Chapter 13: The Gathering
Ariana entered the grand hall with a controlled posture while showing no signs of emotion on her face. The magnificent setting featured golden chandeliers illuminating marble floors while graceful individuals with champagne glasses moved through the space exchanging powerful yet covert conversations.
In this sphere people relied on their perception to make sense of everything. The night brought more than attendance duties because she actually performed.
People were already staring at her with curiosity while whispers followed like invisible shadows. The heiress of Cameloe who supposedly faced total financial loss. Every eye was fixed on her to observe a potential sign of weakness.
Ariana refused to let her competitors enjoy the satisfaction they sought.
She adjusted the bracelet on her wrist before her lips revealed a knowing expression. Let them watch.
Jesse Ren observed her from his hidden position.
He stood within the depths of the crowd watching her while holding a glass of whiskey in his hand with an expression that was impossible to read. He had expected to witness someone fighting to survive while surrounded by dangerous sharks in an ocean. The man standing before him was not the weak individual he had envisioned but a person who mastered the art of swimming.
Intriguing.
She soon encountered problems that pursued her.
Rachel Lawrence spoke at a volume that allowed people to overhear her words. "It's such a shame, really. Once she ruled high society with her status but what has she become now? It's just… sad."
Antony exploited the situation by commenting "According to my sources the Lawrence family businesses remain barely operational." The inheritance which she once celebrated now brought her only disappointment. Practically worthless."
The whispers among guests formed into gentle laughter. Whispers grew.
Ariana had expected this.
The woman shifted her gaze toward Rachel and Antony while maintaining a cool and collected expression.
"Is that what you heard?" she mused, swirling the champagne in her glass. "Interesting. The source of this old-fashioned information remains a mystery to me.
Rachel showed a brief pause in her smile before resuming her expression. "Outdated?"
Ariana gave a deliberate nod while she seemed to evaluate something. "Yes. You should maintain awareness of business trends as a business leader Rachel. Not everyone belongs to networks which provide access to current business trends.
The atmosphere changed slightly throughout the room. People were listening now—really listening.
Antony frowned. "Are you implying—"
Ariana stated in a composed manner that she did not mean to imply anything. "I'm simply clarifying the facts."
She shifted her body toward the audience instead of paying attention to them. The recent high-value partnership that Cameloe Enterprises established serves as proof of their strong position. Expectations suggest a preview of this upcoming announcement tonight prior to the official release next week.
There was a beat of silence.
Then murmurs. Interest.
The tide had turned.
Rachel's confident smirk was gone. Antony's jaw tightened.
Ariana used their own tactics to secure victory over them.
The shadows concealed Jesse while he observed the scene without showing any emotion.
Throughout his professional career he had observed numerous individuals who collapsed from stress and public attention.
Ariana didn't.
She understood the strategic damage so she transformed it into a positive outcome.
His past attitude toward this woman no longer applied.
After another sip he contemplated his thoughts while sipping his whiskey.
Perhaps… he had underestimated her.
Ariana left the building into the night air which gently caressed her bare skin. She exhaled slowly as deep contentment filled her entire body.
She had handled it well.
The first real test.
The moment she was about to depart the screen located by the entrance drew her attention.
A news segment.
The Ren Corporation strengthened its industrial influence through its attendance at this evening's event.
Tightness spread across her chest when she saw the name appear in the broadcast's lower section.
Jesse Ren.
Ariana's breath hitched.
He had been here.
The entire time.
Watching.
Her fingers curled at her side, heart hammering in her chest.
What did this mean for their next meeting?
She wasn't sure.
But one thing was certain—Jesse Ren was paying attention now.