Top of Your Ambitions

“Tell me why I am agreeing to this again?” Ace rolled her eyes when the limo pulled over to the red carpet set up in front of the Lockheart building.

Alex scoffed at her, shaking his head as he got out of the limo. His exit from the vehicle was met with camera flashes directing at his face. The cheering from outside is apparent to the blonde, stifling fear in her. She has never involved herself with fancy events like this where they have an actual red carpet and paparazzi at the ready to snap shots of her.

“What are you waiting for?” Alex stood outside of the opened limo door, staring her down expectantly.

Ace shook her head briefly to herself before sliding down the leather seats. When she got to the door, Alex held out a hand for her to take, a small, defeated smile on his face. The blonde detective finally sighed, deciding to be civil with him for tonight. They were great friends before all of this Liezel business ruined their interactions, and she can’t stay mad at him forever. She won’t.

Returning the smile, she took his hand and let him escort her out of the limo. As soon as her black Zac Posen heels landed on the pavement ground, she nearly fell over by the overwhelming force of flashing lights. Luckily, Alex wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her steady. It is awkward for him to have this amount of contact with her at this moment because they were quarreling before all this.

“Alex, over here!” A photographer yelled in the distance.

After she steadied herself, Acacia looked up at the singer with a thankful smile on her face. He nodded in return, and held out his arm for her to take. She did without hesitation and the two started walking toward the red carpet.

“Alex, who is your date?”

“Why did you and Liezel Beckett break up?”

“Are you guys ever going to get back together?”

“Is she your new girlfriend?”

“What is her name?”

“When is All Time Low’s new record coming out?”

The pair ignored the questions thrown around by the speculators barred behind the velvet ropes past the red carpet. Eventually, Alex removed their linked arms and slowly snaked his arm around her waist. Ace almost glared at him for the action but she decided to put on a smile instead because they are being photographed at this precise moment.

She is so glad that she chose to wear this yellow Gucci dress for the party and the red carpet, because she actually likes the way she looks in it. The pictures might be thrown around everywhere, and it might as well be her in a nice looking dress. The stylists she went to before this event knew what they were doing and she trusted their judgment.

“I can’t believe people only care about you and yet, I’m the one with the invitation.” Ace muttered under her breath.

The singer chuckled at her, pulling her closer to him.

“How ironic.”

Alex and Ace posed for several pictures in front of the flashing cameras, his arm still in place around her waist. She knows why he is doing this; he does not want to make up with her that badly. He just wants to show the world that he is capable of moving on from Liezel Beckett. It isn’t fair.

“Let’s get our asses inside before I lose my eyesight.” Ace suggested under her breath.

Chuckling, Alex gestured for her to walk inside the building. They turned from the press and made their way inside the entrance, barred by security guards. The buff men by the entrance held out their expectant hands for their invitations. Ace nodded at them, reaching into Alex’s tuxedo pocket for the invitations. When she pulled them out, she handed them to the security men and they were instantly allowed inside.

Alex laughed as soon as they stepped foot inside. The huge space is definitely a luxurious sight to behold. Aside from the classy-looking bar on the left side of the room, there’s a stage with equipment in the process of being set in at the front of the space. Ace did not know what to expect at a Lockheart party, but the set up on stage implied music performances.

People who made it to the party are already mingling and circling around the bar. Some groups of people stand in the center of the space, or just various areas.

“What do we do here?” Ace asked him.

“No idea, it’s my first time here.” Alex admitted.

She scoffed at him.

“What?”

“I’m surprised Kaya didn’t bring you here.”

Alex’s delightful face darkened all of a sudden, his grip suddenly on her wrist. The grip tightened as he continued to stare her down in a bitter matter.

“Listen here, you little…”

“Ace! Alex!” A familiar voice exclaimed from a near distance, prompting for them both to drop their act.

Alex’s plastered smile reemerged as he dropped her wrist quickly. The blonde rolled her eyes at him and they both turned to the direction of the voice. She felt Alex tense up from beside her when Liezel and her tennis player boyfriend, Tomas, approached them. The Czech man grinned at her in familiarity when they neared.

“Hey, I didn’t expect you two to show up together!” Liezel said in shock.

Being a detective, Ace is a perfect judge of character. And judging by the expression on her friend’s face, she is not very happy with her or Alex right now. She senses a bit of jealousy, and it is hilarious to her because she’s only here with Alex for appearances.

“Yeah!” Alex placed a hand on her shoulder.

If it weren’t for her promise to Rian, Ace would have brushed that hand away. Due to her undying loyalty to Rian, she has to behave.

“How are you, Tomas?” Ace started a conversation with Liezel’s boyfriend.

The Czech man blinked at her several times with his vibrant blue eyes and she noticed how attractive he is, how lucky Liezel is able to find such a handsome man. But he’s not really her type; she’s more into hazel eyes. However, he still looks very cleaned up in his perfectly tailored tuxedo. She can see why Beckett is very attracted to him.

“I’m great! I won the Davis Cup for my country last month.”

Ace congratulated him even though she had no idea what the hell a Davis Cup was. Her knowledge regarding tennis is very limited, thus, can’t be blamed. Liezel looked away from Alex and looked up at her taller boyfriend, grinning at him excitedly. He looked down at her with the same enthusiasm.

At this moment, Acacia sympathized with Alex. She understood him and how he felt seeing the love of his life with someone else. In some ways, they are similar even though they are undergoing severe differences. His hands are balled into fists, which alarmed her. Ace quickly acted, snatching at his arm. She squeezed his biceps several times before he finally calmed down.

Seeing that the couple in front of them is immersed in a conversation of their own, Ace used the time to look up at Alex. He shot her a thankful look to which she nodded in return. Ace looked away from Alex and spotted Jack and Dale in the distance. They are talking to some of Dale’s model friends or something, both grinning ear to ear. Then her eyes landed on Wallace Poulsen and Zack. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the redhead, especially when at this exact moment, she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.

“Jealousy is not a good look on you.” Alex whispered from beside her.

Sighing, Ace averted her gaze from them and back to Alex.

“You know, I wish I would’ve brought Rian here instead of your sorry ass.” She retaliated.

Holding his hands up defensively, Alex laughed at her.

“Then who’s going to babysit your sister?”

“Okay, fair enough.” Ace shrugged.

Liezel’s hand landed on the blonde’s upper arm, grabbing her attention immediately. When she glanced at the tennis player in question, she is pulled into a hug.

“Whoa, what’s with the hug?” Ace asked during their hug.

“I just really miss you.”

“Really? Okay, then! Let’s hang out this weekend.” The two broke apart.

When they did, Liezel’s face fell.

“What, Beckett?”

“I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. I’m going back to Asia for the tournaments, then I’m heading straight to Australia for the Australian Open.”

“Aww, damn it!”

The dark haired woman chuckled as a response. Her dark brown eyes suddenly landed on the detective’s yellow dress, scanning up and down the attire. She grinned after giving her friend a once over, nodding in approval.

“Very nice, who are you wearing?” Liezel asked.

“Gucci, what about you?”

Ace noticed Liezel’s dark purple mermaid gown, beaming at her as she eyed it. Liezel pursed her lips.

“Do you really need to ask?”

“Zac Posen.” Ace said knowingly.

The detective noticed that Alex and Tomas are failingly trying to make a conversation from beside the two women. She is lucky that she is not a part of that conversation because it seems to be the most awkward thing in the world. Alex is grimacing and trying to cover it up with a smile. Ace can totally tell that he wants to be anywhere but here. Tomas, on the other hand, is more awkward and apologetic in his stance. The crease of his forehead says it all; he is sorry that he snatched Beckett right from under his thumb.

Ace was about to open her mouth to talk when a pair of arms wrapped around Tomas and Liezel’s shoulders, respectively. The detective jumped back in shock while the two in front of her turned to look at the recipient.

“Loki Lockheart!” Tomas exclaimed, turning around to shake his hand.

The detective studied the handsome blonde man in front of her. He has his family’s trademark hazel eyes and blonde hair, but a modest smile on his lips. Unlike all of his other siblings and family members, Loki has always been the humble one of the bunch. However, sometimes he is a little too kind, as opposed to his late ruthless father. Loki is the kind of man who would bring a knife to a gunfight and still manage to parry a victory in fairness.

“How is my favorite athlete?” Loki turned to Liezel with a bright smile on his face.

The tennis player gave the CEO a hug in return. Liezel is the ambassador of Lockheart’s sports clothing line, and is getting paid very generously for it.

“I’m great!”

After the trio made small talk, Loki turned to both Ace and Alex. He nodded at them kindly, gesturing for them to notice him.

“How’s Baltimore’s finest?” Lockheart pulled out a hand for her to shake.

Ace shook his hand without hesitation.

“Thank you so much for inviting me and my entire team. I think Iverson’s wife is very happy about that!”

“I’m glad! You guys deserve more appreciation for tying everyone’s loose ends and seeking out justice. And I have a very strong respect for the law.” Loki said with a huge grin.

Ace shared a look with Alex, still unable to believe that Loki is acknowledging people of her profession. Loki is a billionaire at this point and Ace is making just about $40,000 a year. The respect is appreciated.

She also is aware of the fact that Loki wanted to be a lawyer before the family legacy fell upon him. If any other member of his family had been CEO, they wouldn’t even bother inviting her or her team despite the fact that they’ve solved Conrad Lockheart’s murder. Loki is just very appreciative.

“Anyways, happy New Years Eve!” He said.

“Brother!” Another voice emerged from Alex’s side, prompting for everyone to turn.

A blue haired man in a tux appeared in their circle, pulling Loki into a side hug. The CEO raised an eyebrow in shock and confusion, nodding happily at the blue haired man. He looks younger than everyone in this circle, but his distinctive hazel eyes told Ace that he is a Lockheart. Conrad Lockheart had seven children, so this one is probably one of Loki’s half brothers.

“Ryland! I’m surprised to see you here!” Loki chirped.

The blue haired Lockheart gave his brother a small nod. There is something about his expression that made Ace feel uneasy, something about the way his eyes took in the atmosphere.

“Hey, sorry couldn’t make it to dad’s funeral, but yeah, I was wondering if he left a will or some shit like that?”

Disrespectful, ungrateful little shit, Ace rolled her eyes internally. She glanced at Alex and he shared the same look. However, he is not suspicious like she is. He is not a trained detective with killer instincts. Loki, apparently isn’t either, because he looks so easy at rest, and he is not sensing any of it.

“Can we discuss that tomorrow, Ry?”

“Kay, bro, sounds good. I’ll drop by your office first thing in the morning.”

And with that, Ryland disappeared into the crowd.

“What was that?” Alex breathed out.

The CEO turned to the singer with a small smile on his face.

“I guess he just wants some of the company’s money or my father’s inheritance. Either way, I’ll have to give it to him. Unless he wants the trusts or shares of the company then I will not oblige.”

Ace shook her head in disbelief. There is something extremely curious about this Ryland Lockheart. He is known as the black sheep of the family, very rebellious in nature; the only member of the family with recklessly dyed hair. It is said that he despises his father and has taken money from Conrad’s bank accounts.

She feared for Loki at this moment. Now that he has the company, Ryland might be coming after him, the empire, and the money. She made a mental note to look into him for Loki’s sake.

“Hey, any other one of your money-leeching siblings around?” Liezel asked humorously.

Loki nodded, gesturing toward the bar.

“That’s my sister Tallulah over there, she prefers to be called Tally, but damn, she’s flirting it up with a pretty little blonde with the pixie haircut over there…”

Ace’s eyebrows shot up at the mention, leaning over Alex to take a good look at the two figures by the bar. Her teeth clenched when she noticed that in close conversation with Tally Lockheart is her own sister.

“Fuck, it’s Breck.” Alex murmured.

“God damn it.” Ace seethed, “She should be at home… Fuck, Dawson…”

“Let me get out of here before shit goes down…” Loki held his hands up teasingly before walking off somewhere else.

Ace rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to find Rian’s puny, khaki-wearing ass and show him a specific kind of ass-whopping.”

Notes

On a scale of 1 - 10, how screwed do you think Rian is? And who else is suspicious of Ryland? For those of you who read the first story, do you remember the mention of Ryland Lockheart in chapter three? Or was it two?

And guys, leave some comments, I don't bite I swear!

Oh and just a warning, real shit happening next chapter!