Chapter 27 A new threat
Gwen's POV
He saved my life. Nothing else mattered after that night. Not the endless doting, not the attention from men who are desperate for as little as a gaze from me, none of it mattered because all I wanted was to be in his arms again. I remember it vividly, the moment he twirled me and held me in his strong muscular arms, it was as if the world paused and replayed in slow motion.
“Miss Heathrow, the company is ready.” Jennifer, my personal assistant informed me, drawing me back to reality.
I inhaled slowly, nodding my head. “Have you informed them of my arrival and that everything has to be perfect? We need to throw a party.”
“Of course ma'am, the party would take place three days after you've settled down there and as instructed, I've sent the official invitation to his mail and office as well.”
“Good.” I commented.
“What are you up to this time around Gwen?” My father suddenly asked, confidently striding into my office.
I stood up to receive him, a bit surprised by his presence because he rarely pays me a visit at my home office.
“Dad, you didn't tell me you were coming, to what do I owe thr pleasure?”
He waved his hand dismissively, at Jennifer who attempted to cater for his needs, he made himself comfortable on a couch and I joined him there.
“I've come to confirm the rumors. I heard you're opening a new branch and moving to New York City. That's great from business considering that it will widen the horizon of our business but I know you well enough to tell that you're not been impulsive so tell me, why are you doing this?” Dad asked me, intently.
I laughed softly and clicked my tongue. “You're right Dad, I've got my eyes set on something.”
“Is that that man who saved you from being crushed under a chandelier?” He asked and I was shocked that he read my mind.
“Yes dad, is there any problem with that?” I retorted, folding my arms.
Dad just glared at me, the both of us locked eyes and no one dared to look away, it was a silent battle. As if we were competing, whoever looked away first would lose. He sighed resignedly and looked away. I smirked, content that I won.
“He's no ordinary man Gwen, he's more powerful and influential than anyone I know, than me.”
I snickered. “If that's supposed to scare me then you're wrong Dad, powerful and untouchable men are my thing, I want him and I'll get him by all means.” I said, decisively.
It wasn't a lie, ever since he saved me I've been obsessed with him, sure getting anyone's information wasn't a problem for him but his was a challenge, all his tracks were clean and no one would dare divulge any information about him except that he's wealthy and shouldn't be messed with.
“Are you sure you want to lock horns with him? You're my little girl after all and I'd hate to worry about you.”
I guffawed. “I'll be fine dad, I'm leaving tomorrow. I promise to make him your son-in-law, that'd be a plus wouldn't it? You'd be unstoppable.”
He grinned sheepishly at the offer then walked out of my office, content. If there's anything Ethan Heathrow loves, its power and I just happened to fall in love with the perfect embodiment of it.
I left for New York City as planned and ensured everything was in order. I had bought an entire building prior to my arrival and turned it into my own personal modeling agency. It wasn't hard to recruit young models since I am a supermodel myself and my main business is working with and managing models as well.
“Did he RSVP to my invitation?” I asked Jennifer for the umpteenth time that morning, the evening was the opening party I had planned for, it was a closed get-together and official launch of my company in NYC, I invited the top shots in the city and also executives of modeling agencies since it was the proper thing to do and by proxy, I invited him too.
“Yes, Miss Heathrow, he indicated that he would bring a plus one.”
That was all I needed to be in a good mood. He's a billionaire of course he'd have to come with a date who would be none other than a model from his agency or something, it would look bad on him if he came alone.
The last time I was this nervous was when I first pushed a man down a tall building and the cops brought me in for questioning which by the way, I almost confessed to but my dad intervened and I got away with it.
My party was going on well as expected, the guests had arrived, doing what rich spoilt people do, there was a little fashion show ongoing as well, to showcase some of our sponsors brand and I've had my third glass of champagne as I nervously and impatiently watched the entrance, waiting for a familiar face to walk right in.
“You're sweating and ruining your makeup.” Jennifer cautioned. “Remember you're the face of this brand, you represent yourself, don't ruin this. A lot of these men are already drooling and ogling just by looking at you, where is your pride?”
I wanted to scold her, how dare she talk to me this way but she was right? I am Gwendolyn, the famous supermodel who openly turned down billionaires and even the president's son. When the news of me coming here to open an annex of my agency got out, it spread like wildfire and made quite the buzz.
“Miss Gwendolyn, I must say you look fabulous and mesmerizing as always.” Mr Fitzgerald, one of our generous sponsors, commented as he walked up to me.
I smiled warmly and extended my hand which he took and planted a soft kiss on.
“The ladies have been gossiping all night and have decided to send me as the front boy to ask where you got this exquisitely magnificent dress of yours and how you've managed to stay flawlessly beautiful.”
I blushed gently at his compliment, my beauty is unparalleled and I am used to getting jealous stares from the women all the time. I laughed softly, like the distinguished lady that I am and soon got into a conversation with him, others joined, trying to catch my attention, suitors praising me nonstop and I got lost in the moment until I heard gasps and voices too loud to be murmurs and i turned to look at what caught their attention and there he was, walking in through the entrance.
My heart literally skipped a beat and I felt, for the first time in my life; butterflies in my belly.