering you since you're a worldwide sensation. We hope you enjoy your stay here Miss Brione!" Manager Ruth explained inside the car.

"Oh, that's so thoughtful of him. I'm curious though, is he really very handsome?" Berry could not help from interrupting, making the manager chuckle.

But the manager shook her head helplessly and said, "I'm sure you are all tired after the long journey, so you should take some rest. As soon as we reach the Palace, I will show you to your respective rooms where you can relax and freshen up. And Miss Berry, you will meet the Prince at the masquerade ball later in the evening so you will know the answer to your question by then."

Brione remained quiet as she stared out the window of the car, it was a refreshing sight, to see the luscious pine trees on the side of the road that compelled her to wonder, 'How nice would it be to take a long walk there later.'

The car crossed a bridge and Brione could see the stone castle of Perdu Island. The outside looked ancient but majestic.

"The castle was actually restored and remodeled. Inside, it has all the modern amenities and facilities that one can think of," Manager Ruth explained.

They soon arrived at the door and were escorted to their respective rooms. Brione relaxed for a while and then forced herself to get ready for the masquerade ball when it was almost time.

"Ugh!! I don't like masquerade balls at all. How am I supposed to see the gorgeous faces and hunt for a good man in the party if all of them are hiding their faces with a mask?!" Berry whined and complained while she assisted Brione with her dress.

"Wow, you really look like a Goddess Boss!! How come your body is so perfect!" Berry gasped, admiring the beauty in front of her.

The party was a modern masquerade ball so they wore a gown. Brione wore a breathtaking couture gown fit for an ice queen that made her sapphire eyes more attractive.

Her body was voluptuous and the dress hugged her in all the right places. Berry arranged Brione's ash gray hair in an effortless half updo with soft waves. Her make-up was light as well since Brione did not like to put heavy make-up. She did not need it anyway as she naturally had healthy and good-looking skin.

Brione chuckled, already used to the over-dramatic ways of Berry. Berry definitely knows how to make a good impression with her flattery.

She grabbed her silver masquerade mask and put it on when Mitch knocked on the door along with the manager who came to pick her up.

"The Prince will be a bit late to the party as he got caught up in an important meeting. He asked me to make sure that you guys have fun and enjoy this yearly event in Perdu Palace." Manager Ruth, who was also in costume, informed.

Just like always, Brione effortlessly caught the attention of everyone at the party as soon as she stepped in. Many men tried to flirt with her and ask her for a dance but she refused to dance with anyone and focused on eating the delectable dinner served at their table instead.

"Life is so unfair, right guys? Look at Boss! How come she never gains weight no matter how much she eats?" Berry complained nuzzling her lips towards Brione who was in her own world, enjoying every dish on the table.

Mitch chuckled and said, "She works out regularly Berry, and she also has good metabolism. Not everyone is blessed with it. Eating non-stop without getting fat…"

As soon as Brione was done eating she took a sip of water and patted her stomach lightly feeling full and satisfied. Upon seeing a few men waiting to approach her, probably to ask her for a dance again, she sneaked out of the ballroom before they had a chance as she was not in the mood to dance at all.

She was walking down the hallway taking long strides when she paused and walked down the stairs because she spotted a beautiful garden just outside the palace. She had wanted to take a walk ever since she saw those pine trees, so she did not miss this chance. Unknown to her, she had caught the attention of a pair of deep eyes who was looking at her not far from where she was.

That man was about to head inside the ballroom but halted when his eyes fell on her lovely face. With a smirk, he turned around and walked down the stairs to follow her.