Scared of blood.
His words were ringing in my ears still when Raphael intercepted us. 
'God, what a mess! what happened?'
'I... we were dancing... then suddenly I don't know where that waiter came from. It all happened within seconds. I was cut and your brother... he just... fainted?', I remiss the story, still mulling over what Nathaniel said.
'Oh yay. It happens whenever he sees blood. He is hemophobic', he explained.
'What's a party without a few drinks being spilled, right? You better put him in a more comfortable position and have someone look at him'
'What about you? Show me where you are hurt'
'Here. As I told your brother it's nothing serious. I will clean it up in the ladies' room. You take him to somewhere quiet', I said motioning to the onlookers. Actually, I wanted some alone time to think about what conspired here. For someone, it may look nothing big, but it was a shred of evidence that proves Nathaniel is innocent. Because the way Sophie was killed left no mark that a lot of blood was spilled. And Nathaniel is hemophobic, so it directly cancels him as the suspect. Add to the fact that there is no way he could have paid someone to kill her because Sophie has known the killer when she opened the door.
I never thought I would find something, but tonight is proving to be full of surprises. From Diana's earlier conversation, she too is not involved. That leaves Charlotte, Elizabeth, and that lover. This is so frustrating. Why is it every time I think I'm closer to the killer this happens?
I went in search of the ladies' room (when you are in a ballroom, you have to be a little bit fancy, so I say 'ladies' room', sue me) before my mind could explode. 
While I was clearing my cuts, I heard Elizabeth on the other side of the door saying,
'What is that girl doing in your brother's arm?' Great! another bathroom confrontation coming right now. It's really silly of Kade to hire someone for the inside deeds. Waste of resources I would say. All it takes is walking inside Sinclair Mansion undetected. Who would have known? Don't these people never hear of walls having ears? Their loss, my gain.
'Relax Elizabeth. She is nothing but a passing fancy. Raphael will be soon tired of her. If not, you were there to get rid of her, so why all the fuss?', Charlotte cajoled her.
'Oh honey, she may pine for the star, that doesn't mean she is going to get it', Elizabeth said haughtily. 'But what do you mean about getting rid of? What are you trying to say Charlotte?', she asked angrily.
Yes, what do you mean Charlotte? What are you hinting at? Had she done this before? Getting rid of someone... say, Sophie? I wanted to shout.
'Nothing. You don't have to fear her. From what I gathered; they were not together for Long. And this is the first time he acknowledged as her girlfriend. She is like a new toy, all shiny and glittery. Give him 3 months and she would be old news. You worry a lot'
Oh, come on. No-no-no. Damn it. 
'Remember who helped you cover your druggie mess from your brother darling. We don't want Raphael to find out, do we? Then all your little girl act won't be enough to make him dance on your tune'
'Of course, Elizabeth. But threaten me again and you would be out of this mansion permanently within seconds ', she countered her threat.
'So Long we remember each other, there won't be any problem'
God, what kind of sick family is this? Mother insulting at every turn, sister making fool of him, brother flirting with his girlfriend... no wonder Raphael is so closed off. With a family like this who would want an enemy.
As their clatter turned to trivial things, I decided to have my very own one-on-one conversation with Elizabeth. Good thing we are huddled away from the ballroom.
I love this tete-a-tete we have with our enemies but is it wise? Why let her know we heard their conversation? We don't want to show our hand before the right time, do we? Not right now, when looking for that killer, said my inner diva, for once in my life using her brain.
What my inner diva said made sense in an absurd way. (She started saying 'we' as if she is a different entity. I have to book that damn therapist ASAP)
With that in mind, I returned to the ballroom, after the perimeter is clear of course, cool as a cucumber, expecting the dancing, but the guests have been guided to the second ballroom (how many do they need?) where the actual event ( charity auction) will be taking place along with the dinner.
A helpful maid directed me to the second ballroom. This room is decorated in a different style, more modern. Circular tables that can allot ten people are scattered all over the ballroom. For a second, I became paranoid, thinking I lost Raphael in this ocean of tables. Before I could ask one more maid for help, Raphael caught me in his arms.
'Where were you? I was searching all over the place for you. I don't like how it made me feel when I couldn't find you', Raphael declared this unexpected side of his emotions with his outburst. Nowadays he is becoming more vocal with his feelings. And I'm liking it. A lot.
'Oh Rafa, where would I go? You are my anchor. No matter wherever I go, you know I will always return to you', I replied soothing his ruffled feathers. It's true. He is like a magnet that won't let me go even if I try. And I'm in no hurry to do that.
We returned to the table assigned to us, which obviously holds the Sinclair family and Elizabeth along with her date, who is more interested in food. As we seated in our respective seats, the auction began. I chatted with Nathaniel's date, a model, on some trivial topics to pass my time. Looking around the table, I surmised Elizabeth is busy talking with Charlotte and Diana. Their respective dates are chattering among themselves on the new car model launched by some company, with Nathaniel throwing some pointers. Raphael and Edward are discussing some stock talk. Overall, they all behaved in a very exercised manner that could only come with practice.
Dinner was served in five courses while the auction was going on. Though the food is good enough to lick the plate no one paid heed to that. Everyone is busy making business deals or buying stupid arts for obscene amounts of money. Once there is a lull in the conversation on our table, Raphael turned to Charlotte and said, 'Charlotte, I believe you have something to say to Erica'.
'But Raphael-', she whined. Yup, enjoying too much.
'I don't want to hear anything. Say your apology Charlotte', Raphael cut her whining.
'Fine. I'm sorry Ms. Anderson for being rude. It will not happen again', she muttered with an angry glint in her eyes.
'It's ok Charlotte. It's good that we understood each other after our misunderstandings', I said with a fake smile implying what I thought of her.
Once the apology has been said and accepted, our table resumed its previous banter. I looked at Raphael, noting how he is being treated by his family. Other than his father, no one said barely a word to him, if it's not a barb. And his father, all he talks about is business deals, stocks, etc. Nothing personal. What a basket case this family is! Sensing my gaze Raphael ended his talk with his father and turned to me.
'I'm sorry. I don't like to attend these events when I can be with you because I know it will be dominated by the business talk. I couldn't give you the proper attention you deserve here. Bored to tears yet?', he whispered into my ear discreetly.
'Uhh... getting there', I played my boredom way Low.
'We are getting out of here', he said, giving me the look about what he is referring to. Sex. At my place. My body got the memo, but my brain... my brain started analyzing the consequences.
'What about the ball? Your family?' Even as I ask, wariness seeped into my bones unaware. What are you thinking Erica? Just yesterday he treated you like dirt. It's too soon to forgive and forget. Remember, you are not this pathetic creature who allows men to yank her chain. Where is your self-respect?
'I don't care. Do you?', Raphael asked unbeknownst to my internal war.
My mouth went dry with tension. Looking him in his eyes, I said, 'It's... it's too soon, Rafa. The wound you inflicted upon me is still raw. It was easy to forgive because I love you, but hard to forget, as I have to answer back to myself. My self-respect doesn't allow me to act as nothing happened. I'm not ready for the intimacy you are asking. Not yet. I need time. I'm sorry Raphael', I poured my inner turmoil on him.
I guess he didn't like my honest reply because Raphael looks pissed. Oh boy.