I take a deep breath and look back at Charlotte who's gestering with her one hand to go on. I look at the ballroom and loudly clear my throat while tapping the nail on my flute to get everyone's attention. 
"Can I have everyone's attention?" 
I always thought characters in a book to be immortal, or untouchable. Right now, I wish I could be a character in a book because standing on this stage in the most vulnerable state of having my breast on display in a dress and front of clear-view long windows, I feel like I'm about to get assassinated. 
As I've asked, the ballroom's music cuts off; everyone starts to stop their conversations to turn their heads at me. 
"Thank- thank you." Shit, stuttering's going to be the death of me, "Before we start, I'd like to thank you all for coming out for this year's charity hosted by yours truly, Mr. Lockhart." I lift my glass towards Mr. Lockhart and some class while others stare at him. Mr. Lockhart smiles and lifts his glass back. "And let's give a big thank you to Mr. Winters for letting us use his gorgeous ballroom for this evening." I raise my flute to James Winters- who almost everyone claps immediately.
It's easy to spot him in the crowd since he's the only one not wearing a suit. Instead, he's wearing a corset like he did earlier this morning when I kissed him. That, and he's giving me a narrowed-eyed stare like Mr. W does whenever he's trying to figure me out.
"Seriously, how amazing is this ballroom? Mr. Winters, you've got to let me use this room for one of my parties," I smile while rich chuckles fill the room from my joke.
"As some of you may know, I am the lovely Evangeline Stone and will represent the Lockhart Industry as the host this evening." I stop and pause. This doesn't feel right. 
I look over at the curtains at Charlotte- a confused look across her face as to why I'm not continuing. I gesture my head for her to come onto the stage too, and a few murmurs rise from the crowd when Charlotte slowly walks on.
"But I'm not the only host as I am not the only one who made this all possible," I grab Charlotte's hand while she stares at the room full of rich people with wide eyes. "This is the beautiful Charlotte Anderson," I smile at Charlotte. "With our hard work and a big thanks again to Mr. Lockhart, together, we're able to make our show and all of this possible."
I look towards Charlotte to speak, "We don't want to keep all of you waiting, especially with all the good food and wine presented this evening," Only a few people laugh at Charlotte's joke. The rich snobs are probably used to this kind of party. "So, without speaking, let's announce the winnings of this event."
"Just a reminder, all proceeds from this ball will go to the Applewood Orphanage," I say while handing Charlotte one of the cards.
We both open our cards. My eyes freeze on my card, which tells the number one winner and how much they donated.
"In third place, Is The Chen Brothers with the donation of fifty thousand dollars!" Charlotte announces with a round of applause going around while the Brothers lift their glasses. "In second place, is Mrs. Stephanie Waltons with a whopping donation of five hundred thousand dollars!" Loud claps go on for Stephanie while she waves from the back at everyone.
She's wearing a one-color purple three-piece tuxedo with a light purple tie to match that looks gorgeous on her. She takes a sip of her flute and subtly winks at me. 
Fear strikes my spine and attacks my stomach with daggers when one question comes to me. What the fuck is the main prize? 
Mr. Lockhart picked all the prizes. The small prizes were revealed as a new car or something along the lines of what rich people already have that poor people wish they had, but the main prize; is what scares me. It was never revealed to anyone. 
Charlotte nudges my elbow and knocks me out of my daze, "The- the winner of tonight's gala and taking home the big prize is," I quickly swallow, "Mr. James Winters with a generous donation of two million dollars." Gasps sound around the room with a roar of applause.
I quickly close the card, "There you have it; the biggest donors for tonight's charity. I hope you all enjoy the party and feel free to donate more if you like- after all, it is for charity!" I speak through the applause, quickly closing off the speech.
I turn around and walk behind the curtains with my heartbeat in my ears. This doesn't affect me? Why am I so nervous and worked up over it? It's just a charity.
"Are you okay?"
I turn around towards Charlotte, "Yeah. I think." I lie.
She walks closer to me as if trying to tame a stray animal, "You froze and stuttered. You only do that when something bothers you. Is it because of this morning?" 
I wave it off, "Pfft, that? I just saw someone I knew." Which isn't a lie, I know almost everyone out there.
"You know almost everyone out there. Is this because James donated a lot, or because Mr. Winters is moved here?"
I freeze. Col- Mr. W moved here? I thought he lived in Canada where his main building is located. "Uh, yeah." Which is a half-lie. "It's affecting me a little bit."
She slides her arm through mine and smiles, "Awe, don't let it get you down, Eve. This is our night. Now, let's go dancing and party before old rich people drink all the good shit."
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-End Of Chapter 33-
Thank you so much for reading Chapter 33 Of CRASHING DOWN INTO FLAMES!
Until next time, Have an exciting game... <3