008. Annual Conference

Melissa's POV

As his brow raised, his mouth airy me to stop whatever utterance coming out of me and a finger pointed to his phone as though to tell me he was on a call.

He plastered the phone firmly to his ear and averted his gaze from me. 

I blinked severally. A mind-blowing breeze refilled my lungs and I could finally breathe. 

He was whispering into his phone saying a foreign language. My heart was praying so badly that the elevator should open before he end the call.

Why the heck did I say… pardon? What did I expect to say or hear from him? A filthy like him!

My toes were dancing underneath my heels impatiently while I form pretend with an elegant mature face. Fortunately, the elevator opened just as when his arms slumped down from his ear. 

I was damn fortunate! I wailed happily as I dash out of the elevator. 

"You must be Ms. Davis." at my first step outside, a female kid of about 5 years of age said to me smilingly.

Fortunately for us, I haven't crushed her. My face brightened and I caressed her cheek responsively. "Yes, I'm Ms. Davis, Ms. Beauty," I replied, smiling in response. Her smile was magical that I forgot I just escaped from the spell of a strange man.

"I'm Kiera, the Head of Warden 1 from Saint Angeles Orphanage Home." Smartly, she introduced herself and took my hand with hers, "Follow me, Ms. The meeting has started but we are nothing without you." the smile glowed more.

Wow! So smart of her!

I could not help but smile more as Kiera led me to the venue. 

Kids! They were adorable!

I was welcomed by a Sister who took the lead from Kiera, "Welcome, Ms. Davis. I'm happy you made it." She greeted me formally as if she had known me for a long time.

I gestured with a warm smile.

"Sister Jane." She said her name and made a light hug with me before we proceed to the venue.

***

All my thought about the annual conference was a program to motivate the kids by showing their various talents and in addition, feast. I thought like that because that was how J.S.O usually conducted their conference. 

However, I was led to a gathering of mature men. 

I swallowed in one gasp as the lady climbed the stage. "I introduce the Top Investor of the Germany Branch, Ms. Melissa Davis." She said with a huge smile. Followed by applause.

"I welcome our guest to S.A.O." she added and clapping sounds uprouse from the audience, it enriched the conference room.

I was surprised as everyone stood to clap for me. Yet, confused. 

In the crest of their gestures, the conference door opened. A man in a Priest robe entered, and behind him was another man.

My lips slightly parted. The man was the same as that man from the elevator? The man I had thought I escaped from.

My angelic face dropped and brimmed with embarrassment. 

Shortly, sister Jane led me to a seat. 

The hall was in silence as The Priest led the man to the opposite seat to mine. Then, he climbed the stage. "This year's Annual Conference is taking a new dimension. And of course, it got spiced up with the presence of a new investor who decided to join our branch henceforth."

"Having another top investor joining us is a blessing to us and the children. Together, we will build a comfortable world for the needings and the less privileged ones." He narrated and rounds of applause escalated again except for that man sitting opposite mine. 

He held a dark ferocious aura that was different from the one inside the elevator. My body shivers as my mind recalled that awkward moment. 

He was unfazed, unmoved, and unsurprised. Then, he looked narrowly at me. My breath paused.

F*ck!!! Melissa! Why this cringe feeling?

"In addition, I can't help but be grateful to this branch's top investor, Mr. Donald. Today marks a year since he joined our branch. And so far, he has donated the sum of 25 million dollars for the growth of S.A.O. The record we haven't gotten since the foundation of this Orphanage Home." The Priest praised the man who still held that same expression.

That explains why he couldn't clap for me! My donations were filthy beside his!

My butts were glued to the seat while rounds of applause filled the room. He turned a sprightly face to the Priest while I jeered back on my seat. 

For him to donate such an amount within a year, he must be a multi-billionaire! 

The chuckle he made towards me was animus in nature. I whipped my neck to the side and consoled myself greatly.

You've done well enough, Lissa. You are still a student!

____________

Donald's POV

Entering the Conference room, I met with the sound of applause from other investors. At first, my sprightliness was top-notch as I thought those applauses were to welcome me but it got swept away when Sister Jane was pointing to… to… that girl.

I followed the lead of Reverend Thompson who seat me directly opposite her. I don't know what has resulted in praises but they all focused on that Lady. As I view the situation, she must be that guest Reverend Thompson briefed me about.

An important guest! I murmured what Reverend Thompson said earlier with disgust.

If only that innocent father knew she was a spy and an assassin. 

All through the meeting, I did not concentrate much on what was said but solely on her. I tracked her closely even to the main event. I knew this was where her mission would be carried out. Therefore, I don't let my guard down at all.

Knowing my men had secured the hall, I plugged in my earphone and S2 spoke first.

"Boss, the hall is secured and T is spotted" 

"Copy! Wait for my order!" I replied.

The girl was on the stage cheerfully dancing with some set of kids displaying their talents. 

If Reverend Thompson had not introduced her as the new guest, I would have mistaken her for the children's guardian and staff in the Orphanage home.

She blended with almost everything. And I'm certain this was her trick to cajole everyone. Well, I almost thrall by that too if not that I've witnessed the other side of her.

Dancing? She danced pretty well! Cheerful? She was an extrovert! Elegance? Smartness? Oh goodness, she thralls everyone completely! 

Soon, the display of talent ends. Yet, I saw nothing suspicious about her. In fact, she helped with the sharing of gifts and stayed closely with Sister Jane. Her acts were normal until Reverend Thompson made his last speech and gestured a thankful hand to everyone.

Her conduct changed, completely. Before I register what her act has become, she had been running closely towards Reverend. With full energy and her intent was obvious.

Between that moment, the hall blackout. And the air filled with loud gasps of men and children. 

Great! My SWs were now at work...

 "Execute!!!" I ordered.