Chapter 24: The Devil In Bespoke
He gave him a polite smile. "Good morning, Mr. Grant."
Jacob returned the smile. "Good morning."
Even as he spoke, a flicker of annoyance rose within him at Nigel’s sudden appearance, interrupting the ti he had intended to spend alone with Aliana.
Nigel, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes slightly at the acting CEO lingering outside his boss’s door so early in the morning and asked casually, "Mr. Grant, I’m surprised to see you here so early."
Jacob was about to reply, but Ali beat him to it.
"Oh yes, Jacob was just leaving to have breakfast. Nigel, I need you to report back to
in half an hour so we can go over so material before today’s conference. Now, if you two will excuse , I need to get ready for the day."
With that, Aliana quickly shut the door before either of them could say another word.
Once the door was closed, Jacob stared at it for a few seconds, a flicker of disappointnt crossing his eyes. Then he turned his dull yellow gaze towards the man who had been watching him all this while.
Nigel offered him another polite smile, which only seed to irritate Jacob further.
"Well, I suppose you have work to do," Jacob said.
"I believe so," Nigel replied with a nod, the polite smile still fixed on his face.
Jacob studied him before asking, "Then why haven’t you left yet?"
"Oh, after you, Mr. Grant. After all, it would be rude of
to leave while... you are still here," Nigel replied chirpily. The tone only grated on Jacob’s nerves.
Realising the persistent assistant was not going to move unless he did, Jacob gave a curt nod and began walking towards the breakfast area.
Only then did Nigel move, following closely behind him like a shadow, as though making sure the man did not turn back towards Aliana’s suite.
And that was the beginning of the first day of the World Business Conference.
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[Music recomndation: David O’Dowda - The World Retreats]
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When the clock struck fifteen minutes to eleven, Mar Azura’s huge ballroom had been transford into a luxurious conference hall.
The space was vast and breathtaking, defined by towering classical columns, ornate arches, and intricate architectural detailing that reflected a blend of Renaissance and neoclassical design.
Warm golden lighting bathed the entire hall from the large crystal chandeliers, giving it an almost dreamlike glow.
The floor was filled with round tables, each ticulously arranged with glassware, headsets, and elaborate floral centrepieces. Soft lamps were placed across every table, creating an intimate contrast against the grandeur of the hall. A giant flat screen sat at the center of the hall above a stage where the presentations would take place.
The room was already buzzing with soft murmurs as world-class business leaders from top companies across the globe gathered in one place.
So who had arrived early were already in their designated seats, while others were still mingling with either their competitors or their business partners.
Either way, the atmosphere was charged with competitive energy. This was not just any ordinary conference where people would give their speeches and leave.
It was a conference lasting five days, during which massive projects from all around the world would be presented. The attendees would have to bid for them while putting their best foot forward to prove they were the right partners for the job.
Every move, every action would be scrutinised, far beyond their companies’ balance sheets and stock values. Simply being present there ant they had secured a place among one of the most exclusive circles of elites, as not every company was invited to such an event.
Among them, of course, were the Van Empire and the Archon Group, both known worldwide for their presence at the conference since its inception.
Two nas, Aliana Vanderbilt and Cillian Pierce, were on everyone’s lips.
The other attendees waited for these two leaders of titan companies to arrive, hoping for an introduction, a new connection, or a lucrative opportunity to work with them.
For the Van Empire, even though Jacob Grant currently held the position of acting CEO, it was widely understood that the true force behind the empire, the one destined to sit at its pinnacle, was Aliana Vanderbilt. Many looked forward to eting her, knowing it was only a matter of ti before the mantle was formally passed.
While Aliana was the primary focus for the Van Empire, the attendees were already well-acquainted with the face of the Archon Group: the prominent Cillian Pierce. He had been reigning over the company for a long ti now, and as the sole face of the organisation, he was naturally a constant target for those seeking influence.
With just ten minutes left before the start of the conference, more people began settling into their seats, wondering where the leaders of the business empires were.
But they did not have to wait long.
Multiple sharp footsteps echoed from the other side of the grand doors leading into the hall.
Heads turned as, finally, the most awaited group erged through the giant double doors.
Jacob Grant stepped in first, dressed in a navy blue three-piece suit, his presence composed and authoritative, with his assistant Carol following closely behind him in a sleek black suit.
Beside him walked Aliana.
She was dressed in an ivory suit ensemble, featuring a sharply tailored blazer paired with a long, flowing skirt. The blazer had a deep neckline and sculpted seams that cinched at the waist, creating a strong, elegant silhouette while maintaining a clean, refined look. The skirt was floor-length, fitted through the hips before flaring subtly, with a sleek front slit that added movent and understated allure, complented by pointed heels in a matching tone.
Her beauty was enhanced by large diamond studs and soft pink lips, giving her an effortlessly polished appearance.
Behind her walked Nigel in a crisp black tailored suit, followed by the company’s CFO and COO.
People could not take their eyes off the beauty before them, her long blonde hair cascading gracefully down her back.
Pausing at the entrance, her sharp light grey eyes swept across the grand conference hall, taking in its elegance before she stepped forward.
But just as she moved, another pair of polished shoes stepped into place beside her, and Aliana stilled.
Slowly, her gaze dropped to the man’s shoes before travelling upward, taking in his tall, well-built fra clad in a perfectly tailored black bespoke suit. Her eyes continued upward, tracing his defined features, pale skin, chiselled jawline, sinful lips, and sharp nose... until they finally t his eyes.
Those magnetic, icy blue eyes that were already fixed on her.
Her breath caught as her eyes widened ever so slightly at the sight of what was, perhaps, the most devilishly gorgeous man she had ever seen.
For a mont, neither of them spoke.
She stood there, caught in quiet shock, while his lips curved ever so slightly, until a perfectly shaped brow lifted in silent curiosity.
And Aliana’s lips parted before she could stop herself.
"You..."
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