chapter 7

A few weeks passed by and work resumed as normal with some exceptions of the works related to the production and marketing department. There were some changes now that it was associated with The Stones Inc., but other than that, it was pretty much the same.

I'd seen Adrian somedays here and there but we hadn't talked much except share a few greetings as we were both busy with our works. And besides, I was downright furious at him for outwardly denying my idea of organizing the event by Eva's. The man wasn't even ready for joint contribution for the event.

"The event will have to be upto the standard of The Stones Inc. So I'm not taking any chances with my reputation." He had rudely stated his reasoning. I'd like nothing more than to remove the huge hollow thing covering his head and discover his pea sized brain so that I could pluck it out and crush it with my foot. God! I'm violent.

The party was being held tomorrow where the partnership would be announced officially. I was not really looking forward to it as it was only publicity strategy and nothing else. For me, it was like that annoying assignment of your least favourite subject that you don't want to do at all but you have to anyway because there's no way you'll pass without it so you just decide to get it over with so that you can finally breathe of relief. Yeah, so my point... I wasn't interested much.

While I wasn't even a bit excited, my surrounding seemed to be hellbent on making up for that. All around me, squealings, whisperings and excited murmurs could be heard as if it was their senior year prom coming up.

And to top it all, my lovely secretary Leah was practically bouncing her steps since last week and she was even in a leave today. Apparently she needed to do lots of shopping and pre-party preparations as she should look nothing but breathtaking being the personal assistant of the CEO of one of the two hosting parties. And she didn't ask for leave. She informed me that she was on leave and even advised me to take a leave myself. Thank God she wasn't the actual CEO.

I was just thinking of the ways of getting rid of Leah when a knock sounded on my office door and in walked none other than Adrian Stone. I raised my eyebrows when he sat in front of my desk and he raised one of his own in answer. I wish I could do that but my eyebrows really had an inter-eye coordination. I snapped out of my thoughts about the friendship between my eyebrows when I saw him smirking at me.

"You like what you see, Ms. Evelyn White?" I rolled my eyes at his ego and crossed my hands. "You really seem to be in a delusion that the world revolves around you, Mr. Adrian Stone. But guess what, it's the sun. I wouldn't mind giving you a thorough lecture on the solar system and revolution of the earth but I'm quite busy here and I'm sure you are too. So why don't we just skip to the reason why you decided to grace us all with your presence?"

His eyes lighted up in amusement and a half, almost full smile was about to form in his lips when he suddenly cleared his throat and explained. "Straight to business, huh? That's one of the many things I like about you. Anyways, I'm here to personally invite you to the party tomorrow. We are both the hosts tomorrow so it's obvious that we need to be at the venue before anyone else. Which is why, I will be picking you up tomorrow at 6pm sharp." He finished at looked at me expectantly.

Shock. Complete and utter shock was what I felt after hearing him. Who exactly did he think he was? First the complicated sentence. One of the many things I like about you? Was he sa- no! That was not the point. The point here was the nerve of that man to actually make plans for me and inform them to me without asking.

I really hated those people who didn't bother asking and preferred doing what they felt was right. Leah was the first on my hate list but I guess I found a better fitting candidate for that position now. My assistant would have to suffice in no. 2.

I inwardly smirked as a plan began to formulate in my mind. I calmly looked at him and smiled sweetly. "Well, Adrian." I began and saw his eyes changing into his intense look that somewhat gave me dual opposite emotions which I tried not to dwell upon and instead continued, "it would be an honour to go with you but forgive me, I'll be there on my own. I'm sure the media wouldn't expect us to be buddy buddy all of the sudden you decided to do business with me. So let's just keep it that way. We are mere acquaintances and media would surely make a big deal out of nothing if they see us coming together.

I don't really care about the rumours they spread in the name of news as I'm used to it and so are you, but still I don't think it is wise promote our publicity like that. Tomorrow is all about our companies. So let's just act the way we actually are towards each other instead of showing them something we're not."

The expression I saw on his face was just... confusing. First it was shock, then came surprise, anger and finally... blank. Welcome back blank face! The only difference in his expression now was that his teeth were clenched hard. He simply nodded and said, "Very well then, Ms. White. See you tomorrow."

With that he stormed out of my office. I guess that dominating self centered CEO wasn't used to hearing no. Well, prepare yourself then my dearest business partner, you'll be hearing that more often, I thought evilly. I finally let a smirk come out now that he was finally gone. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

*********

7:32pm. I finished my work and assessed my look in the mirror, feeling satisfied. I had chosen a floor length gown that fit me snugly and flowed below my knees. The front was black with a cream coloured net sleeve on my right while the left one was sleeveless. It was elegant and a mixture of modest and sexy with little black stones scattered on a thin beige net over the half of my right shoulder and left hip. I let my hair down with soft curls bouncing in the end and put on my red lipstick. Perfect.

I reached the venue at 8pm and in an instant I was surrounded by paparazzi. I smiled and waved at them as I entered the hall. Fashionably late was Evelyn's style. Deal with it Mr. Stone. I smirked as I saw the devil in the centre of the hall looking at his watch and tapping on his phone. I'd intentionally turned off my phone since I knew Adrian wouldn't let me be in peace. It was time he knew that partnership meant listening as well and not just ordering around expecting everyone to follow you.

It was as if he could sense me when he suddenly tensed and looked up towards the entrance where I was standing and froze again. I formed a perfect smile in my face and walked towards him. As I got closer, I could see him more clearly and... well if I knew how, I surely would've blown a whistle.

He just looked so freaking good in that black suit paired with black shirt and black tie. The only contrast was his sparkling blue eyes that shone like jewels with reflection of the lights. If only he had manners...

I shook my head and looked up to find him assessing me from top to bottom. Our eyes met and I almost gasped at the dark look in his eyes. It was almost black and the more he looked into my eyes, the faster my heart started to beat and I tried my best to compose myself. I cleared my throat and smirked at him.

"Finished checking me out, Mr. Stone?" I asked sweetly and hid my smile as he suddenly jerked out of his trance. It was not long before his eyes turned back hard and he scowled at me.

"I see your watch is 2 hours late, Ms. White. Or did I mistakenly tell you to arrive at 8 PM?" I laughed. "Oh! It was neither, Mr. Stone. It's just that you told me to arrive at 6, not asked me to. And I don't do well with orders. I'm not your employee for you to order me around. And besides, it's my style to be fashionably late, no matter whose party it is. I think that gives your answer so please excuse me while I go and talk with the guests." With that I walked away leaving him stunned in the centre of the hall in his own party.

I was just relishing on my sweet victory when a tap on my shoulder startled me. I looked up to find the lawyer of The Stones Inc., Nathan smiling down at me. He and I had gotten quite closer over these few weeks and so far, he had been a really good friend. I also got to know that he was best friends with his boss aka the devil in black. I was actually shocked on hearing that but he simply laughed and said that his boss wasn't a bad human being. Yeah, right. Then I was the greatest fan of Leah.

"My my, you look stunning tonight, Eves. I was wallowing in a corner, lonely and all by myself but now that you showed up, my whole world has brightened to infinite glory. Now that I think of it, oh look! These lights, chandeliers, they all have faded since you came!" He dramatically pointed at the lights around and grinned at me.

Another thing I'd learned about Nate was that he was the greatest flirt I'd ever seen. This guy couldn't remain a minute without passing his suggestive comments here and there. Gone was the silent lawyer I'd met that day. That was just his facade for his profession. Instead, here stood with me was the world's greatest playboy.

I returned his smile and gave him a brief hug. "Why thank you for the compliment, kind sir. But let me warn you, your sweet talks aren't getting you anywhere. Well, maybe it'll get you some high school cheerleader fans, but that's about it."

He groaned. "Ugh! Why can't you be a little sweeter? And let me inform you, it's not just the high school girls that are smitten with me. No woman is immune to my charm and good looks." "Okay, you're an exception." He quickly corrected when I raised my eyebrows. "But don't worry! You won't be immune for much longer. I just need to show you some of my tricks and you'll come running in my arms. You just wait and watch." We both laughed at that but soon were interrupted by a deep voice.

"Can I have your attention?"