Causing a Scene Chapter 21 Holden's POV I had been standing near the entrance of the event for over five minutes , speaking to Seth . I hadn't told him why I was standing here , but he probably knew why I was here . I wanted to talk to Ana alone . I was going to start my plan to win her over tonight . She had always liked me , and she seemed more accepting of me the day we visited her workplace . I was glad I had entered her office like I had . If that man had kept yelling at her , I would have punched him in the face , even if I knew he would try to sue me . Who is he to talk to her like that ? She didn't say that she was coming tonight , but I had a gut feeling about it . Seth usually just lets his parents come , but he came as my plus one tonight , because he is really upset at how Ana has been avoiding him . He can speak to her after I do . I need to get her to accept the arranged marriage . Not because she had to , but because I wanted her to . Seth was pretty sure she wasn't going to come , but still came just in case she did . I know that she didn't want to blow her cover , but I've had feelers out about her recent movements . She's already sold all her stocks , and she sent a letter to the company demanding that they stop using her designs . That isn't subtle ; that is an act of war . Seth doesn't understand Ana like I do . She's coming out swinging , and I want to be there for her to help her as much as I can . Once Roger finds out what she's done , he is going to be furious . I want her to learn to lean on me so she'll unblock me . I want her to acknowledge our feelings for each other and be willing to agree to marry me . I want to take care of her . I want to be able to go back to how things used to be between us . I've missed that so much . I've cared for her since I was young , but the feelings that I've been having about her recently have seriously changed . I watched as a limo pulled up , and the Cook family exited . His mother was acting like a Hollywood starlet as she posed and waved to the paparazzi , stopping every single step to wave again . Both she and her daughter were really putting on a show for the crowd . They weren't moving along ; they were standing there , like they were paid to hold up the other guests . They finally approached the door , and Roger handed over his card . They stepped forward to enter, but were stopped . The man at the door had refused them entry , and I knew something was up . " What do you mean , only two of us ? Every year , my family has been allowed to come with me . Call you your supervisor , I demand to be allowed to enter , " Roger's nasally voice carried . What in the hell had Ana seen in him ? He was weak ; he was not strong enough to handle her . The man refusing them entry stood blocking the door as he spoke into a handheld radio . An older woman arrived within a minute and a half . This was an important event , and the Cook family was blocking the door and refusing to move out of the way . " What seems to be the problem ? " she asked . " I have an invitation , and this man refuses to allow us to enter , " Roger responded . " Did you RSVP to the event , sir ? This invitation is a week old . If you look at the fine print at the bottom of the invitation , it states that unless you RSVP , this invitation is only valid for two to enter the auction ," she replied . Her voice was polite , but direct . I started smiling as I could tell he wasn't going to let it go . MONDO ONO O < Causing a Scene " When did this start ? I've never had to do it before , " He huffed out in anger . " Well , if you were allowed entry , then someone at your company had made the arrangements . Otherwise , you wouldn't have been allowed to enter . These rules have been in place for the last three years , sir . Two of you may enter , but the rest have to leave , unless they have their own invitation and RSVP'd , " She stated matter - of - factly . When she finished , three bodyguards walked up to block the door . She had motioned the bodyguards over. Clearly , this wasn't her first time heading this event . She knew what they were thinking . " This is outrageous . We've been coming here for years . How dare you deny us entry ? Do you even know who we are ? " Joyce's voice rang out . " Yes , I do . Someone who didn't follow the instructions on the invitation , " the woman replied over her shoulder as she walked away . I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing . " Roger , I guess we will make sure to properly fill it out next year . I , as your mother , should be allowed to enter with you , " Joyce stated as if it were the most natural thing in the world . " Mom , I'm trying to find a quality man to marry . I'm the one who needs to enter with Roger . He can introduce me around . You've been saying that I need to find a husband . It's only right , and what's best for our family , " Regina advised . " Excuse me , as his wife , the honor to enter belongs to me ," Sasha announced . It was clear that she had long forgotten that the fact that they were married was supposed to be a secret . She didn't yell , but her voice carried . A line had built up , and I saw someone outside recording the argument as it played out . Whoever they were , they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this . The Cook family should have just backed off . They should have accepted that with Roger being out of town , they missed the opportunity this time around . With Ana's plans , this might be their last chance to attend the auction . They just didn't know it yet . " I need to take Sasha in with me tonight , " Roger lowered his voice to reply to his family . " What ? You're willing to take her instead of your mother ? " Joyce's voice rang out like nails on a chalkboard . " Roger, you two are already married . This is a special opportunity for me . What if I managed to meet someone who can help your business ? I'm already twenty - five . Are you trying to make me a spinster like Elizabeth ? How can you do this to me ? " Regina's wailing was drawing even more attention to them . " How dare you say that ? We're married . There's no one more qualified than I am to go into this auction . You two are causing a scene . Just get back into the limo and go home . We can discuss it later , but introducing me will help the company , and in turn help you . You need to think of the bigger picture here . You don't see Scott or Charlie out here pitching a fit . You do realize that people are watching us , " Sasha responded , lowering her voice more with each sentence she spoke . Joyce and Regina then turned around and noticed that pictures were being taken one after the other by the paparazzi . Joyce put her hand over her face , but then saw someone recording them a few people behind them . She was furious and stepped towards them to try to take their phone away . When the phone lowered slightly , my breath was stolen from my lungs . Ana stood there with a bright smile on her face as she looked down at Joyce . Joyce was flustered for a minute as she looked at Ana in shock . She looked her up and down before finally saying , " What are you doing here ? Trying to get in on Roger's ticket ? You can't . " 2/4 Causing a Scene EL " Oh , I know , Joyce . I know you have to RSVP to have more than two enter . I was here for the whole show . Very entertaining . I might have missed it if you hadn't been standing on the red carpet posing like you own the place . Regardless , I'm happy you did it . I was scared that I would miss you getting kicked out . As I was the one who always notified them that Roger's group would be a total of five . He will have to get someone else to do that from now on . Here's a tip for you : always read the fine print . It's where they get you ," Ana replied with a smirk . " How could you talk to your elder like that . I'm about to be your mother - in - law , Elizabeth . You can't speak to me like that , " Joyce spat out . " Well , who knowns if the wedding is still on , at this point . Who knows what tomorrow will bring ? Maybe I'll change my mind . I think that with this week of peace I've had away from you , that I don't want a shrew for a mother - in - law , or a sister - in - law anymore , " Ana responded . No one expected her to clap back . " Roger , did you cancel the wedding ? " Joyce called over . The moment Roger's attention was draw to Ana , he froze . He's lucky I know she hates him even more than me , as he jerked in surprise and immediately walked over to her . The rest of the Cook family followed , and the line started to move again . I motioned to Seth to let him know Ana was here . We both watched as that jerk ran his disgusting eyes over her . I knew what he was thinking , and hell would freeze over before I allowed him to touch her . We both moved closer to the door to hear their conversation . " Elizabeth , what are you doing here ? Is something wrong with your phone ? Because I've been trying to contact you for two days now . Where have you been ? Why did you sell our home ? Are you facing money issues ? You know that I would have helped you . You should have reached out to me . I'm your fiancé , You're supposed to lean on me when times are tough ," Roger told her . He should have been an actor . He sounded genuine . No wonder she fell for his act ; he's a natural liar . " Is this the woman replacing me ? " Ana asked him as she motioned to a stunned Sasha . Roger flushed before saying , " You could never be replaced , Elizabeth . You're the star of our company . " " I am the one who's replacing you . My name is Sasha , and Roger's taking me to the auction tonight to introduce me to the investors . So if you were hoping to get in on his invitation , you can't , " Sasha coldly told her . " I don't need anything from Roger in order for me to get by . It's the other way around , actually , but you two will be finding that out soon enough ," Ana said as she walked past them and headed to the door . Ana has alway always been beautiful , but tonight she was unbelievable . I have never before seen such a stunning woman . She exuded beauty and grace . Her confidence was unmatched . She strode forward , passing the paparazzi , and heading straight to the door . Gwen and Emily were right behind her . The man at the door kept staring at her , and hadn't taken the invitation yet . Ana smiled and waved it in front of his eyes . He apologized and quickly motioned them through . I need to get to her before anyone else moves In on her . With the way she looks tonight , she could easily replace me as her groom . There's no way I'm ever letting her go again .