Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Sebastian’s point of view

I got an invitation to the governor’s birthday party which is scheduled for tonight, there I anticipated a relation with a mogul in business, Xavier Rodriguez, who would also be present on a possible partnership between us.

If I could secure a partnership with Xavier, and get the Aces to become an investor in my company like I wanted, then there’s no doubt to the miles I’d get above Ryan McCall finally.

The Governor’s birthday party was set to begin at around 9pm, and it’s 10pm already. I knew this event wouldn’t miss the presence of Ryan McCall, and the stank thought of it made me wanna pass up the invite. Hence, why I chose to arrive late.

However, tonight might be the night I’ve earnestly worked towards for the past couple of months, over a year and the half since Ryan came back. This could be the night of my triumphant victory.

All I needed to do is convince a possible partnership with Xavier, a really rich tyrant in business, then secure the Aces as his investor. That’s it all. They’d both level the worth of my company, and push our status finally above that of Ryan.

The hall was already crowded with influential figures, and high esteemed guests when I walked inside. Waiters skimmed through the crowd in a gilded black and white uniform to offer all sorts of beverages at the premise of the event.

I gazed around and soon sighted Xavier in a lively chatter with- my eyes glowered as rage seeped slowly into my features. Ryan was the one engaging Xavier, whose head was thrown back as he laughed heartily to whatever that snake must have said back to him.

There was no seconds to waste as I hurried over to where they were. At that moment I recalled to our last encounter, the petty move I made to rid his presence out of the club just so my night could go peaceful, and the threat he sentenced in return.

Was this his plan? To steal those he aspired to partner with? That’s a really low bar for him. He’s been stealing his investors, and now he’s coming for potential investors? I can’t believe he’d go lower than he has gone already.

“Mister Xavier,” I pulled out my best smile as I joined in on the chatter. “Looks like the night is treating you nicely,” I teased to earn his attention.

“You think? Was wondering when you’re going to show up,” he responded and I really must commend his accent, he has an attractive English accent that’s just so different from a lot I’ve heard. “And what was that formality in front of my name?” His brows curved in annoyance.

I chuckled at him as I whirled my gaze at Ryan.

“Excuse me, Mister Growan. But I hope you wouldn’t mind me dragging him away for you. Technically speaking, I’m his date.” I flashed him a sarcastic smile as I gestured at Xavier.

“After you, Mister- sorry. Xavier, after you.” I motioned to a spot away from Ryan.

“Aww, but I was enjoying his company. This is a party, not a conference meet up. Even if it is, there should always be a space for familiarity right? So how about you both stay with me here, and let’s all get to know each other well.”

“Not interested,” I declined Ryan’s suggestion just as soon as my ears heard whiff of it, my eyes cold as I glanced back at him with a glare. “We have private business to discuss,” I added.

“You’re always about business Sebastian, loosen up, life is not all that important or tight. I think Mister Growan here pitched the best idea, this is a party indeed, not a conference meet up. Let’s party, I promise we’ll discuss business later on, but for now….” He grinned as he grabbed two glasses of an alcoholic beverage from a passing waiter’s tray. “Let’s loosen the fuck up,” he said and instantly drowned the full content inside his cup at once down his throat.

“Here, this is for you.” He stretched the second glass he has with him for me to take. I took it hesitantly, my expression sour.

“So tell me guys, rumor has it the both of you are sworn enemies. But here we are, and none of you has yet to remove a gun to make a hole out of the other’s head.” He curved a devious smile, as he flipped glances at me and Ryan.

Ryan followed up with an amused look and laugh, “Sworn enemies?” He laughed harder.

“The rumors are neither false nor the truth,” I responded simply, finally taking a sip out of my wine.

“That’s interesting. Where I come from-“ Xavier paused as he peaked around himself before he leaned closed in the circle. “You’re expected to take a gun and put a hole inside your enemies’ head. It’s not so gallant of us, but it’s solid.” Xavier chuckled at his own words.

Only then did I realize he’s drunk, the party started not too long and he’s already drunk. He must have been on a lot of shots with Ryan before I came to interrupt them.

“Mister Torres here is no enemy of mine, contrary to popular opinion, he’s actually a good friend of mine, or was. He was more than a good friend, he use to be my best friend. Things happened, and we got separated. It’s a sad story,” Ryan spoke up after a brief silence.

I groaned with an eye roll, this was not on my list to deal with. The man I came for is now drunk like an unsteady gait.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no memory of us as friends or anything. You’re nothing no more than a business rival to me, cheers to a bitter night.” I pushed the drink I have with me into Ryan’s hand as I stormed away from them.

I didn’t come to the party for Xavier alone, I haven’t even greeted the Aces yet, and they must have arrived.

I’ll deal with Xavier later when he’s sober, for now I have other dices to roll.

“Seb! Seb wait!! Wait!!!”

I halted, my lips thinned out and eyes shut close briefly in anger. “What?!” I turned around to face Ryan who ran and called after me soon as I left them.

“We need to talk,” Ryan calmly proposed.

“You’re years late for that. Now, never in your life call my name or try to even talk to me again. Got it?” I hissed at him as I stepped back into motion.

“I didn’t mean for all this to happen you know,” Ryan’s voice followed my exit, loud enough for me to hear.

And fell into suspense.