Free Web NovelChapter 44: The Slap Heard Across the Gala
Luca Hale’s arrival at the charity gala didn’t attract much attention at first.
Naomi Monroe, however, was a different story.
The moment she entered the ballroom beside him, countless eyes drifted in their direction. Her elegant purple evening gown, paired with her calm and confident demeanor, made her stand out effortlessly among the crowd. Some younger guests quickly recognized her as the streamer who had recently dominated the rankings on Twist, but few dared approach.
Anyone capable of attending an event of this level understood one thing: Naomi wasn’t alone.
Walking arm-in-arm with her was a young man whose identity clearly wasn’t ordinary.
As they made their way through the ballroom, Luca felt a faint ache stir again in the lower left side of his back.
It wasn’t nearly as painful as the sharp stab he’d experienced earlier.
’Probably just muscle strain.’
He adjusted his posture slightly and chose to ignore it for the time being.
"Big Bro Luca, what paddle number did they give you?" Austin Silva asked curiously.
Only then did Luca glance at the invitation card in his hand.
"Number seven."
"Number seven?!"
Austin nearly snatched the card from him.
After confirming the number for himself, he let out a slow breath.
His father’s company was one of the largest building materials suppliers in San Fierro, yet their paddle number was only twenty-five. Anyone seated in the single digits wasn’t an ordinary guest.
Austin looked at Luca again, suddenly realizing he might have underestimated him.
Naomi remained linked to Luca’s arm as they followed an attendant toward the front row. Their arrival immediately drew curious glances from nearby business executives and charity officials.
The first ten seats were typically reserved for the most influential guests in attendance.
Yet Luca looked younger than most of the heirs sitting farther back.
Naturally, people began speculating about his background.
"Mr. Hale, I didn’t expect to see you here."
A familiar voice sounded from behind.
Luca turned and smiled.
"Director Brooks."
Miss Brooks had traded her professional business attire for a sophisticated evening gown. The tailored silk dress highlighted her mature figure, making her stand out in her own right among the guests.
When her gaze landed on Naomi, a look of understanding flashed through her eyes.
So that was why Luca had remained so restrained during their previous encounter.
With someone like Naomi by his side, it was no surprise he hadn’t shown much interest in other women.
Throughout her years in the corporate world, Miss Brooks had only encountered two women who could leave such an impression. One was Naomi.
The other was Vivienne.
"Did your company receive an invitation as well?" Luca asked.
Miss Brooks shook her head with a smile.
"Not me. A sales director isn’t important enough for an event like this. Chairwoman Vivienne asked me to attend on her behalf."
Luca nodded.
"That makes sense."
Despite Octaveo Pharmaceutical’s internal struggles, it remained one of the city’s most influential pharmaceutical companies. Vivienne receiving an invitation was hardly surprising. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Unfortunately, someone else decided to join the conversation.
"Director Brooks, do you know this beautiful lady?"
A loud voice interrupted from beside her.
A short young man dressed in flashy designer clothing stepped forward, staring openly at Naomi. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
The moment the young man, Tristan Caldwell saw her, he felt like attending tonight’s gala had finally been worth it.
He had only come because his father forced him to.
Now he had discovered a woman who rivaled even Vivienne in his eyes.
His father was still fighting for control of Octaveo Pharmaceutical, and winning Vivienne over would take time. Until then, Tristan saw no reason not to pursue another beauty who had caught his attention.
As for Luca?
Tristan barely acknowledged his existence.
He didn’t recognize Luca from any of San Fierro’s elite social circles, so he immediately dismissed him as some fortunate pretty boy.
The moment Tristan appeared, Miss Brooks felt her stomach drop.
She had completely forgotten this nuisance was part of the delegation accompanying her tonight.
Tristan’s reputation throughout the industry was infamous.
He chased women aggressively, relied on his family’s influence to get what he wanted, and discarded people the moment they stopped entertaining him.
"Hello, beautiful."
Tristan flashed what he believed was a charming smile.
"My name is Tristan Caldwell. My father is the General Manager of Octaveo Pharmaceutical."
He stepped directly in front of Naomi.
Confident.
Smug.
Certain that his family name alone would impress her.
Naomi didn’t even look at him.
Instead, she calmly leaned her head against Luca’s shoulder.
Luca wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Heh."
Tristan’s expression darkened instantly.
In his mind, he had already claimed Naomi the moment he saw her.
Watching her openly ignore him while cuddling another man felt like a direct insult.
"Miss, did you not hear what I said? Let me explain who I am again..."
Before he could continue, Luca slowly turned his head.
His gaze was cold.
"Do you always talk this much?"
The entire row seemed to go quiet.
"Nobody here cares who you are. Sit down and shut up."
Tristan froze.
Then his face turned red with fury.
"Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?!"
He slammed a hand onto the armrest and shot to his feet.
Truthfully, he had already wanted an excuse to deal with Luca.
Now Luca had handed him one.
Luca looked up at him calmly.
"Who am I?"
A faint sneer appeared on his lips.
"If I said I could have you removed from this ballroom right now, would your tiny brain be capable of believing it?"
If not for Miss Brooks, Luca would have already thrown this idiot out himself.
Miss Brooks hurriedly grabbed Tristan’s sleeve.
"Young Master Caldwell, please sit down!"
She turned toward Luca with visible panic.
"Mr. Hale, I’m terribly sorry. Please forgive him."
Then she looked back at Tristan.
"This is Mr. Luca Hale, the owner of the entire Kanda Hospital network!"
The moment she revealed Luca’s identity, several nearby guests looked over in surprise.
Even Tristan paused briefly.
Feeling Naomi gently tug at his sleeve, Luca’s expression softened slightly.
For Miss Brooks’s sake, he was willing to let the matter go.
Unfortunately, Tristan clearly lacked the intelligence to recognize an opportunity when he saw one.
He pointed a finger directly at Luca.
"So you’re Luca Hale?!"
His eyes blazed with anger.
"You’re the bastard backing Vivienne! You’re the reason that contract was restored! I’ve been looking for a chance to settle accounts with you for a long time!"
The final word had barely left his mouth.
SMACK!
The sharp sound echoed across the VIP section.
Tristan’s head snapped sideways.
A bright red handprint instantly appeared on his face.
