This year’s gala would be the first one that Kennedy attended in more than three years. She was not in the mood to go, but Strick and her publicist insisted that she attend the gala as well as some other highly publicized events since she was trying to revamp her career. After a little arm twisting and cursing from Yatta, Kennedy decided to go. She knew that Yatta would be by Strick’s side all night, so Kennedy enlisted her cousins to go with her.

Convincing Kisa to go was much easier than Kennedy anticipated. Of course, Kisa would do anything to support Kennedy, but she had ulterior motives too. She knew that Suef would definitely be there. Kisa wanted to set a trap for him, and the gala would be the perfect place to lay the foundation. It would also be the perfect place to face her nemesis, since she knew she would be surrounded by Strick’s security. In a way, Kisa hoped that Suef wouldn’t attend so she could let her hair down, have drinks, and relax for at least a few hours.

Kisa’s stress was becoming insurmountable. She missed her kids dearly, and her issues with Sincere were taking a toll on her. Finding Maria Espinoza was an even harder task than she had anticipated. An entire week had passed since she had gotten the information from Santangelo, and Kisa had yet to locate her.

On the evening of the event, Kennedy, Kisa, and Eisani rode together in a chauffeured Maybach. The three of them were a sparkling array of beauty, each draped in a luscious fur. Kennedy wore chinchilla, Kisa wore sable, and Eisani donned a mink. Their hands, wrists, and ears were laced in magnificent diamonds.

When they arrived on the red carpet, the cameras began flashing as soon as the car door opened. The paparazzi were going crazy. On the carpet, Kisa and Eisani attempted to stand to the side while Kennedy posed for pictures, but Kennedy wasn’t having it. She pulled her cousins in for the photos. As they walked off the carpet, someone grabbed Kisa. When she looked up, she found herself in the arms of CoCo, the mega music mogul and the only other man she’d ever loved.

“I sure didn’t expect to see you here,” he whispered in her ear. “Damn, you looking good.”

“Go ahead, CoCo, let go of me.”

He pulled back a little, looking in Kisa’s face, and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m good. I’m always good.”

“I know that, but I’ve been hearing things.”

“Come on, CoCo, you know better than anybody how the rumor mill churns out bullshit daily.”

A model-type chick standing behind CoCo cleared her throat loudly to get his attention.

“Oh, my bad.” He released Kisa and took the female by the hand. “Kisa, this is my friend Lydia.”

“His girlfriend, Lydia,” the female interjected with a roll of her neck.”