Chapter 8: The Charity Banquet

Monday afternoon, Serenity was busy arranging new books on the shelves when her phone rang.

The caller ID displayed a familiar name.

"Grandma May," Serenity answered with a smile.

"Grandma, how are you?"

"I'm wonderful, dear," Grandma May replied cheerfully.

"But I need a favor."

"Anything."

"A charity banquet is being held tomorrow evening."

"Would you attend it with Zachary?"

Serenity hesitated.

"A banquet?"

"Grandma, I don't think I belong at events like that."

"Nonsense," Grandma May laughed.

"You're my granddaughter now."

"Just wear something elegant and enjoy yourself."

"I'll think about it," Serenity replied.

"No thinking."

"That's my final decision."

Before Serenity could protest, Grandma May hung up.

Serenity couldn't help laughing.

"She's really something."

That evening, when Zachary returned home, Serenity mentioned the invitation.

"Grandma wants us to attend a charity banquet tomorrow."

Zachary paused.

He knew exactly which banquet she meant.

It was hosted every year by York Corporation.

Almost every influential family in Wiltspoon would be there.

"We'll go," he answered calmly.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Don't worry."

"You'll be fine."

The following evening...

Serenity wore a simple but elegant light blue evening dress.

She wasn't covered in expensive jewelry.

Nor did she wear designer brands.

Yet her natural beauty attracted attention the moment she entered the hotel ballroom.

"You look beautiful," Zachary said quietly.

Serenity smiled shyly.

"Thank you."

"You don't look bad yourself."

His perfectly tailored black tuxedo made him look even more handsome than usual.

Together, they walked into the grand ballroom.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.

Soft music filled the air.

Business leaders, celebrities, and politicians mingled across the luxurious venue.

Serenity suddenly felt nervous.

"There are so many important people here," she whispered.

"Relax," Zachary replied.

"Just stay beside me."

She nodded.

Across the ballroom, several executives from York Corporation noticed Zachary's arrival.

"President York is here!" one whispered.

"Who's the woman beside him?" another asked.

"His wife?"

"Impossible. The president isn't married... is he?"

Before anyone could approach, Ben quietly stepped between them.

"Mr. York requests complete discretion tonight," he said firmly.

"Pretend you don't know him."

"Understood," the executives replied immediately.

Meanwhile, Serenity admired the beautifully decorated ballroom.

"Everything is so elegant," she said.

"It must have cost a fortune."

"Probably," Zachary replied casually.

"Mr. York?"

A wealthy businessman suddenly approached.

Instinctively, he almost bowed.

Before he could greet Zachary properly, Ben appeared behind him and gave a subtle shake of his head.

The businessman immediately understood.

"Good evening... sir," he corrected himself awkwardly.

"Good evening," Zachary replied calmly.

After the man walked away, Serenity looked confused.

"Do you know him?"

"We've met through work," Zachary answered smoothly.

"Oh."

She accepted the explanation without suspicion.

Throughout the evening, similar situations happened repeatedly.

Influential guests recognized Zachary.

Every single one was quietly stopped by Ben before revealing his identity.

Serenity began noticing something unusual.

"Your coworkers seem... very respectful toward you," she observed.

"My boss expects professionalism," Zachary replied.

"That's all."

Just then, the host walked onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced.

"Tonight's charity auction will begin shortly."

Applause filled the ballroom.

The first auction item was an antique painting.

"Starting bid: $50,000," the auctioneer announced.

The bidding escalated rapidly.

"$120,000!"

"$150,000!"

"$200,000!"

Serenity watched in amazement.

"People really spend this much?"

"For charity," Zachary replied.

"Sometimes generosity matters more than the price."

As the auction continued, an elderly charity organizer suddenly approached Serenity.

"Miss," she said warmly.

"Would you like to help us present flowers to tonight's largest donor?"

"Me?" Serenity asked in surprise.

"Yes. You have such a kind smile."

"Of course," Serenity replied politely.

A few minutes later, the auction concluded.

The announcer smiled brightly.

"Tonight's largest donor has contributed five million dollars."

"Please welcome..."

Serenity picked up the bouquet, waiting to congratulate the mysterious philanthropist.

Then the announcer continued.

"Mr. Zachary York."

The bouquet slipped slightly in Serenity's hands.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Slowly...

She turned her head toward the man standing beside her.

Zachary met her stunned gaze.

For the first time since their marriage...

His carefully hidden world was beginning to crack.