64 CHAPTER 64: 'sWho are you and what do you need from me?”

Ethan also received the invitation from Mr. Salemander for the masquerade party. He had been hosting a masquerade party for his charity organizations. His charity organization was vast; it does not only cover the anti- cancer movement but he also supported the free education in South Africa. That's why he usually hosted masquerade party every year as he invited his fellow business partners for support.

Ethan only showed once but he made sure to donate every year. Ethan didn't plan to join this year's party but Aisha pestered him every minute so he gave in.

"Do you have something to wear for tonight's party?" Ethan asked Aisha.

"Don't have one yet. Lisa and I will do shopping later." She smiled confidently.

"Should I be nervous for both of you?" Ethan teased her.

"Yah! Just so you wait! I'll flip that masquerade ball upside down!" she yelled as she glared at him. Ethan chuckled.

"Okay, Okay. I trust your taste of fashion." He laughs mockingly. He was fixing his hair since he will be meeting a new investor today.

"By the way, you don't have to fetch us tonight. We'll be there before it begins"

"Okay. you said so." He stood up and planted a quick kiss on her lips.

"I'm going. Take care." Then he exited the room.

Aisha called Lisa after Ethan left. They talked about the things they will do in preparation for the party. They did a little research about Mr. Salemander and the party he usually hosted. They found out that it's not just a mere party. It was actually more of a gathering of almost all business men in the country. Well, this is a good opportunity for them. It's like hitting two birds at the same time!

After some hours of planning, Aisha talk to Eli, letting him know that they will be coming home very late. Eli understood. It's not the first time they came home late anyway. Eli, in his young age understood his parents work so he didn't bother them. He gave them the assurance that he can manage himself.

"Bye Mom, bye aunt Lisa!" Eli waved a sweet goodbye.

Aisha and Lisa drove directly to the white lotus store. they decided to prepare themselves in there. Some of the staffs there recognized Stacy—their old workmate. They were wondering why a mere saleslady before would go to that expensive store. and also they were catered to the VIP room! just what the hell is happening? Some of the staffs started to gossip.

"Maybe she found a rich man?" Other says,

"Or maybe she found a sugar daddy instead," someone said bitterly.

"But with her beauty, it's not impossible for her to find a wealthy man." Other said.

Rumors spread quickly like an epidemic. They didn't have any idea that she was their chief manager.

The stylist didn't have a hard time fixing Aisha and Lisa since they only need light make-up on them. He also helped them chose the dress for the party. They have to take good care of them since they have the exclusive black VIP card. It only means that these clients are priceless.

The stylist picked a black laced evening gown for Aisha and for Lisa, the white laced evening gown will definitely suit her. after an hour, the two came out catching the attention of the staffs and some of the onlookers. Some grasped their breaths.

"Whoa! They look like a celebrity. No! they would definitely stand out better!"

"Are they celebrities or model perhaps? Why haven't I seen them before?"

"I don't know, maybe they are new?"

Chitchats can be heard everywhere. But the two confidently exited the store after they paid for their dresses as well as the professional services rendered by the stylists. Then they headed to where Aisha's car parked. They usually don't care about their surroundings.

Unknown to them, a curious paparazzi where following them from behind taking stolen pictures all the time. The man definitely recognized the woman wearing a black evening gown. She is definitely the wife of the great CEO.

Aisha look at her watch; they still have more than an hour to reach the masquerade party. They both entered the car. They will be able to reach the venue within thirty minutes, hope there wouldn't be any traffic. The guy who's been following them also entered his van. He shook his partner who's been sleeping for a while. He plans to follow them.

Aisha drove past the mall; they we're having a good time talking about nonsense things while they're on their way but they need to stop due to the stop light. Once again, Aisha look at her watch, it's 8:17pm, the party will start at 9:30 at Omega-Z Hotel owned by Mr. Salemander. She is humming an unknown tune while waiting for the people to cross over. Suddenly, a black van stop at their right side. She was able to see the driver and the one on the passenger seat. Both were wearing masks.

"Seems like they will be attending a masquerade party as well." She thought.

She was looking at them. The men must have notice her so they look at her. Aisha smiled a bit but the two didn't return a smile. After some seconds, another black van stop behind the first van. Both the driver and passenger were wearing masks too. She raises her brow. She felt something odd within her. they don't even look like business men. Or perhaps their master is in inside, the one who will be attending the party. She was in deep thought that she didn't even notice the Go sign. Some cars were honking at her already.

"Hey!" Lisa shook Aisha who's in daze.

"Oh, sorry!" she chuckled then she started driving. Her eyes shifted from the road to the rear mirror. The two black vans were still following them. She was thinking deep when she saw a crossroad. The one in the right side will lead them to the hotel, the other would lead her somewhere in the Central City. She redirected the car as she drives to the left side. Lisa's face was full of questions as she looks at the restless lady beside her.

"Aisha, is there's something wrong?" She asks. Aisha look at the rear mirror again; they are being followed positively. Aisha was looking for a way out. she can't find one.

"Lisa, can you buy me a cup of coffee. Any coffee will do. Wait for me up there." Aisha pointed the mall before them. "I think there is a coffee bean café inside." She added.

"Okay." Lisa look at her watch, they still have at least an hour before the party.

"I'll come to you as soon as I found a parking space." She smiled. Lisa smiled back then she went inside the mall. Aisha's eyes were fixed at her friend until she can't see her anymore. She made sure that no one followed her. as soon as she thinks her friend was safe, she drives down the parking lot. She can't see the van, but she has to make sure so she took her handgun and her Damascus steel and hides it under her leg. It's just in case of emergency anyway.

She's about to exit the parkway when she suddenly halted. She steps backward slowly, looking intently at the men before her. There were at least ten of them. At least they weren't armed.

"Who are you? And what do you need from me?" she asks with a dangerous tone.