“Miss Wilde, I have heard of your name long before today. It is an honor to finally meet you,” Bayden smoothly delivered his line.
Coral responded with a professional smile, “Mr. Hood, the pleasure is mine.”
The venue for the evening was on the fifth floor of the hotel, where the entire floor was designed for banquets and events. The luxurious and grand atmosphere could not be described with just three words: gold and splendor.
Security guards were stationed at every elevator entrance from the first to fifth floors to provide assistance. Once they arrived on the fifth floor, beautiful hostesses automatically led guests to their designated tables.
Observing these hostesses’ figures and looks, they were definitely model-level beauties with smiles that were both professional and pleasing to look at, truly eye-catching.
The hostess led Coral and Leo to table number five while Tony and Bayden sat at table number four adjacent to an aisle.
In this kind of setting, Coral’s executive demeanor shone through. Her calm expression and poised posture made Leo realize that there was indeed a great difference between people of different social classes.
Before the auction began, Leo saw quite a few people he had only seen on TV or in newspapers trickle in one by one, indicating that this charity auction held high status among society’s elite.
Not only did wealthy individuals attend but also those who held power or status; even celebrities who currently dominated entertainment circles showed up as well.
Leo still hadn’t encountered the celebrity, but there were plenty of people coming to greet Coral. In the business world, social connections were extremely crucial.
Many of those who came to greet Coral, upon seeing Leo sitting beside her, displayed expressions of surprise. Some curious individuals might inquire briefly, but it usually didn’t go beyond a few questions, and most simply ignored his presence.
However, over time, witnessing the arrogant attitudes of these self-proclaimed noble individuals made Leo somewhat uncomfortable. Looking around, the auction hall was filling up with well-dressed individuals holding glasses, actively seeking their own social circles to engage with.
In such a place, it was undoubtedly the best occasion to expand one’s network.
Leo noticed Bayden and Tony exchanging a few words in low voices. After nodding repeatedly, Tony glanced over at Leo and their group before standing up and leaving his seat.
Bayden stood up with his wine glass and slowly walked towards Leo and Coral’s location. He sat down next to Coral, holding his wine glass up as a gesture towards her. She understood and lightly tapped her own glass against his.
Taking a sip of his red wine, Bayden smiled at Coral and said, “Miss Wilde, are you and Mr. Bloomer…?”
“I am just friends with Mr. Bloomer,” Coral replied simply.
Noticing that Coral wasn’t interested in talking much, Bayden turned his attention to Leo instead. “I have never seen such a young geomancy master like you before,” he said. “Although I don’t believe in geomancy myself, I would still like you to take a look at my face if possible.”
“Of course,” Leo replied politely while scanning Bayden’s face with his eyes. “You have the signs of wealth and success on your face recently; your business has been thriving.”
Bayden let out an indifferent sound but didn’t comment further on what Leo had said about him being successful since it was obvious to him already anyway.
“But…” Leo continued after pausing for effect.
“What is it?” Bayden asked curiously.
“It would be best if you drank less tonight or didn’t drive at all because there might be some danger ahead.”
Bayden couldn’t help but laugh inwardly when he heard this warning from Leo about potential danger ahead.
How ridiculous!
He had hired a professional driver for the night so why would he need to worry? He wondered why someone like Coral was even associating herself with someone who seemed like nothing more than an unprofessional con artist trying too hard to impress people.
Despite feeling skeptical about what Leo had just told him, Bayden still thanked him politely as any well-mannered businessman would do before standing up again readying himself to leave their table without causing any more awkwardness between them all.
But before leaving completely though, he suddenly remembered something important that he wanted to tell Coral, “Oh wait Miss Wilde! I almost forgot something very important!”
Coral lifted her head slightly in curiosity, “Yes? What is it?”
“I almost forgot to tell you how beautiful you are tonight, like an elegant red rose!” Bayden spoke sincerely.
While Coral responded to the comment with just a smile, Leo became aware that this guy was undoubtedly a player in the social scene, and it seemed he had his sights set on Coral.
But then again, young and beautiful female CEOs like Coral were rare across the country, especially single ones. It would be abnormal if she didn’t have many suitors.
Although Leo hadn’t known Coral for long, he knew that her heart didn’t seem to belong to anyone in particular.
This beautiful and charming woman had two very different personalities. In business, she was a decisive and domineering female CEO. In life, however, she was just an ordinary woman.
At exactly five o’clock, the emcee invited the organizers of the auction onto the stage. The latter briefly introduced the situation of the auction, read out a list of sponsors, and expressed gratitude. Following these acknowledgments, the event commenced with a gratitude-themed song and dance party.
In the northern direction of the auction hall, there was a large stage. As the hall lights dimmed, the stage lights brightened. With the music starting, five dancers emerged from the concealed sides of the stage, gracefully dancing to the rhythm.
After the dance concluded, the singing began. The female voice was pure and melodious, reminiscent of a nightingale or a lark, captivating the audience.
Even Leo, who had little interest in celebrities, couldn’t help but take a few more glances. In the midst of the singing, well-dressed waiters maneuvered long food carts around the hall, offering a variety of exquisite dishes for the guests to enjoy.
After the female singer left the stage, a band took over. A melodious dance tune filled the air, and Coral, being the radiant red rose that she was, couldn’t be ignored. A handsome man in a tuxedo approached her.
As the man drew near, wearing a smile, he spoke in a gentle tone, “Coral, it’s been a while. I’ve missed you greatly.”
Seeing this man, Coral’s initially professional smile softened, and there was a different expression in her eyes. “Tommy, you’re back?”