The next day, as planned Denver and Mr. Brad arrived at the luxurious hotel booked for the book signing event.
The hall was filled with many people, all curious to know the identity of their favourite author.
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the empty seat in between Denver and Mr. Brad where the little wolf was going to sit and sign the books for her fans.
The reporters were given the first rows to ask questions while the fans of little wolf were seated behind.
Soon the time came as Denver took the mike in his hand and announced, “I know everyone of you has not come here to watch me or Mr. Brad here. You all want to see your favourite author.”
“The wait is over guys! She is behind you!”
Soon firecrackers burst behind them and then Cindy emerged, walking towards the stage on her heels.
No one could move their eyes off her. They looked at her with appreciation and adoration. The author they loved, the author they looked up as their idol was none other than Cindy, the person they already knew.
“Hey, isn't she Cindy Knight? I remember her bestselling book ‘A dreamy night’. It was a masterpiece.”
“Are you talking about the same book that someone tried to plagiarize from her?”
“No, she didn't try to plagiarize her book. She claimed Cindy plagiarized her work.”
“Isn't it the same?”
“I heard Cindy went into depression after that controversy and couldn't write anything for years.”
“Many readers were claiming that maybe the other writer was right. Cindy indeed became popular with plagiarized books. That's why she couldn't write anything more.”
“But, it seems like she has been writing with another pen name. Isn't it great?”
The hall erupted with whispers and snickers. Most of them in Cindy's favor, labeling her as one of the most inspiring personalities who rose from ashes like a phoenix.
Cindy couldn't help feeling proud, receiving the love from the people that were meant for me.
She launched the book I recently wrote and signed her first hundred copies. Those copies were soon bought on double prices by the fans, making the launch a super successful event.
After the event was over, Mr. Brad declared a success party in the evening, giving a special invitation to Denver and Cindy.
Denver hesitated for a moment. He said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Brad, but I’m busy at night. I have to check the procedure in my research lab before I present my new invention to the world.”
“Denver, you have many people who are good at their work, aren't they?” Cindy interrupted, her hands lavishly wrapping around his arms as she continued, “It's a big day for me. Will you leave me alone in such a huge party?”
“You know I’m a big shot now, and everyone’s gaze will be fixed on me tonight, whether good or bad. What if they ask me to accompany them for drinks? You know my tolerance is not so good. What if I get taken advantage of by some bad people?” she said in her feign innocent voice.
Denver looked troubled, but in the end he couldn't watch Cindy’s puppy eyes seeking his presence and he nodded in agreement.
He then dialed the number of his assistant and asked, “How are the arrangements going for our last experiment before the launch?”
“I was notified that there was some issue, Sir. The girl who signed the petition of her life with us suddenly bailed out.” He reported.
“But, then they said that Mrs. Beckham has taken control over the situation.” He added.
“Mia?” Denver blurted out, “Is she with the research department?”
“Yeah, I heard she has been with the team since last night.” He replied. Denver took a sigh of relief.
So, Mia has been busy tackling the situation for him. That's why she didn't show up in the hotel or at home.
She was indeed laborious, handling work at his office and home for him along with her writings. She was excellent.
His lips curled into a smile in appreciation as he hung up the call and opened the messenger to text Mia.
[Mia, thank you so much for handling the situation for me. I got some urgent work today. I can't show up before the launch. It's on you now. Don't forget to eat something.]
He then busied himself with Cindy at the party. He accompanied her throughout the party, took drinks on behalf and then finally when the party was over, he drove the car to his research lab, along with Cindy.
He didn't even care how much I hated Cindy or bothered to think how I would after seeing her.
However, when he arrived at his location he was welcomed with a deadly silence. His heart skipped a beat as he asked, “What happened?”
The head of the research team lowered his head, saying, “We failed! The experiment was unsuccessful, Sir.”
Denver closed his eyes, grief and regret taking over him. He sighed in grief before he said, “Alright, transfer the money to the account of the girl's parents who underwent this risky experiment. She knew the risk to her life before she agreed to this experiment.”
His words were followed by another silence with no one daring to speak. Denver noticed that something was amiss and he immediately asked, “Where is Mia?”
The head of the team stepped forward. He spoke hesitantly, “Sir, it was Mrs Beckham who replaced the girl for the risky experiment.”
