Chapter 21 Saving The Foe
Zane's POV
‘Cute as a bunny.’ I muttered to myself as I watched a video Arielle sent to me.
It was a video of her trying to eat an extra cheese pizza and she got all the sauce smeared on her mouth and face. It was hilarious and I caught myself laughing a bit louder than I should. I cleared her throat and texted her back.
Me: I'll make you some decent meal when I get back, you look like you're devoid of any nutrition.
Her: That's mean! I am eating pretty well without you here.
Me: I can plainly see that, I'll tell Leo to bring you some food, real good food.
Her: You wouldn't believe the day I had, I'll appreciate that a lot. When will you be back? Its like an eight hour time difference where you're at isn't it?
I chuckled and clicked my tongue. I didn't divulge that piece of information, Leo must have slipped or something.
Me: Do you miss me that much? Say the magic words and I'll be home before you know it.
Her: I'm literally scoffing at such cringey things. Get back soon so you act handle all the paperwork while I do what I do best; sit back and look pretty.
The curtains opened and there was a polite round of applause, signaling that the event had begun.
Me: I've got work to attend to, I'll text you later. Tell Leo what food you'll like to have and he'll get it for you and for God's sake, eat something decent and don't go out wandering alone.
I put my phone into my pocket after I saw that the message was delivered. I've been away at this business trip for almost weeks now and as much as I love how much progress I've been making, I can't wait to get back home to Arielle.
This event was the last formal event I needed to attend and then I'll hop on my private jet and go back home. It was for a charity and also a mini gala where you'd meet prominent people in the fashion, business and even politics world, I needed to meet up with a few clients and this avenue was the best.
The floor opened with some emotional blackmail bout charity, blah blah blah… I donated generously and skipped to the part where they had a little runway for a mini fashion show. I barely paid any attention to their models because one model occupied my mind; Arielle.
When I finally got the chance to socialize, I took it.
“So, Zane, I heard you've officially opened a fast-growing branch of BELLE in a prominent country now.” Richmond, a third-generation wealthy brat casually commented.
“Yes Richmond, you opened a new hotel? That's a good business move.” I commented lazily too, a subtle hint that I'm wasn't interested in small talks with him.
I took an intentional long sip of my whiskey and turned my attention to Kirby Devon; a forty-five year old network marketer who runs the biggest networking web in the world. He had barely said a word all evening and he's my main target.
“Kirby, your company partnered with the President of the UAE as the official supplier of their nutritional supplements? That's a great feat.” I complimented him, politely raising my glass to propose a toast to which he humbly accepted.
“I just thought it's high time we take network marketing to the next level.” He calmly replies.
“You proved that point by not only making a President a potential prospect but also converting into a long-term buyer.” I praised, sincerely.
I secretly envied his business skills, I've been trying over the years to get him to partner with my company but he gently refused me because he wants to do things on his own and back then, he was just growing but seeing how successful he is now, I respect his legacy.
“Thank you. You're doing well for yourself too, you're making waves and continue like this trust me, you'll reach the peak of greatness.” He advised.
I tilted my head slightly. “Thank you. It's nice to speak with you.”
He chuckled softly. “Same here, it's great to hear something new and not just you trying purchase shares in my company or get me to partner with yours.” He joked.
We laughed it off and spoke more of business strategies. We mingled with other people, mostly with those who had something good to offer and by the end of the night, I'd already secured deals and had some new business owners pitch ideas and deals to me as well.
The party, was allegedly just getting started but all I wanted to do is go back to my hotel suite and relax then go back home the next day.
The clinking of glasses, the forced laughter, no-funny jokes and subtle flirting was getting on my nerves so I made to leave but from the corner of my eyes, I saw one of the models trying to make her way across the room, she was walking directly elegantly and as she made a slight pause, directly under a huge glistening and ridiculously expensive chandelier, speaking to a fan of hers who can't stop himself from drooling.
‘Gross.’ I muttered under my breath.
I paused, all of a sudden and looked at the chandelier one more time, weird I know; to be standing right there in my tuxedo, staring at a chandelier but I noticed a bolt had come loose and all of a sudden, it snapped.
Instinctively, I acted on impulse and lunged forward, shoving the model away just seconds before the chandelier crashed, shattering into pieces on the spot she stood just seconds ago, I shielded her with my body so the shrapnel wouldn't injure her. Meanwhile the fool who ogled at her had already launched himself away from the danger.
The entire place was filled with worried gasps. Immediately the danger was past, I turned to look at the lady, she was shook with fear.
“Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?” I asked, concerned.
She shook her head. “I'm…I'm fine.” She stammered, recovering from the shock.
“Oh my god! Gwen! Are you okay darling?” A man cried out with a tiny squeak and wriggled like a high school bimbo and made his way towards us.
I immediately let go of her, sensing he's her agent. I cleared my throat and made my way out of the room, not wanting to draw any attention to myself, if there's anything to avoid on gatherings like this; it's gossip and the media would do anything to get a little dirt on you.
Just as I was about to get in my car, I heard a voice call out my name. I turned my head to see Kirby walking up to my, his strong build made him look younger than his age.
“Is there something I can help you with?” I asked, calmly.
“Nothing much, just wondering how long it will take you to draft an official document.” He said, weirdly.
I shrugged. “I don't know, depends.”
“So, you can send over a legal contract between your company and mine in let's say, a week or so?” He asked, nonchalantly.
“What!” I blurted.
“I think it'll be great if I sell some shares of my company, so what do you say? Interested?”
I almost screamed in excitement but I kept my composure.
“Sure. Let me know your price.”
“I'll have my legal team contact yours. Goodnight Zane.” He said plainly and began to walk away like the conversation just didn't happen.
“Kirby.” I called out and he paused to look at me. “What made you change your mind?” I asked him, curiously.
“I don't know.” He shrugged. “Maybe because I saw the young version of myself in you, who knows? But I sure damn wasn't some superhero saving damsel under chandeliers. Goodnight Zane, go get a love life and stop chasing after business deals.”
And then he disappeared into the darkness. I was absolutely elated and I got into the car, smiling ear to ear. It was the best news I could've received. I dialed Leo's number and he picked up at the first ring.
“Have the men prepare my private jet, I'm coming home tonight and oh, don't breathe a word of this to Arielle.”
“Yes boss.”
I hung up and smiled to myself, a little pain shot through my shoulder where the chandelier had briefly brushed past before crashing but I waved it off, things were going just as I planned and soon, I'll be powerful enough to give the whole world to Arielle as a plaything.