~Five Years Later~
On the influential side of New Orleans, precisely on the premises of the city’s most wealthy, affluent and accomplished business property, a meeting mainly for shareholders had been announced and was currently being held.The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense, as the prestigious and powerful shareholders of NX Global gathered to address a matter of utmost importance. A sudden change in ownership had rocked their company, leaving them bewildered and uncertain. Swirling rumors and whispers had filled their ranks, igniting anxiety and curiosity amongst the highly successful aristocrats of New Orleans.The room was adorned with opulence befitting their esteemed positions. The dark mahogany walls exuded a sense of authority, while the plush leather chairs provided comfort to the high-ranking individuals who now found themselves facing an uncertain future. The air stifled with anticipation as each shareholder took their place, eager to discuss and debate the matter of high threat at hand. One shareholder, a seasoned and influential figure, cleared his throat and rose to his feet. With a voice that echoed through the room, he voiced his strong objection to the news that a young man had suddenly acquired enough wealth to buy off NX Group from their previous President and was not becoming their new boss.“I refuse to follow the orders of someone who is still wet behind the ears, drowning in their excessive wealth! We have suffered alongside Mr. Salvador to build this company, and we should not bow to the whims of an inexperienced youth Who is yet to experience the ups and downs of life.”His words were met with an approving murmur from some, while others nodded in silent agreement. Another shareholder, emboldened by the first’s dissent, stood up and declared, “I share his sentiment. How can we be expected to work under the leadership of someone we know nothing about? We need a leader we can trust and believe in. We have to stand our ground and make sure that Mr. Salvador is re-inaugurated.” As the room filled with uproar and disagreement, the doors swung open silently, commanding the attention of all present. The noise slowly died down as all Eyes turned toward the figure that entered, dressed in a neatly tailored, expensive grey three-piece suit.The whispers grew louder, uncertain and curious, as they watched the stranger approach the head seat with purpose.With a commanding presence, the man took his seat, crossed his legs magnetically and arranged his hands on the table in front of him, causing the shareholders to fall into a silence punctuated only by hushed murmurs. His piercing gaze swept across the room, assessing each and every men and women who had dared to doubt him in the room. The tension in the air was palpable as the new owner prepared to make his grand introduction.In a voice that carried authority, the man spoke with a powerful aura surrounding him. “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed shareholders of NX Global, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Leon Heroux, and as of effective immediately, I am the new owner of NX Global.” The room fell into silence once again, as the impact of his words sunk in. The once vocal shareholders, who had voiced their refusal to work under his leadership, now hung their heads, their previous objections stifled by his presence. The weight of his name and his unwavering confidence were enough to quell the murmurs of dissent.Everyone in New Orleans long knew of the name Leon Heroux, but not many knew his face. The name alone commanded enough power to make one shiver in the spot they stood, this was also the reason why the two shareholders who spoke up along with the rest of the participants in the room, had suddenly fallen silent.With a slight smile playing on his lips, Leon continued, meeting the gazes of those who had spoken against him. “For those of you who have expressed doubts and concerns about my leadership skills, let me assure you that I am fully aware of your reservations. If you are not willing to work with me, I am more than prepared to return your funds and remove you from the shareholders list.” As his words echoed in the room, a tinge of regret began to loom over those who had been so vocal. They exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that they had underestimated the man before them. The weight of their decisions weighed heavily upon them.Quickly, as not to get removed and regret his actions, the shareholders who has spoken up first, apologized. “Forgive me for speaking out of place due to worry for the company.”“Yes, exactly.” The second shareholders added while the others nodded her head in silent agreement once more. “We were simply worried, but after seeing you, our worries have been quelled.”“Is that so?” Leon mused, unfazed by their lame excuses, it was clear to him that they all had been against him not long ago, but now, all just so they could save their skins, they were changing mouths and playing saintly.Humans really were the same, no matter the time and place.Leon dusted off his thoughts, reminding himself that his reason for coming here today was with a purpose and reinstating the meeting.The meeting proceeded, with a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Under Leon’s firm but fair leadership, the shareholders commenced discussions, addressing the company’s future plans and strategies. Any lingering doubts were swept aside by his unwavering confidence and transparent vision. As the meeting progressed, it became evident that despite their initial reservations, the shareholders were now witnessing the emergence of a formidable leader. Leon Heroux’s powerful presence, combined with his sharp business acumen, commanded respect and instilled confidence within the room. The once skeptical attendees found themselves captivated by his words and drawn to his vision. Indeed, the tides had shifted, and a new era had begun at NX Global. With Leon guiding their company towards uncharted horizons, the shareholders realized they had a remarkable opportunity. One by one, they pledged their unwavering commitment to the new owner, their skepticism transformed into a shared determination to forge an even greater future together.As the meeting finally drew to a close two hours later, Leon walked out from the conference room, his mind focused on the remaining tasks that needed his attention. However, his thoughts were interrupted as the shareholders who had opposed him made their way towards him.“Mr. Heroux, do you have a minute?” One of the shareholder asked.Leon didn’t bother answering them and continued to walk forward, but this didn’t stop them. They walked beside him, grins each of their own plastered on their faces.“Mr. Heroux, I don’t believe we had the chance to be fully acquainted. I’m Ira Wills and he’s Haruhisa Fuse.” Mr. Wills said pointing between his self and his companion.Leon took note of their influential status in the business world as Ira Wills was a rather wealthy man in the field of automobile and Haruhisa Fuse was well versed in the field of Food chain, yet he maintained his indifference towards them, unfazed by whatever wealth they may have. Undeterred by his lack of response, Mr. Wills quickly tried to savage the situation.“Your leadership skills truly are remarkable. With a head like you, NX Global is sure to skyrocket off the chats.” He praised.If Leon was unaffected by their status, surely praises would get him on their side, or so they thought, but this unexpected admiration did little to sway Leon’s opinion of them.“Ira is absolutely correct!” Haruhisa chipped in, the tone of his voice a bit too loud for Leon’s liking. “Ah, we are heading out for luncheon, how about you join us and we can have a few glasses.” He suggested.With an air of superiority, Leon curtly declined their invitation for a luncheon, not bothering to sugarcoat his words. “I have better things to do than waste my time eating with people who lack any contribution to a company beyond their money,” He responded dismissively, brushing off the shareholders without a second glance.Anger and frustration boiled within them as they watched his retreating figure.“He acts all high and might, tsk, young men these days.”As Leon exited the elevator, his personal assistant, Michael, ever dutifully, bowed respectfully to him before sharing the details of his schedule.He listened to the rest of his schedule, stepping out of the building, only to be met by a show of strength in the form of buff bodyguards dressed in black neat suits and clean neat inner white shirts.These formidable individuals bowed in sync upon seeing him.“Mr. Heroux.” They all chorused, respect and fear dripping from their voices.Leon showed little to no emotion as they wordlessly guided him towards a sleek, black Mercedes that awaited his arrival. His assistant, still maintaining a sense of deference, held the car door open, allowing Leon a smooth entrance. Inside the luxurious vehicle. With a bow, he closed the door once his employer had stepped inside.Leon found his brunette companion waiting for him, dressed in a classic black turtleneck and jacket.Her warm smile greeted him, as she looked away from the tablet in her hand that was displaying pictures of a man and woman.“You’re back,” She regarded his presence as Leon settled into the comfort of his seat and the car began to move.“Yes.”“So?” She asked, smile decorating her red seductive lips. “How does it feel to be in New Orleans in person after five years, Noel?”As Circe asked this question, her voice carried a note of familiarity that hinted at a deeper connection between them. Leon’s expression remained unchanged, accepting the use of his true name without any personal attachment. After everything they had been through together for the last five years, only she had that privilege. “Those useless shareholders had quite a lot to say.” Noel- rather Leon, briefly informed her of how the meeting had gone before he fixed his gaze on the tinted windows of his car, watching as the building went by. Circe chuckled at his debriefing as she continued to flip through the pictures on her tablet. “What would you have expected.” She uttered and at last, passed the tablet to Leon. “The venue for the gathering has been booked,” She informed him as he collected the tablet and allowed his eyes roam across the details.From the venue, cuisine to be served and even down to the arrangements, Leon memories everything in a short Span of time before flipping to th
Leon stood in spot, not to far away from where Celine was currently throwing her invalid tantrums, calling out waiters and basically demanding to see their boss, which unknowingly to her was him, the exact same man whom she had betrayed and abandoned five years ago.Just how funny was the universe's constitution, Leon thought, the look in his eyes darkening with each second that he watched on. Now, what was he to do?Obviously two options were set before him. He could step into the lime light and shut Celine up, relishing momentarily in the shocked expression that would taint her face the moment she recognized him, or, he could carefully handle this situation without revealing himself and wait till the grand ball which was less than a month away, ensued, then relishing in the feeling of watching both she and his traitor of a brother as they realized that not only was he back, but he was now the wealthiest man in all of New Orleans.Ah, what tempting offers, both equally wetting his des
Leon returned home immediately after his visit to his restaurant. Throughout the drive back home, his head felt clogged with the image of Celine. Even after five years, she still looked as beautiful as she previously did. And she didn't change. She still remained as innocent and as evil as she always was. Many may wonder, how can someone be innocent and Evil at the same time. Well an example was Celine Barrette. She looked innocent on the outside, holding the demure of a gentle fairy who could barely hurt a fly and was most likely to spend her weekends in an orphanage doing charity rather than spending it with friends, when in reality, she was the complete opposite of that.A backstabbing low life who was ready at anytime to manipulate a man's heart all so she could get whatever she wanted.Leon slightly grimaced at the thought as he turned his attention to the approaching vast landscape of his estate. He really wished he could have spotted Celine's true nature from the get go...mayb
The annual grand ball had finally begun, casting its enchanting spell upon the breathtaking city of New Orleans. It was an event as legendary as the crescent moon that presently adorned the night sky, known to be the grandest gathering of nobles, socialites, and influential figures in the city of high and mighty status. A symphony of laughter and music cascaded through the opulent halls of the grand venue, adorned with glistening chandeliers and cascades of colorful flowers intricately arranged at every corner.As the clock struck nine in the evening, the grand ball was in full swing. Half of the illustrious guests had already arrived, their radiant gowns and impeccable suits adding splendor to the glittering affair. Among the throngs of elegantly dressed individuals, Celine and Mark made their grand entrance, hand in hand, down the velvet-draped red carpet. Cameras flashed, capturing the mesmerizing couple from every angle, immortalizing their presence in the chronicles of high socie
Mark and Celine couldn't believe their eyes. The person standing up on the podium looking all high and might in a 30,000 dollars branded three piece suit...the alleged Leon Heroux, was actually Noel Barrette! They stood there with their mouths open, dumbfounded as they continued to stare with surprise ever so visible on their visage. They both had a lot of questions going through their mind at that moment, but neither had the courage nor voice to speak up, thus they both continued to stare like fools. Which made sense seeing as they had not expected to meet him again after five years. In fact, after Mark's men had suddenly lost tabs of him, The couple had considered him dead, or at least a hobo in some run down city who had to fight with the sewer rats for food, but never had they expected him to have risen to such status.For them, the situation was bad! Dire even, but for Leon, it was a good night. Celine and Mark had not expected to see him, but he had expected to see them.He ha
"Fuck!" Celine cried out in anger as she kicked the center table in front of her, sending all the decorative ornaments on it, sprawling all around and the maids who lingered around, flinching. "How dare Noel treat me that way!" She roared louder, while her husband turned towards the maids and shooed them off at once. Not wanting to stay any longer, they all did as told and scrambled off. After they were all gone, safe for the head butler who still lingered, Mark turned his attention to his wife. "Celine, calm down." He tried to sooth her anger as he undid his tie and handed his suit to the butler who quickly scurried away after retrieving it, not wanting to once again be caught in the crossfire of his madam's anger."How can you tell me to calm down, Mark? That bastard is making a fool out of us." Celine screamed, pointing towards the general direction they had come in from after leaving the grand ball. "He was the one who had me thrown out of his restaurant. It was all him! He disg
~Four Years Ago.~In the dimly lit corridors of a grand mansion, a loud crashing sound reverberated through the air, stealing the silence that had enveloped the house. Circe, who had just returned home from a week’s long travel, furrowed her brow as she ascended the stairs, each step creaking beneath her measured weight. She knew exactly where the sound was coming from and why, for she had witnessed this scene play out before.This time however, she could only but shake her head in pity. Even after all this time, he still hadn’t grown heart enough to detach himself from the painful things concerning his wife.Truly saddening. Reaching the top of the stairs, Circe followed the disturbance to a closed door – Noel's room. The door stood slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of light to escape and cast shadows on the walls. With a sigh and a heavy heart, she gently pushed the door open, revealing a disheveled room. The table lay overturned, its contents scattered haphazardly across the carpe
Leon arrived at the address he had sent an hour after his conversation with Celine. He had taken his time to dress up, adorning a casual grey long sleeve, brown long coat on the outside and a simple pair of black jeans. As for his hair which was always permed backwards each time he had to look professional, he chose a different hairstyles, parting it at the side slightly and allowing the rest to fall by his face. After dressing up, he had gently shook Circe awake, informing her about his whereabouts to which she drowsily nodded her head in understanding and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before allowing her slip back to bed and he stepping out to head over to the place he had sent as an address to Celine. Now, standing in front of the ordained place, Leon took a calming breath before stepping into the grand entrance of the fancy restaurant. The low hum of conversation and the familiar aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. As he walked through the establishment, heads turn