On the evening of February 28th, Henry attended a charity gala.
This charity gala was organized by California Governor Ted Lynch in collaboration with several well-known charities, and Henry felt obliged to support the Governor.
The event was held on the top floor of the San Francisco Hilton Hotel, the most opulent and stylish location within the hotel! Naturally, a male attendee like Henry needed to bring a female companion. He chose to bring Helen Wheeler, who had been somewhat neglected lately as Henry immersed himself in corporate acquisitions. Thus, this charity gala was the perfect opportunity for them to relax together and rekindle their connection.
Helen dressed exceptionally elegantly and glamorously for the evening. When Henry saw her, he could scarcely believe she was Helen Wheeler! She wore a white, figure-hugging evening gown that accentuated her curves. The bare skin of her back appeared as smooth as silk, and Henry couldn't help but feel drawn to it! The gown was topped with a sheer layer of white fabric, lending her an ethereal appearance reminiscent of a fairy. A white ribbon cinched at the waist added a playful touch, emphasizing her lovely silhouette. The neckline was daring, drawing attention to her curves, almost as if they might spill out!
"Why did you choose to wear such a revealing outfit tonight?" Henry asked, glancing at the enticing details of Helen's attire and shaking his head.
Helen lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing. "Do you not like it?" she asked nervously. She had been excited about attending the gala with Henry, especially after he had been so preoccupied with work. Helen had worried he might not be interested in her anymore! Therefore, when choosing her outfit, she had consulted many friends on how to catch a man's eye. Some had suggested that being alluring and dressing attractively would be the way to do so. Taking this to heart, Helen decided on a strapless dress that hugged her curves.
"No, I actually really like it!" Henry replied as he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her soft waist, signaling to any lingering admirers that she was taken.
Leaning into Helen's ear, he whispered, "But a dress this sexy will undoubtedly draw unwanted attention from others! So, you'll have to save it for home from now on!"
"Hmm..." Helen whispered softly, her face turning even redder.
With the beautiful woman in his arms, Henry felt contemplative and leaned in to kiss her earlobe, whispering sweetly, "Helen, I'll be sixteen soon, and when that happens, you'll move in with me!"
Helen's face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple, and she felt an involuntary urge to hide! She quickly lowered her head and held on tightly to the edge of her dress, feeling both flattered and nervous. "He wants to live with me!" Helen's heart raced at the thoughts of what living together might entail!
Henry smiled and said, "Well, if you don't object, it seems you're okay with my plan. On my birthday, you're moving in! Do you remember when my birthday is?"
"I-I remember..." Helen stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, but fortunately, Henry was close enough to hear clearly.
Henry felt a sudden rush of warmth within himself as he processed what she would be doing on his birthday.
Then, Henry and Helen made their way into the Hilton Hotel.
John Chambers had arrived early, accompanied by his wife, and it was Henry's first time meeting her.
"Mr. Williams, allow me to introduce my wife, Ellen," Chambers said.
"Ms. Ellen, a pleasure to meet you!" Henry smiled as he greeted her. "I had no idea that Chambers had such a young and beautiful wife!"
"Henry, you flatter me! I'm actually forty-five, but thank you for the compliment!" Ellen replied with a graceful smile.
Chambers' wife, Ellen, exuded poise and elegance. Despite her age, she looked like a woman in her thirties!
"Ms. Ellen, you're exceptionally well-maintained!" Henry remarked with a grin.
At that moment, a few people nearby took notice and began to whisper among themselves, "Look at that young man! What's his connection to John Chambers? They're quite chummy!"
"I can't quite figure it out—it feels mysterious!"
"Is it just me, or does it seem like John Chambers is trying to impress him?!"
"Come on, there's no way. Why would Chambers be trying to impress that kid?"
In the hall, an increasing number of people became aware of Henry and his company, prompting him to chuckle wistfully. "Chambers, your reputation precedes you! Just standing next to you seems to make me the center of attention. By the way, has Gilli Hutt arrived yet?"
"Gilli Hutt came early but might have ducked into the bathroom," John Chambers replied with a sly smile, though he didn't elaborate further.
Henry was taken aback, but he didn't press the issue and instead led Helen elsewhere. As soon as he stepped away from John Chambers, he noticed many people approaching Chambers, eager to flatter him! Chambers was swiftly surrounded, navigating through endless conversations and pleasantries.
"Brother, it's better to stay low-key," Henry muttered to himself, sympathetic toward John Chambers' plight.
A passing waiter caught Henry's eye, prompting him to order two fruit drinks—an orange-flavored one for Helen and one flavored with apples for himself. Halfway through their drinks, Henry saw Gilli Hutt emerge from the bathroom, flushed and panting as if he'd been engaged in some strenuous activity, his hair tousled.
"What kind of bathroom break was that?" Henry wondered in disbelief.
Then, as Hutt approached, Henry spotted a distinct trace of lipstick on his neck! Henry was momentarily speechless—so this was what Chambers had been smirking about!
"Gilli, where's your female companion?" he asked knowingly.
"Oh, she's in the bathroom!" Hutt replied.
"Were you in the men's room or the women's?" Henry teased, amused at his friend's transparency.
Jilli Hutt caught on to Henry's jest and laughed awkwardly, "Well, you know I can't keep secrets from you, but I'll admit I had a little fun just before coming out. She's still inside!"
"Why don't you just ask her to come out?" Henry chuckled, shaking his head at Hutt's antics.
"Okay, I'll get her out now," Hutt responded, disappearing back into the restroom. Moments later, he emerged with a stunning woman in a revealing black sheer gown. As Henry squinted to get a better view, he felt a jolt of recognition—this was Juliet Roberts, the famous actress!
"Wow, Gilli Hutt, you've outdone yourself!" Henry exclaimed.