The voice Lea heard had a deep rasp and held a tinge of authority. She turned as and when Xander turned to see the person and when her eyes fell on the tall figure now standing not so far from them, she immediately understood the shrills the voice gave her. It was none other than the all-time businessman man-Logan Scott.
She couldn't fathom why the presence of this man near her always sent shivers running down her body. Xander was equally intimidating, she thought, but there was something about this man that she couldn't quite wrap her head around.
She saw his black eyes that gleamed under the magical lights of the room. A faint smile was etched on his lips and he twirled the glass in his hand-Lea could easily guess its content.
The aura he radiated told of the kind of man he was.
"You're here," he said when he was just a step away from them.
His eyes were yet to linger on Lea who stood behind Xander.
"So are you" Xander shot back and the smile on Logan's face widened a little at Xander's remark, showcasing his white sparkly front teeth."You have never struck me as one who would attend such parties."
"The same can be said about you" Logan's face lost some of its humor as he spoke.
"I'm sure we are all here for personal reasons." Xander tilted his head to the side.
"Well, I couldn't refuse the invitation of such an honorable man.Mr.Williams would be disappointed if I did." he sobered up.
Xander narrowed his eyes, obviously, he wasn't buying what Logan said because Logan was a man who had it in him to refuse an invitation without a care in the world even if the person owned the entire city, so his presence here was certainly for a reason which he was yet to find out.
Before Xander could voice out his thoughts, Logan's eyes fell on Lea and he saw something flicker in his eyes which disappeared as instantly as it appeared.
"I see you came with your pretty secretary." his voice was low which was meant for only Xander's ears but Lea heard it anyway.
"Yes, let me officially introduce her," Xander said looking at Lea who stepped forward.
"Lea Peyton."
Logan brought his hand forward still looking at her in the eye and he saw Lea take his hand.
"It's my pleasure meeting you, I mean this is not the first time but... it's still my pleasure. Logan Scott is the name. I bet you already know that" Logan said with a wide smile which gave Lea an unsettling feeling seeing this man smile.
She smiled too-a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"it's my pleasure too, Mr.Logan."
Logan released Lea's hand from the handshake after a few seconds, but his gaze was still strained on her. It felt quite uncanny for Lea to look into this man's challenging and unwavering eyes. She averted her gaze everywhere but him.
At the voice that was heard behind them, Lea, Logan, and Xander turned in its direction.
"Good evening Ladies and gentlemen,"
A man who seemed to be in his fifties was on the stage with a glass of wine in his hand. By him stood a fairly middle-aged woman who was in a black evening dress. On their right stood a pot-bellied man with his wife, also with glasses of wine in their hands.
"It's such an honor to be here tonight to share with you my exhilaration and joy of being able to land a business deal with the Myers Publishing Company." he turned to face the Myers who stood on his right.
Applause was heard after Mr.Williams made that statement.
After it died down, he continued,
"As you already know, in the business world here in Lavenzco, it isn't easy to form such an alliance with a reputable company like that. I am very grateful to Mr.Myer for accepting this business deal and I am looking forward to more in the future. Also, it would not have been possible if not for this beautiful and intelligent woman beside me" he turned to his wife," She has been very supportive. I love you dear." he said aloud and heard cheers at his open affection and appreciation for his wife.
"Therefore it calls for a celebration that we've made that progress."Mr.Williams raised his glass in the air and spoke,
"To new and progressive business with the Myers."
The people in the room raised their glasses in response.
"Before I leave the stage, I would like to acknowledge the presence of some very important men here, Mr.Logan Scott, CEO of Podalinks, and Mr.Xander Stark, CEO of Stark Company."
Both men waved elegantly at the mention of their names and a lot of eyes turned in their direction in amazement. The top businessmen of the city all in one place.
"Thank you for honoring my invitation and for gracing this august occasion with your presence." he said and raised his glass." Please have fun everyone, and enjoy your time here." and with that, the soft music in the background resumed, filling the room with a tranquil and warm atmosphere.
"I see Williams Company is making progress."Logan's voice diverted their attention from the stage.
"It sure is" Xander responded."But it will surely take some time and a lot of effort to reach our level of business." a hint of achievement was evident in his voice.
"You're not wrong about that, but baby steps."
Xander nodded in agreement.
"Well, I will see you around, I need to meet some clients here," Logan said and Xander nodded.
Before Logan walked away, he sent a quick glance at Lea who returned his gaze with a faint smile and she saw him finally walk away.
The atmosphere around Lea seemed less tense after the man left, it was as though his presence came with some kind of intimidating and suppressing aura. It was simply unsettling.
"Please excuse me, I need to visit the restroom," Lea said after some minutes of Logan's departure and Xander nodded in comprehension.
"It's that way." he directed her as she was walking the wrong way.
"Thank you," Lea said and disappeared amongst the people.
On her way, she observed the beauty of the place with thrill, lost in her surroundings, she accidentally tripped, but before she could fall, a strong pair of arms caught her, saving her from falling and she heard a voice that sounded heavenly and pleasant.
"Watch your step, you don't want to ruin your dress."
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