The gasp that moved through the room was not loud but it was definitely most awe inspiring. For a moment, Lynette actually feared that it was for Vanessa?
But as she turned and saw the person who had entered, a smirk came over her face. The ugly duckling had not turned into a swan.
It was Elliott Ross who had just entered. Like every woman in the room, her breath caught at his arrival.
He stood at the entrance alone, and seemed to have paused there for just a second too long, but the entire room had unconsciously stopped moving the moment he stepped inside.
Lynette felt a spark inside her. He really was extraordinary. In person he was something cameras had never quite managed to capture. She had seen him on screens, on billboards, on the cover of every magazine that had crossed her dressing table in the last four years. She had thought she knew what he looked like.
She had been wrong. He wore an ivory suit that was impeccably cut and seemed to fit him to perfection. The lapels carried an embroidert so fine, it was almost invisible at first glance. Absently, she wondered who had designed this outfit. She would definitely use it for her debut walk on the red carpet.
But the thought did not last long. Because until now, she was still admiring his beauty. He wasn't wearing a tie like most others and the top button had been left open, letting everyone catch of a glimpse of his chest.
Overall it was quite attractive. Ethan was good looking, but this man was cream of the crop. Even now, he looked, like the room had been decorated for him.
Around her she heard the whispers beginning, "Is that—"
"Elliott Ross. That's Elliott Ross."
"What is he doing here?"
"Is he a guest? Did Vanessa invite him? They're working together on that new film-"
"Look at that suit-"
"The ring— Why is he wearing a ring on that hand?"
"It's probably just styling. You know how actors are—"
Lynette barely heard any of the speculation, not even about the ring. Because her mind had already gone elsewhere.
Reaching For You. Vanessa's film. The one the entire industry had been talking about since the announcement. Suddenly she felt a thrill pass through her. Maybe she could steal the film after tonight too. She could play the female lead with Elliott. It would be the perfect opportunity to get close to him.
She thought of the script she had managed to get her hands on last week. The female lead — strong, magnetic, a woman who pursued without apology, who saw what she wanted and simply reached for it. The role was written for someone with presence. Someone who could hold the screen beside a man like this.
She was perfect for the role. She could already contact him. She knew there were reporters here secretly, looking for a scoop. If they saw her talking to Elliott before the entire scene that they had planned happened, she could later twist it to show that her and Elliott had a lot of chemistry.
With that thought in mind, she was already moving towards him. The crowd shifted naturally around her as she stepped forward, champagne glass in hand, her smile already arranged into something warm and memorable. She had done this a thousand times.
By the time she reached him, several women had already gathered nearby, lingering close enough to attract his attention without appearing obvious about it. She almost snorted. She was not one to hover about to get attention.
Lynette stopped directly in front of him. She was about to open her mouth and introduce herself as his junior when he looked at her. She felt a sliver of excitement as their eyes met.
But, that soon deflated when he looked right past her. Her practised smile stiffened. How was that possible? She was the most beautiful woman in the room tonight! How could he overlook her?
Then, as if to add salt to injury, he walked right past her as if he had not even seen her. Her hands clenched.
Around her, a few women who had witnessed the almost interaction quickly looked away, suddenly very interested in their champagne glasses. But she knew the moment she was out of ear shot, they would be tittering and giggling over what had just happened.
Her jaw tightened imperceptibly. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her rattled. She turned smoothly, as if she had never intended to approach him at all.
But she had barely taken a few steps when her grandmother came to her," Lynette! Child. What are you waiting here for? I thought you went to bring me champagne."
Lynette smiled then. Margaret Grant was the perfect person to play her saviour!
She turned around and smiled gratefully at her grandmother," Grandma! I will bring it quickly."
But Margaret Grant was not one to let things go easily. She caught Lynette's arm and wound it through hers, before proceeding to walk away.
Once they had gone a luttle further, the older woman patted her hand, comforting her," I saw what that man just did. Don't take it personally. There celebrities are just lost in their own world. But why were you approaching him? You like Ethan, do you now?"
Lynette stiffened for a moment before quickly shaking her head," Grandma! What are you thinking? Of course I like Ethan. And I did not intend to approach Elliott for anything else. I was thinking of talking to him about a collboration."
"A collaboraion? What kind of a collaboration?"
Lynette smiled, already forgetting the injury she had been dealt and said," He is the male lead in my cousin's new movie. Knowing her, she will not give me an opportunity to work in that movie. But I reall like the script and I think it would be perfect for me. So, I thought if I told Elliott to recommend me, she might give me a chance."
Margaret Grant looked at her granddaughter for a moment and then sighed.
"No need to go to outsiders for something like this. Don't worry. After tonight, grandma will talk to Vanvan directly and tell her to cast you."
Lynette smiled and quickly leaned down and kissed her cheek," Thank you grandma! You're the best."
Margaret Grant smiled and patted her hand as she sighed, looking around, "You know, I actually feel quite sorry for Vanessa tonight."
Lynette lifted her glass then. She felt sorry for Vanessa? Why? Thankfully, the older woman continued without needing to be prompted. "I mean, she, thas done a beautiful job with all of this. Really. She has tried to make this moment special. But she would still be at a loss tonight."
Lynette frowned. Did her grandmother suspect something? Carefully, she asked, "Grandma? Why are you saying this?"
The older woman sighed and complained, "No amount of dressing up beautifully would make her as beautiful as you. Look at you now, you are dressed so simply and yet you are the most beautiful person in the room. And now, that man. Even if Vanvan's to be groom turns out to be a bit handsome, he will be overshadowed by that man- Elliott Ross and then your Ethan. So, of course, she is going to be overshadowed on her own special day."
Lynette smiled at that and quickly turned her head away, pretending to be shy even as she felt a surge of triumph go through her. However, she quickly protested the older woman's words," Grandma! Don't say that. If my cousin hears you, then she will not be happy."
Margaret shook her head," If truth makes her unhappy, then it is her problem child. All you have to do is turn and look at Ethan. He could barely take his eyes off you! Even now, his gaze must be following you like a little puppy."
Both Margaret and Lynette laughed at this and Lynette covertly turned her head to look at Ethan. And then felt her smile fall off. Ethan was indeed staring at something. But that was not her.