lé éssence

"No wonder they're number one in hospitality management," Rebecca murmured, craning her neck to admire the stunning architecture of the building as they were ushered inside lé éssence, one of Zetrov's seven-star hotels.

"Don't forget, they also own the largest construction company in Europe," Arthur added dryly, shielding the women from the aggressive barrage of reporters' camera flashes.

News of another company actually winning the Best Company of the Year award – an honor typically reserved for Zetrov – had spread like wildfire. The fact that a fiery, gorgeous woman was the driving force behind this unbelievable achievement only added fuel to the flames.

"Ms. Blackwood, what can you say about this milestone?" a reporter shouted, shoving a microphone in Kathryn's face.

"Why were you hiding all these years?" another pressed, his voice laced with suspicion.

"What's your relationship with CEO Sterling?" yet another chimed in, his tone bordering on accusatory.

"Why now? Why did you choose tonight to finally reveal yourself as the founder of Star Corp?" A fourth reporter fired, his question echoing the burning curiosity of the entire world.

"I'm beginning to seriously regret coming to this after-party," Kathryn whispered to Arthur, her voice laced with exasperation as they brushed past the relentless reporters and entered a beautifully decorated hall.

"Well, you'll have to get used to it now. You're a public figure, love," Arthur said, smiling wryly at her clearly displeased expression.

Snatching a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Rebecca took a delicate sip and said, "We need these people, their connections and their influenc if we want to stand a chance against Carlos. So let's socialize, shall we?" She flashed her most dazzling smile, a practiced weapon designed to charm even the most jaded cynic.

"You two can go ahead and socialize. I'm going to grab some food. I'm famished," Kathryn said, already turning away towards a lavishly laden buffet table, eager to escape the suffocating attention, if only for a few moments.

Few minutes later the Banks arrived at the party....

Davin entered the ballroom, a study in controlled elegance, his baby sister, Kimberley, linked through his arm. Kelvin, never one to be overshadowed, strode purposefully beside him, his ever-present assistant, Marcel, hovering discreetly in his wake.

Behind them, Mr. and Mrs. Banks – Sir Alexander and Madame Genevieve, made their entrance, escorted by their own small entourage. They possessed a regal air, a natural authority that commanded attention and respect without uttering a single word.

A ripple of shock and surprise spread through the room. If anyone had dared to suggest that the Banks family would grace an after-party, they would have been dismissed as utterly delusional. The Banks were legendary for their reclusiveness.

Ever since the formidable matriarch, Madame Genevieve Banks, had handed the reins of Zetrov Conglomerate to her eldest son, Davin, nine years ago, she and her husband, Sir Alexander, had retreated from the spotlight, embarking on a seemingly endless tour of the world.

Rumors had always swirled about their relationship, tales of intense rivalry and ruthless competition. Before their marriage, they were more than just rivals; they were rumored to be mortal enemies in the cutthroat world of high finance.

Madame Genevieve had been a prodigy, finishing her university degree at the astonishingly young age of eighteen. After the brutal assassination of her parents, she was thrust into the role of President and CEO of Zentec Corp, a company teetering on the brink of collapse.

She tackled the challenge head-on, displaying a rare combination of brilliance and ruthlessness. Within two years, she had transformed Zentec into one of the top two largest companies in the country, a position it maintained for the next decade.

Within months of assuming the CEO position, she, with the help of her father's most trusted assistant, meticulously identified and systematically eliminated everyone involved in her parents' deaths, as well as those who were embezzling funds from the company. Some met a swift, brutal end; others were left to rot in prison.

Everyone in the industry both feared and admired her, captivated by her ruthless efficiency and her unparalleled ability to transform Zentec into a global powerhouse.

Then, on her twenty-fifth birthday, she dropped a bombshell, announcing her impending marriage to Sir Alexander Banks of Apex Conglomerate.

The business world reeled. No one had seen it coming. The idea of two of the most successful, and exceptionally ruthless, CEOs uniting in holy matrimony was a news item of epic proportions.

Within a year of their marriage, the two companies merged, forming Zetrov Conglomerate – the largest, most powerful, and most influential consortium in the world.

Though each initially continued to oversee the affairs of their respective divisions, their combined power was undeniable. They were hailed as the Zeus and Hera of the business world, their every move scrutinized and analyzed. They were revered, feared, and respected both at home and abroad for their pivotal role in transforming the country's economy.

Within five years, they had three children: Davin, the shrewd and calculating heir –Kelvin, the charismatic charmer; and Kimberley, the beloved baby of the family and their only daughter.

Fast forward to the present.

"I was halfway home when I heard the Banks were attending the after-party. I immediately told my driver to turn back," Mr. Edwards said, his eyes twinkling as he embraced the Banks family.

"It's been far too long, Edward. How have you been?" Madame Genevieve asked, her smile radiant as she returned his hug.

"Indeed, my friend. It's good to see you," Sir Alexander said, clasping the patron's shoulder warmly.

"Well, I'm still kicking," Mr. Edwards chuckled, a touch of wryness in his voice.

"Don't say that, Edward," Madame Genevieve gently chided, her maternal instincts kicking in.

"What can I say? My two favorite students haven't spared an old man a moment of their time in the last five years," Mr. Edwards said, deliberately laying on the guilt trip. As always, they fell for it.

"You know what? We'll be staying in the country for a bit longer this time," Sir Alexander said, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "How about we have lunch at the Banks mansion tomorrow? Does that tempt you, Edward?"

"Hmm," the patron hummed, his smile widening. "That does sound tempting."

"You've totally forgotten about me, Pa Edward," Kimberley interjected, pouting playfully.

"How could I ever forget my favorite goddaughter?" he countered, immediately reaching out to pinch her nose , an action that earned a peal of laughter from her.

Kimberley excused herself, claiming a sudden craving for something from the buffet table, as the elder statesmen began to delve into the intricacies of the business world. She could never truly grasp anything business-related, no matter how hard she tried.

It's simply not my calling, she often mused.

Embracing and expressing her alter ego, her creative passions, was what she had always craved. It was the driving force behind her successful career in the entertainment industry, her status as an A-list celebrity.

As the business moguls engaged in their animated discussion, Kimberley made her way to the lavish buffet…

Meanwhile, across the ballroom…

"Thank you, Mr. Richards, but I'm not interested in a luncheon date," Kathryn replied coolly, her voice laced with polite indifference. She turned to walk away, her plate laden with culinary delights, but Richards' hand shot out, gripping her elbow tightly.

Irritation flared, her patience, already stretched thin, finally snapping. She whipped around, her hazel eyes blazing.

"You think winning an award makes you special, sweetheart?" Richards sneered, his grip tightening. "Think again."

Her security detail tensed, ready to intervene, but Kathryn subtly signaled them to stand down. This was her first time at an event of this caliber, surrounded by titans of industry, even her idol, Madame Genevieve Banks, was in the room. She desperately wanted to avoid a scene.

In any other setting, she would have broken every bone in his hand for daring to touch her. But not here. Not tonight.

Gritting her teeth, she was about to unleash a scathing retort when a soft, melodic voice cut through the tension.

"Unhand the lady, Richard," the voice said, a silken command that brooked no argument.

Kathryn turned to see a tall, stunningly beautiful woman walking towards them, a glass of wine held gracefully in her hand. She radiated an effortless charm, a disarming warmth, and bore an uncanny resemblance to Davin Banks.

For God's sake, why am I thinking about Davin at a time like this? she chided herself.

"Are you deaf?" the woman asked, closing the distance between them.

"And if I don't?" Richards replied smugly, his eyes narrowing.

"Then don't blame me for lacking.....consideration," she said, her smile turning razor sharp. With a seemingly innocent movement, she "accidentally" stepped squarely onto his foot with the heel of her five-inch stiletto.

Richards gasped, a strangled sound of pain escaping his lips as he stumbled backward, releasing Kathryn's arm.