"Mandy, they have valet service," Ace reminded his aunt, raising an eyebrow as he watched her drive past the valet stand by the entrance. Instead, she steered the Stingray into the school's parking lot, determined to park it herself. The lot, however, was crowded due to the event, making it difficult to spot a free space. Ace sighed and shook his head.
"I'd rather skip the gala dinner than let one of those snot-nosed brats drive my Dark Starpedo," Mandy remarked dryly, her lips curling into a smirk as she finally spotted an empty spot. Her tone left no room for argument. The event was being held at the town's schoolyard, and some of the teachers and students had volunteered their time. Mandy, an alumna of the school, rolled her eyes at the thought. She knew better than to trust its students with her prized car.
Tonight's gala dinner was a collaborative effort between Rural Revival and the town hall, aimed at raising funds for the organization's mission to support family farmers through education, advocacy, and direct financial assistance.
After Ace won the lottery, his mother had searched tirelessly for a charitable event to nearly ten percent of the winnings. She had been thrilled to learn about the town's charity event but was initially disappointed when it clashed with their plans to return to the city. After exploring options in nearby towns, she ultimately changed course. Now that they had moved here, she not only adjusted her plans but also decided to a total of $40,000 to the charity—$35,000 from Ace's lottery winnings and $5,000 from their own savings. Meanwhile, Dan and Mandy each pledged $40,000 as well.
The Lander family's combined donation amounted to $120,000, a remarkable contribution. Yet, it wasn't enough to place them in the top ten donors; their contribution ranked them 23rd overall. Individually, they each fell somewhere in the hundreds, as the gala wasn't limited to their town but included surrounding communities.
Even though he now owned an estate worth several million, Ace's family finances hadn't improved. In fact, they were spread thinner than before, burdened by the new expenses of maintaining a 135-acre estate. If not for his father's retirement benefits, his father would have had to turn to his brother for help. Ace sighed, as Mandy neatly parked her car. The benefits were modest—far less than what his father would have received had he retired at the recommended age—but just enough to sustain them until his father secured a loan or the orchards yielded their first harvest. Whichever came first.
"One moment," Ace interrupted, stepping out of the car with practiced grace just as Mandy reached for the door handle. Circling to the driver's side, he opened the door for her and extended a hand, his gesture smooth and gentlemanly. Mandy raised her eyebrows in surprise but took his hand with a pleased smile, her lips curving softly as she stepped out.
As they prepared to leave the parking lot and head toward the schoolyard, Ace offered his arm to Mandy with an appreciative glance. His gaze lingered for a moment. Tonight, she looked stunning. Her golden hair cascaded down her back in loose, glossy waves, perfectly framing her face. The dress, a soft blush pink, was adorned with delicate white polka dots that danced lightly across the fabric. The V-neckline subtly highlighted her collarbone, complemented by a diamond pendant and matching earrings, while the puff sleeves added a touch of vintage elegance. The midi length of the dress balanced sophistication and practicality, its gentle sway adding an enchanting rhythm to her movements as they walked.
Catching Ace sneaking another glance at her, Mandy grinned knowingly. She had gone all out tonight, wanting to appear just as charming and beautiful beside him. The overweight nerd she used to tease had grown into a strikingly handsome man, more so with each passing day. So much so that, standing next to him, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of insecurity. Yet, seeing his admiring glances, her confidence swelled. Satisfied, she rested her hand lightly on his offered arm as they walked.
As the pair strode toward the schoolyard hand in hand, the guests and staff couldn't help but do double takes. Some even paused mid-conversation to steal additional glances, whispering and speculating whether the duo were celebrities. Mandy and Ace, however, paid no attention to the gawking. They moved with quiet composure, their focus set on finding their family amidst the bustling event.
"This doesn't look like a dinner event—it's more like a small carnival," Ace observed, his brow furrowing slightly as he scanned the lively schoolyard. Various game booths and food stalls stretched out before them, their colorful displays illuminated by string lights overhead.
"The fine dining is set up in the school gymnasium," Mandy replied, her eyes sweeping the crowd as she searched for their family. "There's also a raffle and a silent auction, but those are only open to guests who made a minimum donation of $5000. These outdoor games and merchandise sales are to raise extra funds for the cause and entertainment."
Her explanation was matter-of-fact, but her eyes softened as she briefly glanced at Ace. The festive atmosphere around them buzzed with chatter and laughter, string lights casting a warm glow over the lively scene. Being here with Ace gave Mandy an unexpected sense of warmth, a comfort she hadn't felt in a while. Yet, alongside that warmth was a fleeting pang of regret. She sighed inwardly, wishing—just for a moment—that they weren't family. The thought startled her, and she quickly shook her head, forcing the unwelcome notion aside. Focus, Mandy, she told herself, scanning the crowd for any sign of their family.
"It'll be hard for us to find them ," Ace remarked, reaching into his pocket for his phone. His expression was practical, his brows furrowed slightly as he prepared to call his parents and locate them in the bustling schoolyard.
"Hold on," Mandy said, gently placing a hand on his arm to stop him. Her touch lingered for a fraction longer than necessary. "Let's walk around a bit and look first. If we still don't find them, then we can call." Her tone was light, but her eyes held a quiet plea. She wanted to savor the festive atmosphere with him for just a few more moments, to let the bright lights and cheerful hum of voices wrap around them like a shared memory.
Ace hesitated, looking down at her. The sincerity in her gaze softened his resolve, and he slid his phone back into his pocket with a small, indulgent smile. "Alright," he agreed, gesturing for her to lead the way.
As they began to weave through the crowd, Mandy's lips curved into a small, contented smile. The festive air felt lighter now, and she allowed herself to bask in the joy of the moment, walking side by side with Ace under the twinkling lights.