30 Masquerade 3 (1/2)

Samantha's handpainted masquerade mask looked stellar! The style was of black swirls and lace with a hint of gold shimmer around her eyelids. She had dramatic false lashes that made her look seductive when she blinks; it wasn't too over the top, it was just right. And on the ends of the swirls were tiny rhinestones that glisten when it catches the light. She didn't have any jewelry on her except a pair of star-stud earrings. She was dazzling.

The man on her right was equally attractive, if not more. Daniel Cho donned a black tuxedo with a shawl collar that Samantha bought her a few days ago. His navy blue bowtie that had sparkle navy blue rhinestone was noticeably a match to Samantha's gown; it had just enough shine without being too gaudy. Daniel didn't wear his mask yet so his handsome face vas visible to everyone.

All the guests admired Daniel and the lady beside him. They were a perfect match. And while everyone was in awe, a certain director looked so sour at the side. She looked at Samantha from head to toe, she was bursting with jealousy yet she couldn't help but like how Samantha looked. How awful is that? Liking and hating someone at the same time? Leah Tan must be in pain!

Daniel and Samantha walked towards the stage. He ascended the platform while Samantha remained beside Mr. and Mrs. Cho below the stage.

”You look incredible, dear.”, Mrs. Cho commented as she kissed Samantha's cheeks.

”I'm just second to you, Auntie.”

Christina Cho chuckled at Samantha's flattery.

When Daniel Cho arrived at the center, everyone went silent waiting for their leader to give his speech.

”50 years ago, Cho Corporation was founded by my grandfather...”, he started his speech with a bit of reminiscence. Everyone listened to Daniel and this made Samantha's admiration of him grow stronger. He is such a brilliant man.

Daniel didn't make his speech long, ”... I'd like to thank everyone again for celebrating this milestone with us. And to all our employees, shareholders, business partners, friends, and family, we wouldn't reach this mark if it weren't for everyone's hard work and continued commitment to Cho Corporation. I hope all of you will enjoy tonight's celebration. Cheers to 50 years, and hopefully another 50 fantastic years ahead.”, Daniel raised his champagne glass before he took a sip. Jazz music played by the live band filled the air making the people feel relaxed.

Samantha also had champagne on her hand, she turned to Daniel's parents and wished, ”Congratulations Chairman and Mrs. Cho. May you have prosperous years ahead.”

The glasses clinked, ”Thank you, Cheers to 50 years.”

When Daniel came down from the platform, he wanted to go back to Samantha but he was immediately approached by his business partners. So he had to stay with them for a while and exchanged good wishes.

Hannah and Samantha's family came over and Samantha instantly felt comfortable.

”Honey, you look amazing!”, Mrs. Kim wrapped her arms around her daughter.

”Thanks, mom. You too!”

Samantha introduced her dad to Chairman Cho, although they have heard of each other, it was the first time that they have seen each other face to face and got to interact. Surprisingly, they immediately got along with each other.

”Hey Dopey... you look... celestial.”, Seo Joon snickered.

”Are you saying, I look like an alien?”, Samantha glared at her brother.

Even Hannah laughed.

”No, you look marvelous. Like the stars in the sky. You look happy.”, her brother patted Samantha's head as he looked at her.

”Thanks... I guess.” she grinned.

”Hello, sister-in-law!”, Liam came over with a glass of wine on his hand, ”Oh! You no longer look like the goddess in gold. You're now the goddess of the stars, like Asteria or Astraea, or whatever her name is.”, he said as he raised a thumb.

”Hi Liam, meet my brother Seo Joon and my best friend, Hannah.”

Liam and Seo Joon nodded at each other, and then Liam turned to Hannah, ”Hello, Hannah. You look beautiful.”

Hannah pursed her lips, she couldn't resist Liam's charms, ”Hi... Thanks. You look nice too.”.

”Hey, how come he gets a compliment and I don't?”, Seo Joon complained.

Everyone laughed.

Several minutes later, Samantha walked towards the food table and got herself some snacks. While she ogled at the mouthwatering bite-sized food in front of her, a man approached her from behind.