“To what do I owe this fortuitous calling, Ms. Starr?” Yanni's delicate palm relinquished my hand. “It is Miss?” He added, looking up at Jack.

  “It is.” Natalya cut in coldly, storming up, her dress blotched, but slightly dried. “You just simply can't trust the help with getting you proper drink anymore,” she scowled at me.

  “Ah,” Yanni said, his eyes bouncing back and forth scrutinizing the group,

  “I see.” His eyes fell back upon me, fawning.

  “I called on you,” I jumped in, “to not only thank you on behalf of my employers, but for your grand impact on the community.”

  Jack rested a hand on my shoulder, and nodded, while pulling Natalya in to his side by the waist, much to my dissatisfaction.

  “The arts play an immeasurable role in our community, and we're so very gracious that the three of you are able to lend a hand...” Yanni glowed. “In fact, we should be thanking donors like you...Mr. And Mrs...?”

  “Robert Dalton,” Jack extended his hand amiably.

  Yanni accepted with his own. “And the Mrs. Dalton?” He continued, turning his gaze at Natalya, before offering her a hand as well.

  “Tasi,” she stated abruptly, snatching a glass of champagne from a loaded serving tray nearby.

  Yanni slowly retreated his hand after realizing it would not be received.

  “How long have you been working for Charades, Mr. Svensson?” I charged back in.

  “Yanni,” he smiled, “Mr. Svensson was my Mother,” he laughed with an affectionate twinkle in his eye.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “Yanni,” I corrected, playfully touching his arm and laughing with him over-expressively.

  “Eight years, or so. Met plenty of wonderful people who've changed my life...and the lives of others, unimaginably so.”

  “How'd you come into such a charitable opportunity?” Jack followed up.

  “Luck had it,” Yanni affirmed,” and having some good friends,” he smirked.

  “Would there be any way to get involved in the cause?” Jack asked.

  Yanni stiffened up. “Uh, that might prove more difficult than one would think.”

  “No one to even speak with about such an opportunity?”

  “I really don't think so,” Yanni said, his face writhing slightly. “They're pretty full as is.”

  “I'd be willing to pay quite an entrance fee, even for a conversation. A foot in the door.”

  Yanni wrung his hands together, as he looked around sheepishly.

  “Perhaps,” Jack said, reaching into his inner breast pocket, while the guards around Yanni seized up and stepped forward in attention. “Seven figures worth,” Jack continued, pulling out a checkbook, causing the guards to relax slightly. “Would that be enough of a donation for just a brief chat?”

  Yanni sighed in relief. “No need to take that out here, Mr. Dalton.”

  “My friends call me Robert. We're friends, right?” Jack's expression warmed. “Besides, it's a benefit. Why not throw around a little pocket change,” Jack chuckled exuberantly.

  Yanni's hard lined expression softened. “That is true, Robert.” Yanni's eyes searched around suspiciously. “There actually is someone else here. Kenzo Nanamin, one of our higher ups. He's arriving for the auction.”

  Suddenly, a staffer hustled up briskly behind Yanni, and whispered for several moments in his ear.

  Yanni groaned, waiting in thought as the staffer disappeared just as quickly as she'd arrived.

  “What seems to be the problem, Yanni?” I asked.

  “Well, one of our auction pieces wasn't able to make it...her plane was delayed in Barcelona.”

  “Her?” My ears perked up in confusion.

  “Yes, an evening with Sansa Peguero.”

  “The model!?”

  “That's right, our big ticket item...gone.” Yanni rubbed his forehead in frustration. “Nanamin-san will not be pleased. He was looking to bid himself.” Yanni crossed his arms in a huff. “You'll have to excuse me, I must attend--”

  “Wait,” Natalya spoke up. “Perhaps we have a replacement to offer you?” Natalya pushed me forward.

  “Huh!?” I choked out. “Me?”

  Yanni scratched his chin furtively. “It Just might work. Maybe Nanamin-san will speak with you about membership for even the chance to dine with such a beauty.”

  “Wait,” I said, “I'm no model!”

  “Prove yourself,” Natalya whispered in my ear, a sardonic grin dancing across her lips.

  Jack looked on, his mouth agape.

  “That's where you're wrong,” Yanni said, reaching and grabbing my wrists, leading. “Come, let's get you ready for the auction!”