Monday morning, 7 a.m New York (1 p.m Paris)
"How do I look?" Adriana asked. James and Aria blinked several times in silence.
Adriana laughed nervously as they both blinked at her a few more times. They were currently in a video called and today was the first day Adriana would present herself at LABELS and give her presentation on the project.
She wanted this special day to be witnessed by both her children. After all, this is a huge deal in her career. It's legitimate proof of her abilities. The best of the best is acknowledging her skills by offering a partnership with her. That would definitely show the rest where she stands.
It's one of her milestones. All her hard work has indeed paid off! And that's all thanks to her two motivations in life.
"Mommy…" Both twins said at the same time.
"You are gorgeous!" They both gave her a state filled with admiration.
That almost brought her to tears. They are the sweetest!
She took a simple but very pretty look for today but her aura made her look powerful in that look. A white blouse, pink mini skirt, and a cute blazer.
"Mommy you show em' who's the boss!!!" Aria lifted her little fist and declared.
"Humph! Nobody is a match for mommy. She's the coolest, most beautiful mommy/boss!" James agreed.
"Yup!"
"Heh, whoever dares to look down on mommy will not end well!" James crossed his arms with a mischievous smile lingering on his lips.
Adriana shook her head helplessly. "That's right, mommy is going to rock it!" She gave Aria and a high five and a virtual one to James.
After their short talk, she and Aria came outside the hotel to wait for Caroline. Today would be Aria's last free day because tomorrow she would start school aka her punishment aka hell aka the den of all evil aka the worst place in the world aka what Aria hates the most.
"I will miss you, come pick me up quickly mom." Aria kissed her mother's cheek and hugged her tightly. Adriana pinched her cheek. "I will, be a good girl and don't cause trouble for Caroline okay?"
��"Mommy...who do you see me as? Why would I ever cause trouble?" Aria gave her an innocent smile and she secretly smirked at Caroline.
Caroline felt her hairs go up and she looked away, crying inwardly.
What a scary child indeed! She could never get used to her double face.
Adriana shook her head and watch her get in Caroline's car.
"Ma'am." Ralf bowed and opened the car door for her. "Good morning Ralf." She greeted him. "Good morning, we should arrive at LABELS at 8:15 exactly, take the elevator to the meeting room for 10 minutes and start the meeting 15 minutes upon arrival." He explained.
Adriana laughed, he had everything calculated and she could guess that included the traffic as well.
"Mr.Preston will be here in 3...oops neve mind. He is here. We should arrive at our destination at the same time." He added and closed the door.
Adriana looked out from the window and watched him being escorted into his own vehicle.
She continued looking out of the window and watched people pass by, building after building and the crowded streets. She watched many run late for work and exciting coffee shops.
"Did you eat your breakfast, Ralf?" She asked. "Yes, I did. I'm glad Aria is here to have breakfast with you. This way I don't have to scold you for skipping the most important meal of the day." He responded.
"Ralf you know me so well."
"Of course. I would give up my life for you and all the people you hold dear to your heart anytime. I know my family tree doesn't like being too loyal to your family because they hate being bound to it. In my case, you should know I'm doing this wholeheartedly."
"Thank you for that. You hold a very important place in our live Ralf." Adriana gave him genuine smile.
When they finally arrived at LABELS, Adriana watched Noah's car park. Ralf parked right behind them. "Should I go in as well?" Ralf asked. "Or should I head back to protect Miss Caroline and the young Miss?"
"No, you can come with me. Your brother is with them." Adriana responded. "Oh, if you permit me may I visit him later today?"
"Of course." Adriana nodded and accepted his hand. When she was out of the car Ralf closed the door.
Ralf looked to his side and watched a bodyguard open the door for someone he considers his second master. He was sure that if his master gets into some deep trouble and she is stuck in some place of her revenge, he could go to him for help.
He understood Adriana's capabilities but surely she isn't invincible and what she is facing is dangerous and cannot be underestimated just because of how great her control over the current situation is. Anything can change at any time and he was prepared to protect her very well.
"You must be Justine?" A gentleman walked up to them.
Adriana gave him a polite smile and nodded her head. "Welcome to LABELS, he will take your car to the parking lot and I will be your guide for today around the building. My name is Jona Cioffi it's an honor meeting you Justine."
Adriana shook his hand. "You may call me Ms.Price, I will look forward to getting a tour from you."
"Yes, at the end of the day a tour around the building has been scheduled. Here is our itinerary." He handed her a brochure.
"Awsome thanks! This is Ralf and he will be escorting me for protection purposes, I hope you don't mind." She introduced Ralf and he shook his hand as well.
"No problem. Nice to meet you as well, we will now enter the building with our CEO. You are an important guest for us so we would like to give you a warm welcome." He guided them inside the lobby where Noah was already waiting.
"Sir, this is our guest Justine and her escort." He introduced them.
"Good morning, Ms.Price. I look forward to your presentation today." He offered his hand.
"Sir-" Mr.Jona Cioff who was ready to take Adriana away before Noah could reject to shake her hand was confused. Didn't he specifically tell them to not allow anyone to have skin contact with him?
Where did the clean freak go?
He sighed.
'My work life is so confusing!'
Adriana smiled and she shook his hand. "I look forward to you and your team's thoughts on it as well, Mr.Preston."
Ralf cleared his throat.
Noah narrowed his eyes at him wondering what his problem is. The first time was a glare, the second was a smirk and now a fake cough. What exactly does this man have against him? He didn't sense any hostility but he wasn't really sure.
This was one of the few times when he couldn't figure out a person. He concludes that Ralf is somehow special.
That's probably why Adriana has him by his side. He must be really good at his job.
"This way Ms.Price." Jona started leading them towards the elevator area.
The receptionist stood up and she gave Noah a respectful bow with her head, she turned to Adriana and smiled, repeating her previous actions.
The same went for the other workers. They greeted both of them from a distance very professionally and respectfully.
So far Adriana was very much satisfied with what she saw.