It had been hours since the sun had set, yet the city remained bright. As far as the eye could see, skyscrapers rose to touch the clouds, their lights illuminating the landscape just as the sun had done a few hours earlier.
Aeternus was the city that never slept , quite fitting considering its name . The hustle and bustle of this city never ended , somehow , it was even livelier at night. The solemn aura brought by people working during the day was quite a contrast with the raucous vibe at night brought by people destressing after a long day.
A man sits lounging on his chair , admiring the city view. His office indicated his refined tastes , his chair made from the finest leather one could source , his table sleek and modern, made with one of the most desirable and expensive wood one could find.
Modern artworks hang from the walls , giving the space a touch of personality.
Speaking of artworks , the owner of this office was the most eye-catching piece in here. He was lounging in his chair comfortably , he looked regal even while doing this simple action. His chestnut brown hair was slicked back in a neat hairstyle , complementing his features. He was wearing a grey tailored suit , paired with a wonderful burgundy tie. His quiet deep eyes observed the scenery outside , the lights flickering in his deep pupils.
A small knock sounded from his door.
" Come in , " he answered in a low magnetic voice , without bothering to even look.
The door softly opened and closed , footsteps approached and stopped right behind him.
" Mr. Dravenhurst , they're expecting you over at the gala . "
This man was the current CEO of the Dravenhurst-Calloway cooperation , and the oldest son of the namesake Dravenhurst family , Lionel Bernard Dravenhurst.
" Do I really need to go Anthony ? " he sighed.
" I'm afraid so sir , your father specifically asked me to make sure you attended. Mr. Calloway will also be attending, " Anthony , his secretary, answered.
Lional sighed deeply before swiveling his chair to face Anthony.
He stared at Anthony for a while , likely trying to scare him ,but Anthony has been with him for so long and if anything he feared Lionel's father , the co-founder of the company more.
Seeing that Anthony wasn't backing down , Lionel sighed and nodded , " Is the car ready ? ".
Anthony nodded , " It was prepared a while ago."
Lionel stood up and adjusted his suit , " Then let's go ."
He exited the office followed closely by Anthony.
On their way to the car , they were greeted by each and every single person they came across.
Lionel just nodded back at them . Ever since he took over the CEO position a year and a half ago , he's gotten a fierce reputation , making everyone scared of him.
When they exited the building , a white car was parked in front waiting for them , a guard got out and opened the door for Lionel .
After he made himself comfortable Lionel was confused to see that Anthny hadn't gotten in , " Aren't you coming ? "
Anthony shook his head , " Madam had some tasks for me , I must complete them by today. I already asked Jamie to wait for you outside."
Jamie was Anthony's twin brother and the secretary of Matteo Calloway , Lionel's childhood friend and current business partner.
Lionel shot Anthony a dirty look before turning away , " Let's go , " he ordered coldly.
Lionel stared out the window , it was raining now yet the mood in the city was not dampened / He watched as the drops of water slid down the side window competing against each other in an imaginary race.
As they passed the city and entered the historic center where the elite lived , the vibrant neon signs so full of life slowly changed to the upright and sombre yellow lights the snobbish socialites preferred.
The yellow light casted shadows on Lionel's face , contouring his already sculpted face ,making him look sculptural.
The car pulled up onto a large gate decorated with extravagant carving , the guard stopped the car , and Lionel's driver opened the window and handed the guard a card .
The guard read the invitation card and immediately bowed to Lionel , " Forgive me Sir , I was blind to not recognize your car."
Lionel didn't even bother to acknowledge him; he waved his hand at the driver who nodded and just drove off.
They followed the path through a perfectly maintained garden, complete with hedges shaped like diamonds. A large mansion stood at the end of the road; it was well-lit and bustling. The entire mansion was decorated with lavish floral arrangements and crystal light fixtures. Welcome to Nathaniel Manor, the ancestral home of the gala's host, Marcus Nathaniel. The Nathaniels came from a long line of nobility, but their family's status rose with their involvement in the hotel industry, owning some of the most extravagant hotels in the country. The current generation enjoys much more privilege than the older generations.
The car pulled up to the entrance and the guard immediately got down and opened the door for Lionel.
The roman inspired portico of the mansion scheduled them from the rain that had gotten heavier now. Lionel got out and adjusted his suit softly. He looked around , spotting Jamie waiting for him by the foyer , he walked over.
Jamie spotted Lionel approaching him , so he rushed to greet him , " Mr. Dravenhurst , Boss is waiting for you in the second floor waiting room , he asked him to escort you there when you arrived."
Lionel nodded , indicating Jamie to lead him over.
Jamie quickly led him over to the second floor waiting room , this waiting room was reserved for family and friends . it overlooked the grand ballroom that was filled with guests . Jamie knocked on the door and held it open for Lionel.
Lionel walked in and he immediately spotted his friend chatting with Alec Nathaniel who was the host's younger half-brother , being the son of the second wife,there was a major age gap between Marcus and Alec.
Seeing Lionel coming in, Matteo quickly made space on the couch for him. Lionel walked over and greeted them sitting down .
" Lionel ! I'm so glad you could make it ! "
" Yeah I thought you'd avoid it and stay hiding inside that office of yours , " Matteo teased.
Lionel rolled his eyes , " Dad threatened Anthony , so here I am , though I wont stay for the whole thing."
Alec and Matteo looked at each other, their faces lighting up with amusement, before bursting out laughing.
" So Alec , I heard something interesting , " Matteo said, turning to Alec.
Alec sighed deeply , " I know what you want to ask , and yes she broke up with the Langley chap. It was not pretty , she was caught cheating ."
Lionel looked at them confused , " Who are we talking about ? " .
" Lucille , " both Matteo and Alec whispered back.
Lucille Nathaniel was the only daughter of Marcus , and current heir of the Nathaniel family.
" She was dating Langley , like the guy my brother knows ? I had no idea, " Lionel asked, confused .
" No , no , not David , she was dating the older one , " Alec explained.
Lionel nodded , while he had never met David's older brother but he sure had met Lucille and it was a miracle he even dated her considering her promiscuous reputation.
" How did he find out ? " Matteo asked excitedly.
Lionel rolled his eyes , if there was one thing his friend enjoyed . It was drama and gossip.
Alec got closer , likely getting ready to tell them , but they were interrupted with the door opening again. Alec jumped back and he began to laugh loudly , " My God Matteo , you are so damn funny ! I can't believe you did that. "
" What's so funny ? What did Calloway do ? " Marcus asked, stepping inside he was followed by his wife Linda and daughter Lucille , the very subject of the trio's gossip.
Matteo shot Alec a dirty look before answering , " Nothing much Mr. Nathaniel , I was just telling Lionel and Alec about my newest adventure , I went sky diving recently ."
" Ohh my gosh Matteo , you are so brave , personnel could never, I'm too scared to do it," Lucille squealed , " Hi Leo ! It's been so long ! " she walked over and plopped down next to Lionel.
" With all due respect Ms. Nathaniel , my name is Lionel not Leo ," Lionel said standing up . Lucilel has always been like this, and it made Lionel extremely uncomfortable.
A flash of disappointment flashed across Lucille's face , but she immediately turned her attention to Matteo , who could tolerate her better.
Marcus acted like nothing happened , while Lionel ws rude towards her daughter . it was her fault for provoking him , he walked over to Lionel.
" Lionel , how is your father these days ? " he asked, patting Lionel's back.
Lionel smiled back curtly , " He is doing wonderful Mr. Nathaniel . He's been enjoying retirement a lot . "
" I figured so , your mother must be over the moon too . "
" Yes , she certainly does like having her husband around a lot more , " Lionel answered.
Marcus began to chuckle at this , " That lucky man ! Tell your father I'll pay him a visit soon."
" Dear , it's time , we need to start the gala , " Linda Nathaniel interrupted their talk , her honey smooth voice always giving Lionel the shivers. She didn't like him , and her dislike only grew with his constant rejection of her daughter.
Marcus looked at his watch before nodding , " Well then gentleman you're welcome to stay here for as long as you want. Lucille , Alec , come along now ! ".
Lionel nodded back while Lucilee and Alec both followed the elderly couple out.
After the door closed behind them , Lionel plopped down next to Matteo .
While they were chatting , Matteo's phone lit up with a notification. Matteo frowned when he checked it.
" Hey Lionel , I have to go down for a while , father wants me to meet some people. You wanna head down with me ? " .
Lionel shook his head , " No , I'd like to stay here."
" Okay then, I'll ask Jamie to send over some food for you . I'll be back soon, " .
Lionel nodded while Matteo walked out , he slouched against the sofa staring up at the pristine ivory ceilings , he really did not like these social gatherings , half of the people were scared of him , but the other half looked at him like starved predators waiting for the prey , him , to slip up.
Jamie softly knocked and entered the room carrying a tray of sandwiches , pastries and tea.
Lionel nodded at him , his way of thanking Jamie . And Jamies nodded back , " I'll be waiting outside Mr. Dravenhurst."
Lionel just nodded again, " Don't bother with me Jamie , I have the guard with me , go help Matteo." Jamie agreed and slowly exited the room ,closing the door behind him.
Lionel grabbed a sandwich , munching on it he stood up , positioning himself behind a curtain making sure he was concealed , he looked down at the crowded ballroom. He recognised many of them , but his sense of unfamiliarity did not fade , he should be comfortable with events such as these by now , afterall he had to attend them since he was a child , but the unfamiliarity and the unease never faded. Even now when he's in his mid thirties , he would very much prefer to avoid these gatherings.
His eyes scanned the crowd , he spotted Matteo talking to a tall old man who looked somewhat like a flamingo , to make matters worse he was wearing a pink suit , no not the pretty pastel pink , this suit was the exact colour of a flamingo's plumage . . Next he saw Linda Nathaniel chatting with some of her so-called 'friends' ( can you consider someone a friend when they wish bad on you ?) , while Lucille was flirting with a man , who looked quite pleased with her attention. Alec and Marcus were talking with a group of people , Lionel immediately recognized them to be the key allies and partners of the Nathaniel family.
After finishing his sandwich, Lionel walked back to grab something else to eat, settling on a cream and jam-filled pastry. He bit into it, and as it is a universal rule that one should spoil their attire when partaking in such pastries, cream and jam spurted out, falling onto his suit
He cursed at this , as he patted around looking for a handkerchief . When he did not find one , he grabbed some napkins from the table , heading out to clean himself up at the restroom. .
His guard tried to follow him , but Lionel asked him to stay behind as the restroom was close by.
Lionel followed his memory from the last time he was here, though quickly he realised that he should have asked someone. , seeing a door upfront and vaguely remembering it , he walked over and opened it .
He froze mid step when he realized his mistake , this was certainly not the restroom !