"I don't think we have been introduced yet," Carol posed at the dashing stranger. "I'm Carol Atelier… And you are…?"The man gazed into her chestnut-brown eyes and smiled tenderly. "They call me Caesar…" he replied dreamily. Carol blushed all of a sudden, overcome by his charm.Caesar clasped her left hand with his and placed his right hand under her shoulder blades, settling into the waltz position. "Shall we dance?" he asked politely.Carol nodded, and they ascended into the ballroom. They moved in perfect sync, drawing the eyes of the audience. Carol eyed her partner curiously; she had never heard of the Caesar name spoken in business circles and wanted to know more about her partner. Which family did he belong to? Was he from a top-tier conglomerate? However, it wasn't polite to ask someone directly, and she thought better of it."Don't rush into the steps," the mysterious man instructed her calmly. "Let me guide you."Carol blushed and giggled like a teenager. "I'm sorry… I don'
Everything pieced together in Carol's mind. Was Caesar the man who booked a patron room for her during Haley B's concert? Did he rescue Josh from the Grizzly Kings gang? Her heart skipped a beat as she realized she had just met her long-time admirer. The man who was even mightier than Alexander Blackwell!There was something familiar about Caesar. His manly smell and stately figure rang all kinds of bells in Carol's mind. She bit her lip as she realized the stranger had reminded her of Victor."Josh, have you seen Victor at the party?" she asked her brother.The brat's cheerful face immediately morphed into a scowl. "What nonsense! Why would you bring up that trash's name in this elite gathering? He doesn't even deserve to be a chauffeur to these bigwigs!" Carol's parents also joined in to denounce their former son-in-law. "Sweetie, don't tell anybody he was your ex-husband," Martha advised her. "People will avoid you!"Carol sighed. The mysterious man couldn't possibly be Victor. He
This gift drew the most audible gasps. Did Tabitha just grant the Blackwell company an entire trade route? It was priceless! It would solidify their influence across the state even further!Even Alexander lost his composure and drooled at the deeds. "This is the most precious gift I have received today, dear. Tell your father he will remain my lifetime friend."Tabitha smiled gracefully and returned to her seat. She had left the entire community shocked through her mind-blowing present. Macintosh and Mountbatten made sour faces as they had clearly been exceeded.The head usher announced, "The presentation has formally ended with this gift. Guests, kindly relocate to the entertainment hall, where we have arrangements for poker and billiards. Of course, we'll keep the wine flowing..." Dorothy stepped forward as the zealous guests rose from their seats. "Wait! The presentation ceremony isn't complete yet!""Who is left, Grandma?" Damien asked curiously. All the major and minor families
Carol's insides turned as Alexander's merciless eyes stared down at her. "The Atelier family…" he began his diktat."Wait!" An authoritative voice cut through the crowd. The old Blackwell couple turned to see Robbie Macintosh approaching. People murmured among themselves in anxiety. Alexander Blackwell was usually never interrupted so rudely. Would he let the offense slide?The young man was followed by an entourage of pretty models with aloof expressions like his. Robbie was clearly a success story and was touted to be the next big thing in the art collection industry. His arrogance and overconfidence showed in his body language."What is it, Rob?" Dorothy asked with slight irritation. "I hope you did not interrupt my husband without due cause."Robbie reached the table and gave her a curt nod. "I apologize for the sudden intrusion. However, as a student of the mighty Angela Kaufmann, I refuse to stand by and let this injustice happen!""Injustice? What are you talking about? We are
Dorothy piped up. "Oh, please tell everyone how fake Carol's dress is!"Robbie tilted his head to the side and offered the old woman a wider smile. "Oh, Mrs. Blackwell, you are adorable, but I hate disappointing you." "What do you mean? It's a counterfeit, right?""On the contrary, the dress that Carol is wearing is indeed the real, genuine, nine-gem royal gown! It is currently priced at three-million dollars!"The crowd broke into a spontaneous buzz. "What? She has the actual item!""How did Carol get the expensive dress?""Was the gown stolen?""Is she wearing a three-million-dollar dress? The most expensive clothes in this gathering!"Dorothy looked as if she had swallowed a bug. She was speechless for a minute, looking from Robbie to Carol in confusion. Finally, she gathered her composure and began. "Robbie… Do you mean the girl stole the item from Miss Angela Kaufmann?"The expert purveyor shook his head. "I don't know how Miss Atelier got it. However, I can say one thing with
"It's most unfortunate that Miss Atelier committed such a grievous crime of making a counterfeit," he announced. "It dishonors Napoleon's legacy greatly and is a serious offense to the Blackwell dynasty."While he spoke the words, he pawed at the velvet box and pocketed it. 'I did it!' Robbie thought. 'The market price for this ring is about one hundred fifty million. However, I could sell it on the black market for one billion dollars!"Burly guards from around the hall converged on Carol and her family. Alexander's fury was about to smite them.Loud footsteps echoed as someone came running down the staircase. In a few seconds, the Head Butler, Rollo, appeared. "Mr. Blackwell.." he addressed Alexander. "You have an important call.""Who is it?" The old man asked. "Can't you see we are in the middle of something? Tell them to wait!""But sir…" Rollo mumbled anxiously, holding up the phone. He approached Alexander, stooped, and whispered a few words in his ear. The old man's eyes wi
"I… I need more time…" Carol said, balling her fists. There was little she could do at this point. What difference would her efforts make if the Triumvirate of Springfield didn't want the Blackwells in the ambitious Rapids Project? Alexander Blackwell had made an unrealistic demand in the first place, and Carol was an idiot to accept the challenge. Was his ultimate wish to eradicate the Atelier family? Was she a mere source of entertainment for them?If Alexander wanted, he could make them disappear with a snap of his fingers. Nobody would come to her defense.Tears welled up in Carol's eyes, but she fought them back. She didn't want to give Dorothy the satisfaction of having broken her."So… Do you finally admit you are worthless?" Dorothy posed with a sneer. "Did you really think you could waltz into the Blackwell family with a pretty face, and we would hand out freebies? Pedestrians like you make me sick!"The old woman turned to her husband. "Alex, she has confessed her failure.
Once Alexander and Carol were seated comfortably, the old man lit his tobacco pipe and eyed the young woman with intrigue. She had single-handedly created a massive opportunity for the Blackwell Conglomerate to grow."I hope you will forgive my wife for her rudeness," Alexander said, letting out a cloud of smoke. "She has been like that since we first met. Dorothy is the devil, but she keeps my senses sharp."Carol shook her head. "She was right to defend the Blackwell family from counterfeits and pretenders. Perhaps your dynasty has been going strong because of her interventions."Alexander chuckled at her words. The young woman was graceful and humble even after the humiliation and danger she faced in his household."Very well! I have reached a decision. As it stands, C&A, the company you were running, is a subsidiary of the Blackwell Conglomerate. I will pass an order for restructuring the framework, absorbing C&A into the main company. You will be one of the five Vice-Presidents o