Chapter 4 - The New Elite

“Cheers!”

Karina giggles as she wraps her arms around Dario's neck. They were having a mini celebration for her suceeding her father's company.

“How do you feel my love?”

Karina gets up and places a hand on her chest with a huge smile on her face. She twirled around the office with a glass of champagne in her hand.

“I feel so much joy, honey. I just can't believe it. I've waited for this moment for a very long time and now…”

Karina ran her fingers over the nameplate with her name inscribed on it. She lets out a little laugh.

“It's all mine. It feels like everything is in place. Like I have it all. Ever since that bastard was finally out of my life it was like a portal opened up! And my life was finally being put in the perfect place!”

Dario claps and stands up putting an arm around his wife's waist. He was glad to see the delight on her face. Indeed everything was going so well for them, he had taken over the company Hardin had worked in and made so much money from it that he was invited as a member of the Elite Society.

“Ah!”

Dario snaps his fingers.

“I just remembered we have a party coming up in the elite society and I have been selected to announce our newest member”

Karina gasps before hugging Dario.

“This means they finally recognise your presence to let you do it! Oh! I'm so happy! What am I going to wear? I should go shopping. I can't have those other wives look down on me!”

Dario chuckles.

“Whatever you wear I'm sure you'll look beautiful honey”

Karina smiles but it's only short-lived.

“Oh by the way, do you have any idea who it is?”

Dario sucks his teeth and shakes his head brimming with curiosity as well.

“I guess we'll find out”

…

“You look good in the suit Master”

Hardin checks the time on his Rolex watch and frowns.

“We don't have much time left. We're leaving now. Where is Layla? I still need her as my plus one”

Hardin goes down the stairs with his butler, Sebastian, closely behind him.

“She will be down in a minute”

Hardin lets out a sigh and chunks down a glass of whiskey. It should be a night he would never forget.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting sir”

Hardin watches Layla rush down the stairs in her blue evening gown looking elegant.

“You know how much I hate tardiness, Miss Hart”

“I am sorry sir”

Hardin walks away with Layla following closely behind. They get into his Lamborghini and he looks at the time on his watch.

“Tick. Tock”

Hardin says in a stoic voice as he watches the little hand on his watch tick.

“Drive”

…

The members of the elite society only contained the richest people in town. It was a society for the wealthy and one that was extremely hard to get into.

The party is filled with laughter from different elite members coming from wealth. They hosted a gathering once in a while and tonight, it was to announce the arrival of their newest member.

“Oh, Karina! Congratulations on your succession. I'm sure you were just dying to get your hands on your father's inheritance”

Karina frowns at the woman in front of her. Addison was the daughter of a wealthy family and their parents were business partners but Karina loathed Addison and her little group of friends.

With a sigh, she manages to put on a fake smile.

“Of course I am. How is your father? I heard he isn't feeling so well”

Karina spoke with a tone filled with mockery. Addison gripped the glass of champagne with so much force and a murderous look in her eyes.

“I hope he gets well soon. Without him, you're nothing”

“Excuse me?!!”

Karina chuckles.

“Karina!”

Dario's voice calls out to Karina gesturing for her to meet some guests.

“Oh, it's a pity I have to leave now. My husband is waiting for me and oh Addison?”

Addison looks up at Karina with her eyes filled with fury. If she didn't hold herself back she was ready to pounce on her within any second.

“My name is Mrs Scott. Learn to address me properly”

Karina scowls before strutting away to her husband's arm leaving a very fuming Addison.

…

“It's time”

Dario takes a nervous breath. It was the first time he would be standing on the stage and addressing everyone.

His presence would be popularly known amongst the members. It made him feel nervous and excited to have such an opportunity.

“Good evening my fellow Elites. I'm glad we were all about to get together once again to celebrate and have fun. For most of you that might not know me my name is Dario Scott. CEO of H.D Company”

The room is filled with brief claps. Karina stands with a huge smirk on her face feeling proud of her husband.

“First of all, I'd like to thank you for giving me this great opportunity to welcome our newest elite member. It is truly an honour to be selected as a member of the elite club. One that can only be a dream for many and that is why we ensure to take our time to make our members feel very special and welcomed so much that they would never forget this precious day”

An envelope is handed to him to announce the newest member.

“Now everyone, let's raise our glasses as we welcome our newest member of the elite society, Hardin Richardson!”

Cheers erupt from the guests as a figure in glasses makes his way to the podium. Dario claps and steps down as Hardin climbs the stage.

Karina grips his arm.

“I wonder who it is. Why is he wearing sunglasses at night?”

She spoke with a hint of worry in her voice. Hardin slowly takes off his glasses and smiles widely. A sudden gasp is heard from Karina and she drops her glass to the floor causing it to shatter in pieces.

It was as if she had seen a ghost.

Dario's mouth hung open as he frowned with confusion. Karina gripped Dario's arm.

“W-What the hell is going on?!”

Hardin grins widely at their reactions from the stage.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen My name is Hardin Richardson and it is with great honour that I accept your warm welcome. From today I look forward to life in the elite society. I hope we all get along”

Hardin says while keeping eye contact with a terrified Dario and Karina.

“Cheers”

Hardin raises his glass.

“Cheers!”