The car ride to the Oriental Bliss was exceptionally quiet. The two brutes in the front couldn't speak, and the people in the back had nothing to say to each other.
Jack caught Cindy looking at him a few times before shying away. Her actions made him wonder what was going on inside her head. The fact that she didn't question him about his sudden change also ate at him.
He had been with enough women to know Cindy, or any other woman for that matter, shouldn't let the things go so easily. Not unless she already knew who he was.
…is she a secret agent or something?
It didn't matter whether Jack thought of himself as the crime lord or not, for the world, he was the same.
Anna told him his old self wasn't foolish to let the world know his face, but the more Jack thought about it, the more he wondered if it was even possible.
In this day and age where technology has grown exponentially, was it possible for someone to erase their existence? Of course not.
Besides, Anna's influence was limited to New Borealis. She couldn't possibly erase Jack Miller from the face of the earth. Either way, Jack decided to keep an eye on Cindy, just in case.
Yes… It's not like I'm cheating on Anna. This is for mine and hers security.
Soon they arrived at the hotel. From the window, Jack could see cars of every luxury brand parked there. Ferrari, Audi, even Rolls-Royce.
The people of New Borealis were either millionaires or were struggling to make daily wage. There was no in-between. Jack was sure of it from what little time he had spent in the country.
Barco and Takeshi got out and opened the doors for Jack and Cindy. They escorted them to the entrance, leaving the car for the valet to deal. But before they could enter, Barco handed Jack a mask. It wasn't anything extravagant, just a plain black masquerade mask.
"What is it?" Jack asked, wearing the mask.
Barco nodded towards the gate.
Jack was a bit surprised when he noticed the glamor around the place. A literal red carpet was spread for them to walk on while paparazzi clicked photos of anything and everything in existence.
They were the reason Barco handed him a mask. It seemed they knew about such situation and had prepared accordingly for it.
Anna must have put them to it.
That was the first thought in Jack's head. Although he didn't tell her where the Gala was being held, she must have figured it out and arranged things for him.
Usually someone would feel touched by such a thoughtful gesture, but Jack could see between the lines. The mask was Anna's way of reminding him to be careful and not to reveal his identity.
"Um… this might be awkward, Miss Myers," Jack said. "It seems I have to wear this mask."
"Not at all! I completely understand!"
Jack expected Cindy to show some resistance. After all, she invited him to use their joint beautiful appearances to establish industry contacts. However, to his surprise, Cindy was fine with it. It deepened his doubts about her.
The more Jack thought he knew her, the more he realized that wasn't the case.
Meanwhile, Cindy was lost in her own world.
Jack must be someone influential, for even the paparazzi to recognize him. No wonder he wants to hide his identity. I'm not worthy to be by his side right now, but I'll work hard to change that!
[Target: Cindy Myer's affection +2%]
[Current Affection: 59%]
[$200 was added to the card.]
[Current Balance: $934,899]
It increased again?
Jack frowned, looking at Cindy, who was still cooking up random scenarios in her head.
Just what is going on inside your head, Myers.
—x—
Jack was too engrossed in trying to figure out what was inside Cindy's head that he didn't notice the woman watching him from the rooftop garden.
"So she's the one I should thank for bringing him back," Anna said.
The place she wanted Jack to come to was the same gala. She would have forced him to come with her if he was going some place else. But didn't, since she knew only one Gala was being hosted in the city.
As for the mask, it wasn't some elaborate plan. She was wearing one, so it was only right for her estranged fiance to wear one as well.
Just then, a woman walked up to her, handing a tablet to her. Anna didn't care about cleanliness when it came to women. That's why she had female personnel around her, a rule that she only broke when inside the mansion or dealing with Jack's affairs.
The tablet showed Cindy's photograph, as well as all the information regarding her. Although they weren't together for now, Anna had to protect Jack from trouble. And that's what she was doing.
"Cindy Myers… show me how special you are."
—x—
Some time later…
Jack and Cindy walked hand in hand. It was something she suggested it, and he agreed, for the sake of rewards, of course.
[Side quest Complete: Ultimate Confidence]
[Task: Enter a room of influential people and gain their attention while having the least influence yourself.]
[Reward: 100 EP]
[Current EP: 200]
It's a decent reward for doing nothing.
As for why everyone had their attention on Jack, well, it was because of the incident on the red carpet.
—x—
A few minutes ago…
"Jack… it would help me gain some exposure if we get some photographs…"
"Sure, tonight, I'll do whatever you want."
Cindy smiled and practically dragged him before the cameras. Their funky and playful nature caught the attention of the paparazzi, who went berserk, clicking pictures left and right.
Besides, it was Cindy's first public appearance since the fiasco involving her former studio, so they were excited to know more about what she had been up to, as well as who was the mystery man beside her.
However, through the flashes, Jack noticed someone familiar heading their way. It was one of Cindy's former crewmates, carrying a glass of red wine.
Tsk, such a childish move.
Jack had seen countless cringe movies and series to know what was about to happen. The man wanted to spill the wine on her dress to sabotage her night. That was the guy's elaborate revenge scheme.
It seemed the man didn't recognize Jack behind the mask. The crewmate most likely thought Jack was someone Cindy hired as a companion and wouldn't stick his neck out to protect her.
The man wasn't wrong, either. Jack didn't stick his neck out for Cindy, but his leg.
He was too absorbed at ruining Cindy's night, and didn't see Jack's leg. He tripped and fell as the wine was spilled all over his own expensive suit.
"Woah, the wine here must be strong," Jack said, looking at Barco. "Please take of this gentleman. He's drunk off his rocks."
"Y-You!"
The man couldn't see Jack's face, but he recognized his voice. How could he forget the one who got them beaten black and blue?
Just remembering about it made all the accumulated anger rushed to the man's head, but before he could do anything, Barco lifted him and dragged him out of there.
Poor guy… he gets his ass kicked every time we meet.
"Are you alright, Jack?" Cindy asked, once she found her voice.
"Of course I am," Jack replied. "You shouldn't worry about such trivial things, Miss Myers."
"C-Cindy. Please call me Cindy for the night."
"…alright, Cindy."
[Target: Cindy Myer's affection +2%]
[Current Affection: 61%]
[$200 was added to the card.]
[Current Balance: $935,099]
At this rate, I'll have her in my bed before the night is over… how starved for affection is she?