(Note I am writing this chapter from Justin Henson point of view to reveal some back story on Sean. This chapter will not feature the main couple.)
Earlier at the banquet…
While people were filling in, many of the top businessmen also showed up as they knew this was a networking opportunity as many city planners and council members would also be here. One of the men that showed up was Justin Henson. Shortly after arriving he heard someone mention Sean's name. He quickly joined the conversation before blurting, "I'm sorry I thought I heard you talking about my worthless cousin."
The group looked at Justin with a puzzled expression until one of them finally spoke up. "Ahh it's the young Mr. Henson. Sorry but did you mean that Sean McAlester is your cousin?" The group looked at Justin questioningly before they heard the simple yes from Justin. A taller middle aged man spoke up "your cousin is truly a good man. Smart and cunning aswell. I'm glad to call him my ally." The words cause the other members to shake their head in agreement before they heard Justin speak up "my cousin?! Sean is the biggest deadbeat of the family. Are you sure your talking about Sean, Mr. Ramírez?"
These words cause Mr. Josue Ramírez to instantly glare with fire in his eyes at Justin. "Let me tell you something Justin. If it wasn't for Sean there wouldn't be a Ramirez Construction today and I would probably be working for a construction company instead of owning one myself." His voice full of pride, as earlier Sean had actually sent him a share transfer agreement for Ramirez Construction. The agreement not only gave him shares, as Sean had started the company before meeting him, in the company but a controlling interest in it. His years of loyalty were truly paid by Sean. Josue's words struck a chord as others rang out in agreement finally causing Justin to realize just who was in the group. 'Holy crap the only company I can compete with here is Ramirez Construction and they all credit their companies survival to Sean.'
"Mrs. Camilla your family company has been around for over a century surely you can't credit Sean for that." Justin looked at one of the ladies that had agreed with Josue's earlier statement. "Remember that incident in South America a few years ago? It cause so much bad publicity our company was on the verge of collapse then Sean came in restructuring the company and negotiating deals causing our company to flourish and achieve new heights. So yes while I can't credit him with everything, he worked tirelessly for the few months he was with us and saved the company." The woman said proudly as she thought of the man she treated like her own son.
Then one of the men spoke up slightly changing the subject "oh I heard he's now working with Hughes Investments. Anyone know how that is going?" Josue looked at the man before responding "Really now, I didn't know this. I signed a deal with them this morning. The new CEO has somehow signed a deal for Swans expansion and has signed us on for construction." Justin couldn't believe his ears, The CEO of Hughes had signed a business deal while he had blacklisted them and then signed an improved second deal with Ramirez.
Mrs. Camille spoke up next "really now I must meet this new CEO I would love to work with him if they're able to get you to sign during a blacklist." Josue looked at the lady before smiling "She reminds me a lot of you Emma. Tough in negotiations, knowledgeable and cunning. She surprised me with this new deal today I had originally gone there to terminate the first deal I had with the company. As one of the clauses to force them to pay was terminating it in person."
"Ahh that's right the old CEO breached the contract correct? And the new CEO is a woman, very interesting." Emma responded with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Yes, but she not only talked me into keeping the original contract but signing a second one." Soon the group was having a conversation about the new CEO of Hayes completely ignoring the existence of Justin who found a moment to sneak away before running into a familiar figure.
"Samantha it's good to see you again." The woman looked at Justin with disdain before replying "You're still trying? You know the only person I'm after is your cousin." Justin chuckled before a scheming light passed by his eyes and he quickly responded "You know he's back then right?" The sentence instantly caused the woman who was walking away to turn back to him with a glimmer of light in her eyes. "Don't lie to me now. No one has heard from him since he left for Europe almost 5 years ago." Justin smirked as he knew he had this woman in his scheme immediately. "I saw him this morning in fact. I also heard he is coming tonight."
The woman immediately walked back over to Justin with hope in her eyes. God only knew how badly she wanted Sean to have her in his heart. When he disappeared she had exhausted her fathers information network to find him to no avail. "What do you want out of this?" Samantha responded,remembering just how much of a businessman Justin was. "Well really that's simple. He's seemed to have build alliances over the years, so I need to sever them before he grows strong enough to challenge for the CEO. So I get him with you and you keep him at home away from the business world." Justin responded before taking a drink then continuing "even though I practically run the company my father can't hand the company over to me as I'm not 25 yet. Also when I turn 25 any family member of my generation has a right to fight for ownership if they can prove they can bring improvements to the company. As Sean seems to have ventured into the business world he's the only threat. The others are busy away as teachers or other things. Nothing large enough to threaten me."
"What makes you so sure that he can threaten you even now?" The question caused Justin to walk to the window with Samantha, away from the growing crowd. As they looked out at people entering the building Justin finally responded "He's made allies with Josue Ramirez and Emma Camilla and others from that power group that always runs together."
As Samantha pondered the words Justin spoke the noticed two Audis stop past the red carpet and men immediately get out of them positioning themselves around a Rolls Royce that pulled up. "Who is this, that even bring bodyguards to an event crawling with cops." Samatha pondered out loud causing Justin to look at the scene of a couple walking done the red carpet wearing matching royal blue suit and dress. Then Justin and Samantha both gasped as they recognized that the man was Sean. Immediately Samantha's eye shrunk see the woman who was holding her mans hand and smiling at him. 'She's not as pretty as me. Probably not as rich as me. So how does she get to be by his side and not me?'