Ch-24
Eleanor was devastated when she met with the dead end. She couldn't help but feel suffocated at the harsh reality. She realized she was nothing without her brother. Their company's stocks fell, their so-called trusted people, changed the boats. The people who were close to them left them alone. Her so-called friends disappeared from her life. Her boyfriend cheated on her. Eleanor didn't see a single ray of light. Her father tried to manage the company and settle the issues for the time being. But the way the business ran during his time and after the business was taken over by his brother were different. It took him weeks to get adjusted but that was enough for his enemies to gobble them up. And mainly the Boris, they bought their shares through shell companies and became the third major shareholders of the Zora Empire.
Her brother's accident, their downfall… oh wait, may be worse than downfall, and the betrayal of Boris made Eleanor devastated. She couldn't help but feel there was someone who was handling the things from behind. When she got to know that Boris has a hand in their bankruptcy her heart broke. So… this was the scum she loved and liked for years. She was a real fool.
Her friends left, the world of glamour started showing its ugly colors to her. Their greedy faces, their fat bellies filled with nothing but greed started showing up. She couldn't help but sneer at herself when she thought these people were kind and good-willed. She was naive at that time.
Her brother's accident, their company almost bankrupt everything seemed to be planned. But now she has no power, she has to gain the power before she does something. She could achieve everything just by accepting Cedric's proposal, but it would be like she was taking advantage of him. But she forgot she was already taking advantage of him. They got contracts, they escaped bankruptcy, and they took rebirth like a phoenix all because of him. What she could say to them other than Thank you. She wanted to return their favor and help them in return but she has nothing other than herself. She wasn't ready to sell herself in the exchange for her family business.
"Miss, Please move aside," a stranger's voice woke her up from her reverie. Only then did she realize that she was standing in someone's way. She gave an apologetic smile and walked to an empty table. Eleanor settled down and looked at the venue lazily. It's the sixtieth anniversary of the Emerson group.
The anniversary was grand, there were models, actresses, politicians, many businessmen, and socialites everyone was here. She felt like she was going to get dizzy seeing their classified guests and the special guests. The world of the Emerson family and Zora was different. She stopped a server and took a wine glass. The venue was an example of richness and luxury. It was decorated with gold and blue-colored clothes. The muslin gold curtains along with blue satin curtains brought a rare beautiful sight to the onlookers. Every inch of the venue screamed luxury and richness. Eleanor's jaw widened in awe as she looked around.
Soon… guests filled the venue and everyone arrived. The slow music which was playing and the chattering and laughter around the guests came to a halt when they saw Alexander Emerson stepping on the stage. He gave a speech on the stage for ten minutes before ending. After him, Cedric Emerson gave a speech for three minutes, while he was speaking his eyes searched the whole crowd as if searching for someone, but when Eleanor was in the crowd sitting at a distance, his eyes stopped at her. After his speech, it's time for dance. And as a CEO, he has to pick a person to dance with. Since he has a sister he danced with her all these years, but today everyone heard that he would pick someone to dance with today from the crowd. Every female was excited when they saw Cedric look at them, their eyes begged him to pick them up. But he didn't even spare a glance at them, he descended the stage and walked towards Eleanor and stretched his hands towards.
"My Lady, would you give me the honor of dancing with you?" he asked in his gentlemanly tone.
"Everyone knows you are my girlfriend. Don't embarrass yourself," he said as he took a step towards her in a low voice. Eleanor has no choice but to accept his hand with a shy smile. Many gasps and surprises came from the crowd as if they were confirming something.
He led her to the middle of the venue, as they walked the crowd cleared the space for them. Music started playing as Cedric held Eleanor in his hands. Cedric couldn't believe that this thing was happening to him.
Earlier….
"Dad… As usual, but this time wrap it up early. I am tired of these things," Cedric said to his father.
"Brother… Why?" Katherine's whiny voice came.
"Hey… Little princess, where did you go this afternoon?" he asked as he pulled her into a hug and patted her head.
"Shall I tell the truth or false?" she said as she tilted her head.
"Truth," he answered.
"I went to see my sister-in-law," Katherine said, dropping a bomb on his head.
"What?! How is she?" he asked her.
"Sigh…. Brother. You should marry her first and then tame her. If not she would slip away. She is so gullible. And that Mrs. Boris is too much, she always bullies sister-in-law. Even after getting married, she sets her eyes on you. Such a lowly woman. And gladly Sister-in-law is good. She will come here today. Do first dance with her and announce she is your woman. She is trying to make plans to clear the rumors with you," Katherine said.
"I see. I will do as you say. You are the best!" he said as he kissed her cheek.