Wen drove up an estate. Trees completely surrounded it, making it seem like a forest all around. But in reality, a gate stood in the middle of it and beyond that infrastructure was a well-hidden modern home.
Elevated on a grass clearing was a round pool with a small waterfall in front. Fountains had been placed along its outline for aesthetics. Behind it was a three-story Versailles-style mansion. Instead of one grand staircase in the middle, the designers split it into two.
If Eve didn't know any better, the house looked similar to the ones she'd seen from a life simulation video game. What was it again? Smis? The Smis? The Smis Freeplay?
"I'll be on standby if needed," Wen as she pushed on the brakes. The car stopped near the main entrance and the two staircases beside it. She looked at the rearview mirror. "Mr. Wilson has also granted permission for the security team. We'll keep a lookout around the perimeter."
"Thank you, Wen," Ambryan said, opening the door beside him.
Eve followed his example and stepped out on the other side. She held up a tablet close to her chest, walking around the trunk. Her legs positioned her a step behind Ambryan. Together, they made their way towards the mansion. Servants bowed their heads as they passed by.
Then, the door opened.
"Ambryan! Good to see you! Come in, come in!" Stuart Wilson held a bottle of wine in one hand. His cheeks were flushed red. A lively chatter could be heard behind him. It seemed that this appointment was much more than it appeared.
Eve knitted her eyebrows.
"Mr. Wilson!" Ambryan smiled, shaking the host's hand. "I apologize for my father's absence. I hope you don't mind having me around instead."
"Nonsense! You're like a son to me already!" Stuart stood on his toes and glanced above the CEO's shoulder. "And I see you brought your secretary with you. Always on the job, aye?"
Ambryan noted the aggrieved tone underneath his words. The alcohol had made it more obvious than normal. He tightened his grip on the handshake. "Is that a problem?"
"Of course not!" Mr. Wilson denied quickly, nodding his head in Eve's direction. He forced a friendly expression. "Welcome, dear."
She returned it with a polite smile. "Pleasure to see you in good health, Sir Wilson."
Eve never understood the problem. They had met several times by this point. Why did he always see her as a threat of some sorts? The old geezer could belong in the same category as some of Ambryan's past lovers if he kept acting this way.
"Please step inside," Stuart insisted, moving to the side. He let go of Ambryan and gestured into the doorway. "Make yourself comfortable. I figured a handful of us could use some leisure so I had prepared a mini party."
Just like he said, the inside was filled with guests. The interior was decked out in marble floors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and double-height ceilings. Crystal chandeliers accessorized many of the common living spaces—including this one. The Wilson Family had designated it as their hosting area for get togethers.
Businessmen and their female companions littered around the room. Eve stayed close behind. She scanned their faces, remembered their names. It was quite a gathering. Even political figures had come for this 'party'.
"Eve," Ambryan spoke over his shoulder. His eyes stayed on the guests. He felt a number of them on him already. "Try to be inconspicuous."
"Understood."
Picking a spot near the walls, Eve maneuvered through the crowd. She grabbed a glass of sparkling water from a server and stood near the fireplace. Its decor consisted of dark stones. Her profile blended right beside it.
She fixed her square frames and watched everyone.
A tiny lens whirred at the corner of her eyeglasses.
Whatever she saw, Wen did as well. If anything were to happen, they'd have a complete list of the people present. They were fortunate that Mr. Wilson approved their request to use their own security measures. They didn't need to narrate the specifics before he expressed his agreement.
Eve wasn't sure if he was a fool or he knew them all along.
Nonetheless, her focus should be on Ambryan.
Her popular boss had been bombarded as soon as she left his side. A sigh flowed out of her nose. She took a sip of her beverage. This was going to take a while…
At the other side, Ambryan joined a small group. They took over the main sitting area and played cards. The game was money-free upon Wilson's instructions—though a few of them itched to make an interesting gamble.
A woman giggled. Her lover occupied the seat while she sat on one amrest. The position allowed her to showcase her long legs. The dress she wore also cinched around her upper body. Its neckline shaped her breasts well, making them perky.
She looked at the cards of her lover and humored him on the strategy he whispered to her.
When he laughed and crouched over his thighs, her eyes flickered towards Ambryan. She resisted not to bite her bottom lip. His side profile was perfect. There wasn't part of the man that didn't look sculpted. One look and she knew she'd melt.
Nothing on his face betrayed his next move.
Next thing everyone knew, he had won another round of cards.
"Gah!" A politician exclaimed. He wagged a finger at the infamous CEO. "You are good. Very good, young man. Those skills could lead to something good, you know."
"Like what? The casino?" A businessman joked.
His seatmate nudged his side. "More like the government."
Hoots of laughter sprung around the center table. Ambryan only half-smiled. "As interesting as that is, I'm positive you do a much better job than I ever could, governor."
The governor chuckled and dabbed his cigar over an ashtray. "Alright, young man. What is it that you want? Just remember that flattery doesn't get you that far."
Their audience expressed their affirmation. A few light jokes were thrown here and there. Even the governor laughed at their antics. Some of the females played along like they could understand what was going on. The others that did weren't smiling as much.
"I am simply stating the truth. It's been an honor to meet you," Ambryan denied with a smile. On the inside, his temple throbbed. The statement had been passed off as a joke but he knew the governor meant it. The use of flattery was just an excuse.
He really wanted a ticket for Ambryan to owe him.
"Come on, I insist," the governor tried again. "Your father and I go back, you know. It's such a shame our paths don't cross much since we graduated. Although, I had been meaning to give back to him. He was one of the reasons I was able to go through school."
'Send him a fine bottle of wine and he'll be delighted,' Ambryan wanted to say. There were several ways for a person to showcase their gratitude. Unfortunately, stating such words weren't advisable in the invisible book of mannerisms.
And so, he merely nodded in understanding. "It is unlucky that my father couldn't attend today. It would have been a perfect opportunity to catch up."
"Yeah, it would have been…" the governor drawled, smoking his cigar. "I have to admit though. I also wouldn't have minded meeting the future Mrs. Ambryan Hathaway. Does anyone else feel the same?"
He directed the question to the rest and forced them into the conversation. If a wide variety agreed to his statement then, maybe he could gain a small victory. This was meant to be a party after all. They could bring anyone with them.
The woman earlier gasped. Ambryan snapped his head in her direction. As she predicted, goosebumps rose on her skin. Her lips forced a pleasant smile as she stared into his violet eyes. "It's Evangeline Reed, right? She's very lovely. Her beauty is unique and makes her easily stand out. You can't just help... but look..."
By the end of her speech, her voice had toned down and faded. Could he hear what she was trying to say? It felt like his piercing gaze could see right through her and saw the true meaning behind her words.
They were meant to describe him and not his girlfriend.
The governor pointed his cigar at her.
"That's true. She's quite the looker," he snarled like an animal. Then, he shoved Ambryan's shoulder lightly. A boisterous laugh rumbled in his chest. "You're one lucky man, Ambryan. A bit of advice though. Enjoy it while you can. That kind of youthful glow fades over time. It's something you'd miss when old."
Ambryan scowled. He blinked at the coffee table twice before turning his head to the right. The governor stared off into space, still smoking his cigar indoors. His facial expression indicated how he didn't mind what he just said.
His hands clenched into fists.
"Pardon my rudeness but do refrain from speaking about my girlfriend in such a way," Ambryan replied. The noise around them dwindled into silence. People stood at a standstill. Everyone nearby heard his every word.
Eve stepped forward, anticipating a fight.
Then, her body stiffened at his declaration.
"She's not a mannequin meant to be looked at. Even if she was, she's not meant for anyone's eyes but my own so please get rid of your erotic thoughts."