The hall was filled with people that could be divided into two: the office workers and the high cla.s.s individuals. However, there wasn't a single person who wasn't dressed up from head to toe.

The office workers were wearing dresses from the latest collections of famous brands while the socialites were in designer clothes made especially for them and embedded in precious stones to flaunt their status. What was common for most of them was the desire to establish possible connections with others at the party.

The emcee soon came onto the stage and started his speech with greeting the guests and shortly introducing the rationale behind the ball. He then went on to announce the arrival of the most important people.

"Please welcome the CEO of Thesus company, Ren Muller, and his date, best actress of the year, Lena Cane!"

The hall was filled with loud applaud. Everyone's eyes were on the entrance from where in came a man and a woman in matching burgundy-grey colour coordinated clothing.

Ren had black hair with a patch of red on the right side of his bangs. He was tall with lean physique and upright posture. He was wearing a burgundy s.h.i.+rt with a loose black tie on it. His suit was dark grey with black lapel. He also had a burgundy handkerchief in his breast pocket that perfectly matched his s.h.i.+rt. His cufflinks were made from huge rubies that added to his overall appearance. He was winking and nodding at many women giving a feeling of a carefree and seductive person.

Many of the female guests couldn't help but gasp at the appearance of one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. Some of them almost lost their footing when he smiled or winked at them. Even though they knew that he was a famous Casanova they couldn't help but want to fall into the trap of his charms. But soon they caught sight of the woman on his side and who complemented him perfectly.

Lena was wearing a long burgundy mermaid dress with a deep cleavage and a diamond necklace that accentuated her full bosom. Her black hair was styled in a wavy side ponytail. She had brown beautiful eyes and thin red lips. Even though she was wearing layers upon layers of make up one would think that she was actually wearing light make up with the only eye-catching sight being her red lipstick.

After they walked to their designated table, the emcee continued his announcements,

"Please welcome our next guests: William Harding, the CEO of Harding corps and Mia Blanchard, the acting CEO of the Palma malls!"

By the time the emcee finished talking the couple was already on their way to their table. Unlike the playboy Ren, Will was known for his coldness and indifference. However, even his aloof appearance didn't stop the woman from gawking at his appearance.

He was a tall man with black hair and black eyes that greatly contrasted his white skin. He had thin lips with a straight nose. He was wearing an all black outfit with black s.h.i.+rt and a matching black suit. He was the complete opposite of flashy Ren: he was a minimalistic person who preferred monotonous colours.

His date, however, wasn't anywhere as calm as he. Mia couldn't believe that he accepted her invitation to the event. She was on cloud nine. She had had a crash on him since the first time she saw him. He was everything she dreamed to have in her man: handsome, rich and smart. She could already see them in the future walking the isle on their wedding day. She walked with natural elegance in her red dress hinting of her socialite upbringing. Her brown eyes could not help but twinkle every time she looked at the man next to her. She subconsciously tightened her hold on his arm, which made Will slightly dissatisfied.

They soon joined Ren's table allowing the emcee to make the final announcement,

"And finally, please welcome the stars of today's ball! The CEO of Avalta fas.h.i.+on company, Alex Illes and and the CEO of Almona premium department stores, the splendid Mary Noah!"

Alex had dark platinum hair with almost black roots. With his hazel eyes and slight smile he would occasionally nod at the people in the hall. He was dressed in a formal black tux with a white s.h.i.+rt. Upon closer look one could see the exquisite details on his tux. The sleeves had miniature patterns in a brighter black shade than his tux. The collar of his s.h.i.+rt had the same patterns in light grey on it making the tux into an exquisite work of art.

His partner, Mary, was wearing a golden c.o.c.ktail dress. From the first glance it would seem that her hair was done in a bun highlighting the open back of her dress. She was not only a CEO but also a famous model on top of being a heiress to a well established family. Unlike other ladies before her, she was wearing nude make up which actually made her stand out in a crowd of women with painted red lips.

Unlike the two couples before them they went on the stage. Taking the mic from the emcee Ren started;

"Avalta fas.h.i.+on line was something I started 10 years ago as a university project. Altona malls are known to only have boutiques of the best fas.h.i.+on lines and I would have never thought that one day my line of clothing will become so famous that we will sign a contract with Altona." He went on to talk about the benefits of the collaboration and the future direction they should move. He concluded saying, "All this wouldn't have become a possibility without the help of people in the company and my friends. So, thank you all."

Everyone from his company gave him standing ovation with some even tearing up. They were proud of him, of themselves, because they knew that even though he could just inherit one of his family businesses, he had worked with them day and night to make what they became now.

"You deserve it and we are happy to have you on our team. From my side, I can say from everyone's name that we are looking forward to working with you. I can promise that our experienced staff will do their best to help you integrate faster into the system."

Mary as well went on to talk about the benefits of the collaboration and the first stores and their locations. She talked for a few minutes and then chided with a bright smile plastered on her face,

"I can see that everyone wants the party to start so I won't hold you back. Let the party start!"

But standing on her side Alex could easily tell that since the moment they entered her eyes have been relentlessly searching for someone, and even though her smile was really bright, one could see disappointment and sadness in her eyes.

The two started walking to the others at the table making small talk on their way.

When the ball was nearing it's end, the ever so curious Ren b.u.mped Alex's arm and asked;

"So, any news from the cousin?"

At his question Alex seemed a bit surprised and then said looking a bit confused,

"Actually, now that you ask me about it Derek's report was really weird."

"How was it weird?" Now Ren felt even more energized than before. Weird meant interesting. And interesting meant fun to him. So no way he was missing this piece of news!

Alex just rolled his eyes at him and said, "You know, they say curiosity kills the cat? Anyways, it was really short just saying that everything was alright and that she safely reached home."

"Well what's so weird about it?"

Ren didn't really mind his friend's words, after all, it was no secret that he was a curious soul. So why take offences when he can simply embrace the feeling?

"Besides being my driver, he is also a trained soldier. His reports are usually so thorough and long with so many details that sometimes I just skip them through."

With every word said out loud Alex's suspicions were getting stronger. His eyebrows subconsciously furrowed in contemplation. He couldn't help but feel a bit of worry, after all, he promised his dad to take care of Siana, and there was no way he would allow any mishaps, however small they were.

"Well just call him or maybe talk to him later?" Ren suggested with raised eyebrows. Why was this guy always thinking so hard when everything could be solved easily?

"Wow, you can actually give some good advice. I guess the alcohol has done it's job."

Alex said a bit sarcastically. It was not that he didn't call Derek, but rather the latter simply said everything was alright and they would talk when they meet.

"Bro, how can you say that?" he clutched his heart as if in pain. "You hurt my precious feelings. You do know that I always give the best advice whenever it has even a remote connection to women," Ren said now proudly.

In about half an hour Ren and his two friends together with their dates exited the hall and went to their respective cars.

After dropping Mary at her place Alex sat back into the car and as soon as the car moved from Mary's villa he asked Derek;

"So, do you mind telling me what exactly happened with my cousin?"