"I asked you not to contact me or send me a message," Jason said to Gift.They were standing to the side of the hotel, while Tim and Charlie stood a few feet away."I know, but I had something to ask you about; that's why I am here," Gift replied.Jason was pissed that she had disobeyed his instructions when Tim told him she was the one waiting to see him."What exactly is it that's so important you couldn't talk about on the phone?" Jason asked.Gift smiled, her beautiful teeth flashing as she said, "There is a project that the Tuner family is about to sponsor; I need you to speak with Jared Tuner for me."Jason's head jerked up at her statement, "What?""It's a big project, Jason, and I want to be a part of it; all you have to do is tell Jared that Gift Hatcher is your girlfriend," Gift explained calmly.Jason looked at her, his face unreadable as he said, "Why exactly do you think I'd ask Jared for something like that?"Gift shook her head. "I know you can't take me to the party to
Laura stared at the name; she took a deep breath and muttered, "It's going to be a long night."Audrey, who was sitting beside her, turned and asked, "Did you say something?"Laura smiled. "Yes, I was just talking to myself. Yes, I know it's weird," she replied.Audrey chuckled. "No worries; we all have moments like that," she replied.A few minutes later, they were at the office, and in no time, Laura was walking into her office."What time do I have that meeting?" Laura asked as she took her seat."In the next one hour," Audrey replied."Okay, that's enough time. I should get some things done before then," Laura stated.Laura was still settling into her position, and she needed to understand the whole department that was under her. Although that did not mean she didn't have some clients who consulted her,."I'll let you know when it's time," Audrey offered."That'll be really appreciated," Laura replied, adding, "Can you please send another email so everyone is reminded of the meeti
Jason looked up at the door and said in a hard voice, "What the hell do you want again?"Tim halted in his steps, suddenly raising his hands in surrender as he looked at Jason and said, "Uhm, sorry, I assumed the meeting was over and wanted to check in with you."Jason closed his eyes to calm himself. Taking a deep breath, he took his seat and beckoned to Tim."Yeah, come on in," Jason said.Tim walked the large expanse of the office towards Jason's desk. He knew just how reactive Jason usually was after a meeting with his family members, but he seemed particularly pissed right now."I'll get the MOU signed and have Bailey send it over to them," Jason stated."Alright, you have a meeting with Mr. Cheng in the next hour," Tim said to Jason."Oh, yeah, I remember," Jason said, brushing a hand through his hair."Do you need a minute?" Tim asked quietly.Jason sighed and replied, "No, I don't," adding, "There's something urgent I need you to do.""Okay, what is it?" Tim inquired."I need
"What request is that?" Laura asked skeptically. "Tobias White reached out to me a while ago and offered to go to the party with you. He wants to be your escort," Audrey explained. Laura looked amused. "And why would he want to do that? What changed?" she asked. "Would you like me to accept the offer on your behalf?" Audrey enquired. Laura thought about it for a while and said, "No, kindly reject it; tell him I'll see him at the party." "Okay, I'll do that," Audrey replied, leaving the office. Laura spent the better part of the morning in meetings and going over a few things she was working on for her clients while putting the finishing touches on the Hilltop holdings file. As she was closing the last file, Audrey came in and informed her, "It's time for you to get your dress, Laura." "Oh, humm, can I go to the hotel instead? Then I can go get the dress later and head over to the party from there." Laura asked. "Yes, you can; I'll call ahead to inform them you'll be coming in
Jason walked slowly, his smile spreading as he neared his target."Hello, Jared," Jason said, stopping directly in front of the host for the night.The look on Jared's face almost made attending the party worthwhile, Jason thought.Jared's face was neutral; it was hard to tell what he was thinking about."Hello Jason, thank you for coming tonight," Jared replied."It's my pleasure, Jared; you know I wouldn't miss it for the world," Jason replied with a smile."Hi Jason, it's so good to see you here." Pamela Oswell said to Jason."Hello, Pamela, it's been such a long time. Did Jared bring you over for this party?" Jason asked with a cute smile. His right dimple was evident as he smiled boyishly at Pamela.Jacob West walked over to them and hugged Pamela from behind."There you are," he said, pecking her on her left cheek.Jacob turned to Jason and said, "It's nice to see you grace this occasion with your presence, Jason."Jason smiled. "It's nice to see you haven't lost your sense of h
As Laura walked into the hall, everyone turned to look at her. She walked with her shoulders held high, aware of the attention she was getting."Laura, over there is Mr. Jared Tuner," Audrey whispered beside her, nodding in the direction of the small group.Snatching a drink from one of the waiters, Laura said, "Let's go say our greetings."Soft gasps of surprise and awe could be heard among the crowd as they watched her walk towards Jared Tuner."Oh, my god, who the hell is that?" Pamela asked, her jaw dropping in surprise.Laura had on an emerald green night dress that had tiny glistering stones all over her. She had her hair swept up in a French twist, with some strands left hanging from each side of her face."My God, she looks so elegant," Jacob said, whistling silently.Grace laughed nervously and said, "Well, she looks good, but we don't even know her."Jared's face was frozen as he stared at the face that was approaching him."Hello, Mr. Jared, and good evening, everyone," Lau
Laura turned and saw a handsome man standing behind her. He had the most captivating eyes, which showed lines of wrinkles on the side when he smiled."Hello, I'm David Taylor, CEO of Hilltop Holdings," David introduced himself, stretching his hand for a handshake.Laura's mouth formed an "oh." As she took his hands, she replied, "It's nice to meet you, David; I'm Laura Phillips.""Oh, I know who you are; everywhere I've turned tonight, you've been the main topic of discussion," David said with a conspiratorial smile."I guess you've had an earful about me then," Laura replied.Audrey was a few feet away from them, scanning the room to know who Laura was to be introduced to next."Seeing you beats all that I've heard tonight, Laura," David said, adding, "you look really gorgeous.""Thank you, David; it's nice that I get to meet you here tonight," Laura replied, adding, "I was going to schedule a meeting with you tomorrow.""Oh, yeah, we can still get to meet tomorrow; let's not spoil t
~Thirty Minutes Earlier~Jason moved from the group to say hi to an acquaintance of his who was at the center of the room."Hello Jason, it's good to see you made it here tonight," Paul said to him.Paul Wright was a business partner in the food industry; his company produces some of the best spices in the country, and he works both with Jason and Jared."Hi Paul, it's good to see you too." Jason replied, adding, "How has it been with you? I hear you have some products up for distribution next week."Paul smiled and said, "Jason, I won't ask how you heard that; we all know you have your superior ways of finding these things out."Jason nodded his head with a smile, raising his glass to Paul as he said, "That's what keeps me in business, Paul.""I assume there's a reason why you brought up that topic here tonight," Paul stated."Yes, I'd like to get the North hotel on your list for deliveries for this batch," Jason said.Paul looked at Jason intently as he said, "Jason, your deliveries