Chapter 15 Celebration Party
At Grace Children's Hospital
"Everything's fine, Miss Ariadne. We will run a few more tests to be sure. But I don't think there will be any issues. He is a very cooperative child. We can perform the surgery in two weeks." The doctor informed Ariadne.
"Oh, that's good. Thank you, Doctor."
"You are welcome."
Ariadne exited the doctor's office. She had come to the hospital to stay the night with Alex. Jennifer dropped her off at the hospital after they had dinner in the suite. As Tiara had gone out of town for some important business, leaving only Mary and Ariadne with the children. Mary would stay with Adrian and Autumn in the suite tonight, while Ariadne would stay in the hospital. She went to the doctor first to get an update on Alex's surgery.
She entered the room and saw Alex reading a comic book. He looked up and saw her.
"Mommy." He exclaimed excitedly, grinning.
"Alex." Ariadne approached the bed and hugged him.
"Will you stay with me tonight, Mommy." He asked with anticipation.
"Yes, baby." She smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Yeeeh." Alex was overjoyed.
"Ok, ok. Calm down. I have brought you dinner, let's eat."
Alex's face lit up upon hearing it. Ariadne served the dinner. Even though she had her dinner at home, she took a few bites to accompany Alex. Alex told her everything that had happened in the previous few days while eating. Ariadne listened to him quietly. He was always the most talkative and enthusiastic of her triplets.
She didn't have time to stay with him after they arrived in the city. She only had time to pay a visit every day. Now that the presentation was over, she would be able stay at night. After dinner, Alex fell asleep while talking with his mother. Ariadne carefully tucked him in and lay on the couch beside the bed. As she looked at Alex's sleeping face, she thought about their lives.
They were happy in Purple City. However, as they now moved to Zavion City, she had no idea what would happen next in their lives. Even though she didn't show it, but she is afraid of Xander finding out about the children. She was afraid that he would try to take her children away.
'I have to be strong. Whatever the situation, I will fight it.' She resolved to herself. It was a long day for her. She, too, soon fell into the land of dreams.
.....
Two days had passed since the presentation.
At Blake Corporation, everyone gathered for the company's name announcement regarding the hospital project. Xander and his team walked into the meeting room together. As he took his seat, he noticed that five people were already seated on the opposite side. However, Ariadne was not there.
"Is everyone has arrived?" Xander asked, looking at Jose.
Jose informed them that all of the representatives had arrived. However, there was no sign of Ariadne, and a new man sat among the other representatives.
"Yes, Boss." Jose replied, drawing Xander's attention to the new man.
The man cleared his throat before speaking.
"I would like to inform you that Miss Ariadne Miller was unable to attend this meeting due to an urgent matter in the company. So I, her assistant, and the company's manager, came in her place as the representative of Watson Group. My name is Eric Hart." The man introduced himself.
Xander frowned upon hearing the news. Deep down, he could not help but wonder if Ariadne had skipped the meeting on purpose. However, he didn't inquire further.
"This is so unprofessional. Miss Miller appears to be irresponsible. Or maybe she is embarrassed to face the lose of the project." Natasha blurted out arrogantly, prompting Crystal to smirk.
Crystal had no idea about the final call. She asked Xander, but he said she would find out at the meeting. In reality, she had no involvement with the project. It was Xander who allowed her to join them in the presentation, at her request. Even though she, too, had given her inputs, she couldn't decide anything. She hoped the project wouldn't be assigned to Ariadne.
"I apologize on her behalf, Madam, but there was an emergency at the company that required her presence. She has sent her words to make up for today in the future." Mr. Hart explained calmly.
"How can she make up for today's absence?" Natasha frowned.
"Of course, by hosting a celebration party after landing this project." He said confidently, surprising everyone.
"You appear to be very confident Mr. Hart." Crystal could not stop herself from commenting.
"Actually Miss Miller is confident, and we unquestionably believe in her." Mr. Hart replied with a smile.
Crystal's expression darkened in response to the compliment about Ariadne. In the past, Ariadne used to be considered a useless girl by everyone.
"Okay, now that all of the representatives from the respective companies have arrived, we can begin the meeting for which we have gathered here today." Mr. Wright spoke, drawing everyone's attention to himself.
"We are here to announce the company that has been chosen to take on this project. As previously stated, we chose the company that best meets our criteria. Mr. Blake would announce the name." Mr. Wright looked at Xander and nodded slightly.
Xander shifted in his seat lazily. There was pin-drop silence as everyone held their breath.
"The company that has been chosen for Project Grace Children's Hospital is..... Watson Group." He announced it directly before looking at Mr. Hart and adding. "Convey my congratulations to Miss Ariadne Miller, and let her know that we hope she will make up for her absence today." He emphasized the word 'absence'.
The announcement dampened Crystal's mood. The other representatives congratulated Mr. Hart as well. After a while, as everyone began to leave the room, Mr. Hart approached Xander and his team.
"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Blake Corporation." Even though he was an assistant, Mr. Hart demonstrated his experience and professionalism. "We would like to hold a party prior to the start of this project. Please allow us to organize this party. Miss Miller wishes to make up for her absence today by organizing the party."
"Oh, sure, we have no objections." Mr. Wright said.
"Thank you." Mr. Hart looked expectantly at Xander.
"When's the party?" Xander asked, indicating his approval.
"After two days, Sir." Mr. Hart smiled with delight.
"It's very early. How are you going to arrange a grand party in two days?" Crystal asked.
"Oh, don't worry, Madam. Miss Miller will take care of that. We promise you will not be disappointed with our arrangements."
...........
"How do I look in this dress?"
"Beautiful."
"How can you say that without looking at me?" Crystal pouted.
"You are a beautiful woman, Crystal. You will look gorgeous in whatever you wear." Xander said, glancing at Crystal before returning his focus to his phone.
"Oh, thank you." Crystal was delighted after hearing the compliment from Xander. "You are looking very attractive, by the way." Crystal said coquettishly.
"Thank you." Xander kept his gaze fixed on his phone.
It was two days after the meeting. Xander and Crystal sat in the backseat of Xander's Rolls-Royce on their way to Ariadne's grand party. The party was held at Green Mango, a five-star hotel in Zavion City. It was owned by the Steel Industry.
The Rolls-Royce was parked at the building's entrance. As they climbed out of the vehicle, cameras flashed on them. Everyone was eager to take pictures of the rumored couple. Standing beside Xander, Crystal smiled elegantly as she posed for photographs. However, Xander looked irritated. A line bar, guarded by guards, held the reporters back.
"Let's go." Xander said before walking towards the entrance.
Crystal grabbed his arm to keep up with his pace.
"Wow! Watson Group certainly knows how to throw a grand party." Crystal exclaimed, looking around the place.
The place was beautifully decorated. Two guards, standing on either side of the entrance door, greeted them. They entered the small hall. On the left side, there was a closed door with another two guards. They greeted them as well, and opened the door. As the door opened, Crystal and Xander's eyes shone with amazement. The party was going on with a considerably large crowd. It was a large ballroom painted white and light pink. The floor and walls shine like mirrors, with a shieling illuminated like a bright sky.
As they entered the hall, everyone's attention was drawn to them, causing an uproar in the room. As they walked through the purple carpet, everyone looked at them; some were in awe, while most of the women were jealous. When they reached the crowd, everyone stood aside to show them respect, as if they were a royal couple. Xander and Crystal were looking around the hall. Even Xander seemed impressed with the decorations.
"Good evening, Xander and Miss Crystal." Mr. Wright emerged from the crowd and greeted them.
"Good evening, Mr. Wright." Crystal returned the greeting with a smile, while Xander simply nodded at the older man. Everyone knew he is a man of few words.
"Watson Group did a great job organizing the party. What do you think?" Mr. Wright asked Xander.
"Indeed." Xander replied, looking around the hall once more.
Other well-known businessmen also approached to greet them.
"You look stunning, Miss Crystal. I have never met you in person. You are such a gorgeous lady." Mr. Pope, one of the businessmen, spoke.
"Oh, thank you." Crystal said, blushing.
"Congratulations, Mr. Blake, on your new project. The two largest corporations have now merged to work together. It's interesting." They began talking.
As usual, Xander remained silent for the majority of time. His gaze shifted around the hall from time to time.
"Are you looking for someone, Mr. Blake?" A voice came from behind him.
He turned around to face Mr. Hart, Ariadne's assistant.
"The decorations are nice. Your company did a great job." Xander said, changing the subject, as he was really looking for someone. However, there was no sign of the person.
"We are glad it pleases you, Sir. Miss Miller handled all of it. She planned the entire party." Mr. Hart declared proudly.
"She did an excellent job." Mr. Wright praised. "By the way, where is she? I have not seen her since we arrived."
"Miss Miller has gone to pick up Mr. Watson from the airport."
"You mean Mr. Zidane Watson? I had no idea he would be attending the party." Mr. Wright said.
"Yes, he decided to come at the last moment. Sorry for the wait. Actually, his flight arrived late. But they are on their way. Enjoy the party; they will be joining us shortly." Mr. Hart apologized.
"Oh, it's ok. We are enjoying." Mr. Wright reassured.
Upon hearing the news, Xander frowned. They were not informed of Zidane Watson's arrival. However, he said nothing.
Within the next fifteen to twenty minutes everyone else arrived, except for the hosts. Xander began to grow bored among the businessmen. Suddenly, the entrance door opened, drawing Xander's attention. The hall went silent. After a few seconds, two stunning figures appeared at the entrance. Xander paused, taking in the sight before him.