CHAPTER ONE - Nice to Meet you

As I strolled through the foyer of my art studio after finishing a tutorial session with some college students on painting, I heard footsteps running my way. It's been three years since I graduated and traveled to the big metropolis, New York, to start working with a small-time art company.

I truly needed to get away from some of the drama from my background, and I had no choice but to run. As a small-town kid from an artistic family, I can't help but question why I selected art as a job and a course to study in school, but one thing I do know is that I really enjoy what I do.

"Lisa, hold up," yelled the voice, which sounded extremely familiar as I turned to validate my guess or, better yet, find out who was calling out to me.

"Will, oh my goodness, how did you find me here, ho...ho...how did you get here," Lila exclaimed, her smile beaming across the foyer, revealing her very white teeth and well-rounded cheeks, a gorgeous lady she truly was.

"You haven't lost your touch with this your swift foot, sometimes I wonder why a woman this pretty would walk so fast," Will chuckled before hugging his sister and catching his breath.

My younger brother, William "Will" Banks, is a remarkable artist in his own right. Our mother was a painter and our father was a sculptor, and they fostered a love of beauty and creativity in them from a young age. My brother and I studied painting and sculpting at the Rhode Island School of Design.

"Glad I could see you," William murmured to his sister as he pulled away from the hug and kissed her on the cheek. "Glad to see you, Willy," she added, smiling.

"How are mom and dad?" Lila said as they made their way down to her studio.

"They are fine; I just returned from seeing them, and they have sent their regards." As they approached Lila's office, he took the lead and opened the door for his sister like a gentleman, gave a bow in the manner of a gentleman, and said "after you madam"

"Stop it," she says, giggling at her younger brother as she walks into the office.

"So, what brought you my way? I need to get out of here in less than fifteen minutes because I have a private class to teach," she explained to Will.

"I won't take up much of your time, so let me begin by saying that there would be a..." He went on to tell his sister a long story about how a billionaire saw her works in his art display and wanted to meet her in person. I told him you are my elder sister and I could make that happen, and he insisted, adding, if you can bring me the artist behind this work by night fall, she already has a job from me.

"So, this is the address of the restaurant where he would be having a private party, and he asked me to bring you along," he said as he wrapped up his story.

Lila was immediately overcome with surprise and joy, and the only thing that came out of her mouth was "what time are we supposed to be there" with a large smile and a sense of deep thankfulness that someone from a high place is finally showing respect for all of her hard work put into her art.

"Well, there is still time, and you must meet up." Will says this as he stands up to prepare to depart.

"It's 9:30, and I'm sure you'd look good," he said as he walked to the door. "I gotta run along now, I have some works to touch and some to complete and then prepare for the party, I would pick you up from your house by 8:30pm," he stated as he left the office and closed the door.

"Thanks, Willy," she cried, and he stormed out of the office. Lila leaped, giddy with excitement, and couldn't wait to meet this mysterious billionaire.

After several hours, Will and Lila arrived at the party; it was magnificent, with exotic décor, cuisine, and an environment that was sweet and rich; the people here generally knew one other as greetings, embraces, and handshakes flew left and right. I was simply cuddling up to myself in a quiet corner, wondering where Will had gone because he had only stated he wanted to buy a drink for both of us.

"Hello," a very pleasant voice said as I turned, and all I could see was his chest, inside his very fine tuxedo, and a powerful hand reaching out for a handshake.

"Hello, good evening," I whispered sheepishly and shocked, wondering how anyone was noticing me here. "Hello, good evening," I muttered, and as he was ready to say anything else,

"Mr. Alexander, good evening." "I'm guessing you've already met Lila, my sister." Will walked in and stopped the conversation that was about to begin.

Alexander Carrington was born in England to a rich family. He was groomed from a young age to take over the family's vast commercial empire, which comprised everything from oil refineries to luxury hotels. Despite his affluent upbringing, Alexander was never satisfied with simply riding on the wealth and connections of his family. He was driven and ambitious, determined to make his mark in the world on his own terms.

"Aahh, interesting, the extraordinary artist you told me about, your works are glorious, I must say," Alexander said as Lila smiled, attempting to contain her pleasure.

"Thank you," she murmured nervously, trying to break free from the handshake that had already been too lengthy. "My brother was just telling me about you and...

She was instantly interrupted by Alexander as he resumed the talk with Lila with a succession of questions following each other. Will, on the other hand, became interested and busy with the night and his own chats about art and the profession she was to be engaged with.

After an hour, Lila was still having a good time and conversation with Alexander, but he never mentioned anything about himself; they mainly chatted about art until Lila checked her watch and realized that it was almost past midnight. Even though she had nothing planned for the next day, she needed to get home.

"I guess you should leave now," Alexander said, noticing how she kept gazing at her watch.

"Not like you think... but I'm not a late-night person," she added as she dropped the glass of champagne, stood up, and just as she was ready to finish the conversation, Will appeared...

"I'm sorry, Mr. Alexander, but I believe we must depart now; it was a wonderful party, and I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of these wonderful elite people." Will repeated shaking his hands.

"Thank you will, I already discussed many details about the project with your sister, and she already gave me a timeline for delivery, if she wows me again, she will continue with the private project in my villa, and that would be nice for her portfolio," he concluded as he walked away, waving them off for the night.

After several weeks, Lila had sent her work to the Alexander’s villa and was waiting for a response from him and never got any until this very day her phone rang and it was an unknown number

“Hello, am I unto Ms. Lila Alvarez Banks”, the caller called out my full names

“Yes, you are, I said surprised but still wondering who the caller might be

“You have been invited to the Manhattan penthouse of Mr. Alexander Carrington, I presume you have received a text containing the address, and a car is on its way to pick you up, courtesy of Mr. Alexander Carrington.

Lila froze in shock, as her heartbeats became louder and faster, she couldn’t tell if what she felt was excitement or fear as the journey to the response, she has been waiting for had finally come but she wasn’t as prepared as she thought.