Chapter 10
As the reporters neared the end of their news segment, one of them leaned in slightly, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Hey, did you hear about the big banquet coming up? Apparently, all the CEOs and their spouses are going to be there. It’s going to be a who’s who of the business world,” he remarked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
His colleague nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yeah, I heard about it. It’s going to be quite the event. Do you think Christian Asher and his wife, Laura Gracias, will attend? I really hope they do,” he mused, his tone hopeful.
The first reporter’s expression brightened at the mention of the power couple. “They should,” he replied with a nod. “I mean, after everything that’s happened, it would be a missed opportunity if they didn’t show up together. The media would eat it up.”
His colleague chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Oh, you know they would. The Asher-Gracias saga has been the talk of the town ever since their secret marriage was revealed. People are dying to see them together in public,” he remarked, his tone laced with excitement.
Christian turned off the news, brought out his phone and texted someone.
~We should be there together~
He dropped his phone and turned his focus on the documents before him.
****
In the heart of the bustling city, nestled amidst towering skyscrapers, stood the headquarters of Gracias Conglomerate, a beacon of power and influence in the business world. The building itself was an architectural marvel, its sleek glass facade reflecting the vibrant energy of the metropolis that surrounded it. From the outside, one could sense the magnitude of its presence, a testament to the empire that lay within.
Inside the hallowed halls of Gracias Conglomerate, the atmosphere buzzed with activity, a symphony of productivity and ambition that echoed from floor to ceiling. Employees moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of power.
At the helm of this formidable institution sat Laura Gracias, the esteemed CEO whose name was synonymous with success and innovation. As the daughter of the conglomerate’s founder, she had inherited not only a vast fortune but also a legacy of excellence that stretched back generations. Under her leadership, Gracias Conglomerate had flourished, expanding its reach across industries and continents, solidifying its status as a global powerhouse.
Laura’s office was a reflection of her stature within the company, a spacious sanctuary nestled amidst the bustling hive of activity. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of the city skyline, bathing the room in natural light and imbuing it with an aura of serenity amidst the chaos outside.
The decor was tastefully opulent, a blend of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. A grand mahogany desk commanded the center of the room, its polished surface adorned with sleek technology and meticulously arranged documents. Behind the desk, a wall of bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, housing a vast collection of literary treasures that spoke to Laura’s intellect and ambition.
As Laura settled into her plush leather chair, her attention was drawn to the soft chime of her phone, signaling an incoming message. With a flick of her wrist, she retrieved the device from her pocket, her brow furrowing in curiosity as she read the notification that flashed across the screen.
Her brows furrowed at the content of the text. She double tapped the “red button” fixed on her desk and in few minutes, Riley walked in, “Yes ma’am,” She handed over the phone to her,”Interpret that for me, I can’t seem to understand the context” She added.
“It’s about the schedule I sent to you today, concerning the banquet event happening with all CEOs, he thinks you two should attend together,” She paused and Laura raised her brow.” as couples,” She continued and Laura cleared her throat and adjusted her seat.
“You can leave,” She said. Riley bowed and exited her office.
Laura let out a deep breath, she took her phone, fiddled with it before dropping it. She drew her laptop closer, then stopped, and picked up her phone again.
~Sure..
She erased it, adjusted the position of the phone on her hand as she decided on what to reply.
~Yeah, sure, let’s…
She erased it again.
“What am I doing?” She muttered.
~Okay~ She sent the message.
***
*Asher’s Conglomerate*
As the day drew to a close, Christian found himself in his office, the last glimmers of sunlight filtering through the towering glass windows. Rian, his steadfast assistant, stood by his side, a tablet in hand, ready to assist with any final tasks before they retired for the evening.
“Thank you, Rian. That will be all for today,” Christian said, his voice carrying a note of weariness as he glanced at the clock on his desk.
“Of course, Mr. Christian. Have a good evening,” Rian replied with a respectful nod before gathering his belongings and exiting the office.
Alone at last, Christian took a moment to collect his thoughts, the weight of the day’s responsibilities still lingering in the air. With a sigh, he rose from his desk and made his way to the door, his steps echoing in the empty corridor as he headed towards the elevator.
As he stepped into the waiting car, Rian joined him, a briefcase in hand and a look of quiet determination on his face.
“Good evening, Mr. Christian. I’ve compiled the agenda for tomorrow’s meetings and briefings,” Rian said, his tone professional yet supportive as he handed over the folder of documents.
“Thank you, Rian. I’ll review them tonight,” Christian replied, his gaze focused on the illuminated display panel as the elevator began its descent.
As they rode in silence, the soft hum of the elevator providing a soothing backdrop to their thoughts, Rian’s phone buzzed with an incoming message. He glanced at the screen, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he turned to Christian.
“Mr. Christian, Laura has responded to your message,” Rian informed him, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Christian’s interest piqued at the mention of Laura’s name, his brow furrowing slightly as he awaited Rian’s report.
“What was her reply?” Christian asked, his tone neutral yet curious.
Rian hesitated for a moment before answering, “Okay, just ‘okay’.”
“Hmm,” Christian responded with a nod, his expression unreadable as he mulled over Laura’s terse response.