There was a good reason that Vidya avoided parties like these, and it wasn’t just because all the drinks were watered-down garbage.

Charity galas were a good excuse for the rich and the famous to rub elbows, all while patting themselves on the back for donating a single drop of water in the ocean that was their wealth to the latest trendy cause.

The ballroom of the hotel chosen to hold such a prestigious event was covered in so much gold it looked like it was ripped out of The Gilded Age. Every drink was served with Swarovski crystals in the glass. Tonight’s donations would go towards fighting global poverty.

Ironic. In fact, it would be funny, if it weren’t so sad.

While Vidya viewed herself as above all this, she still attended. She was on her third mango mojito and wasn’t feeling so much as a buzz. Disappointing, just like the rest of this night was turning out to be. She was partial to using liquor as a layer of protection from all the sharp thoughts in her head.

Then again, those around her seemed to be having a fine ol’ dandy time, so maybe she was the problem. She was a heavyweight champion when it came to handling booze.

Vidya was mid-sip of her cocktail, listening to another CEO complain about the latest harassment lawsuit being filed against him from his prudish secretary, when she spotted you across the room.

Who is that? She wondered, swallowing hard, gaze sharpening.

You were well-dressed and put-together, delicately hanging off the arm of a wealthy-looking woman three times your senior. Was she your employer? Your mother? Perhaps your sugar momma? Impossible to tell from here. She needed to get closer.

The conversation was put on pause as Vidya entered the circle. The well-to-do spoke highly of her, but knew better than to speak to her with any variety of familiarity.

“Hello,” she said to the woman you were accompanying, her tone a husky hum. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Vidya Sharma, President and CEO of Sharma & Bhatt LLP. And you are…?”