Chapter 016

16.

THE HANDING OVER CEREMONY

The grand hall of the Salvadors company was mainly used for big events and business gatherings. Today was the handing over ceremony, where Samantha would formally be given the position of the CEO by her father, Mr. Ray Salvador. The hall buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the guests awaited the ceremony. Samantha, dressed in a stunning black gown, stood confidently at the podium, her father by her side. Estella, seated in the front row, glared at her sister with a mixture of anger and jealousy.

Aiden, standing at the back of the hall, couldn't take his eyes off Samantha, a soft smile on his face. As the ceremony began, Mr. Salvador praised Samantha's achievements and leadership skills, declaring her the perfect successor. Samantha's heart swelled with pride as she accepted the position, her eyes locking with Aiden's for a brief moment. He gave her a thumbs up, and she couldn't help but smile.

“Would you like to make a statement and address everyone?” Mr. Ray asked and Samantha nodded with a smile.

She took the mic from him and released a heavy sigh as she stared at the faces of the people she was going to work with now. She couldn't believe this was really happening after all she had been through.

With confidence, she began, “I want to start by saying thank you to my father, Mr. Ray Salvador, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am honored to be taking over as CEO of this great company, and I promise to work tirelessly to ensure its continued success. To my colleagues, I look forward to working with each and every one of you, and I am excited to see what the future holds for us. And to Aiden…” she paused, her eyes locking with his, “I promise to make this company proud, and maybe, just maybe, I'll even make you proud too.” The hall erupted in applause, and Aiden's smile grew wider, his eyes shining with admiration.

Estella's face turned red with rage, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. She couldn't believe Samantha was acknowledging Aiden in her speech, and it was clear to everyone in the hall that there was something between them. She felt a surge of anger and jealousy, and she knew she had to act fast to sabotage Samantha's success.

“Oh you watch how I'm going to make you beg at my feet, Samantha.” she seethed.

Mr. Salvador was so happy and couldn't believe Samantha acknowledged Aiden. It was something he didn't expect, and he couldn't deny the amount of joy he felt. This was a good start since then and Aiden were practically partners now, and it was also an opportunity for their love story to blossom into something very beautiful.

“Aiden, please come up and say something.” Mr. Ray requested, and Aiden walked over there with a nod.

Bianca and her father sat on the third row with a scowl on their face. Mr. Sullivan was so jealous of the Salvadors. Not only did they have Mrs. Thompson on their side, they also had the Callymores. That moment, they knew Samantha was a threat. All this was happening because she suddenly returned to the family.

Aiden took the stage and collected the mic. The hall thundered with applause before he could even begin his speech. He was a notable figure and as much as people loved him, they dared not step on his toes and enter his blacklist. He could end their career with just a snap of his figures. He might appear calm and always composed, but he was ruthless when it comes to dealing with people.

“Good evening, everyone,” Aiden greeted with a smile. “I must say, I'm impressed by Samantha's speech. She's a true leader, and I'm honored to be a part of this company's future. I promise to support her in every way possible, and I'm confident that together, we'll take this company to new heights.” The hall erupted in applause again, and Samantha just stood there, feeling proud of herself.

“He is a good man, isn't he?” her mother whispered to her.

Samantha sighed. “He actually is.” she continued staring at him, and when he turned to meet her eyes, she quickly looked away.

As the night wore on, Aiden made his way to Samantha, his eyes never leaving hers. “You were amazing up there,” he whispered, his voice low and husky. “I'm so proud of you, Samantha.”

Samantha's heart skipped a beat, her pulse racing with excitement. She wondered why she felt so excited for being praised by him, and she wondered why it hit differently. “Thanks.” she forced a smile.

Soon the pianist began playing a beautiful waltz and Aiden stretched out his hand to Samantha, his gaze intense and inviting. “Remember your promise?” he asked. “Let's dance, Samantha.”

Samantha took in her bottom lip and nodded slowly. It was just a dance anyway. What was there to lose? She took his hand and he left her to the dance floor while everyone stared in amazement and cheerfulness. Estella was burning with so much rage. She couldn't take the sight and stood to her feet, storming out of the hall. She knew if she stayed any longer than she already had, she might be able to control herself and might just break a bottle on Samantha's head.

As Samantha and Aiden danced gracefully, they didn't break eye contact. “You dance beautifully.” Aiden commended her and she smiled.

“You're not so bad yourself.” she replied.

“Trust me, you haven't seen half of what I can do.” he smirked while saying this.

Samantha hummed. “Show me what you can do then.” she drawled and Aiden smirked.

“With pleasure,” his eyes glinted with mischief, and he pulled her closer, causing a gasp to escape her lips. He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her in, his body swaying to the music, his eyes never leaving hers.

Samantha felt a rush of excitement, her heart racing. His move was so sudden that she couldn't help but get butterflies. She knew there would be trouble if she begins to develop feelings for this man, but she couldn't stop herself from getting lost in the music with him.

As they danced, Aiden's hand tightened around her waist, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Samantha's eyes locked onto his, and she saw the desire and passion burning in them. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't help herself. It was like he had this magnetic field around him that was pulling her in.

The music ended, and Aiden bowed, his eyes never leaving hers. “Thank you for the dance, Samantha. I'll never forget this moment.” he pecked the back of her hand and went to meet a businessman who needed his attention.

Samantha stared at him. “Me too, Aiden.”