29 Masquerade 2 (1/2)

Samantha helped Daniel replace his bowtie and the cufflinks on his dress shirt. She was so happy that they get to dress up like a couple today. Daniel noticed this and he can't help but feel content as well.

When Daniel's Maybach parked in front of the venue, there were already reporters and journalists outside with cameras in their hand waiting for the guests to come. They hoped to get a scoop on this spectacular event, after all, it's the Cho Corporation's 50th anniversary.

When Samantha saw the media outside, her hands began to tremble. She didn't know how her anxiety started back when she was younger but she really disliked being in the limelight like this. When she sees a swarm of cameras and reporters, she would feel uncomfortable. That's why she'd often choose to avoid them by going in late or through a different entrance. This time though, she wanted to stand beside Daniel. Although most of the guests aren't wearing their masks yet, Samantha already had hers on.

Daniel noticed Samantha shaking and looking pale, so he immediately held her hands and comforted her, ”Hey, it's okay... you don't have to be scared. I'm here with you.”. He knew how Samantha had always wanted to keep herself away from the media but this is the first time that he saw her very agitated. He wondered what made her feel like this.

Samantha calmed down a little and then she nodded.

Daniel opened the door from his side and got out. As soon as the journalists saw him got out of his car, they focused their cameras toward him and started asking questions. But Daniel just ignored all of them, he fixed his tux first and then held out his hand to assist Samantha out of his car. His actions looked so natural.

Everyone was stunned to see the scene in front of them, never have they seen the CEO of Cho Corporation with a date when he attended events before, especially not one who looked so glamorous. All the reporters and journalists were surprised, shutter sounds from the cameras were heard everywhere.

When Samantha got out of the car, Daniel hooked her arm through his and held her hand in place. He led her towards the entrance of the hotel walking down the red carpet while disregarding the questions being thrown at them.

”President Cho, who is your date?”

”Is she your girlfriend?”

”It's the first time that you brought a date with you, what's your relationship with her?”

Samantha held onto Daniel's arm tightly, she stiffened and clenched her teeth; afraid that he would let go of her.

”You're doing great.”, Daniel whispered reassuringly.

This simple reminder made her relax a little.

When they entered, they didn't go inside the event hall yet, instead, they stayed in the resting lounge and waited.

”Are you okay?”, Daniel asked worriedly.

Daniel felt like this strange reaction of hers was a little too weird for someone who's an Independent and strong woman. But even so, he did not overlook, he made sure to make her feel better.

”They don't know you... You don't have to worry. I won't leave you.”

At the event hall, there were hundreds of people comprised of company employees, executives, partners, and some family friends. Good thing that the venue was huge enough to house everyone. The party hasn't officially started yet but everyone was already having a good time with the music and entertainment going on. It was very festive. The ambiance made the guests feel like they were really there to have a great time.

Assistant Ahn who was busy helping out the organizers, was called by one of the production staff,

”Assistant Ahn, has President Cho arrived?”

”Yes, he's currently at the resting lounge.”