"Still being directed to voicemail, sir," George informed the man sitting behind him. The spacious passenger seat suddenly felt cramp as he meets his boss's eyes in the rearview mirror of the car. His eyebrows were in a furrow and his mouth in a thin line.
"Keep calling him," he said before moving his gaze back to the window.
"Yes sir." the secretary nodded in response even though his boss is not looking anymore.
The vehicle went to a stop when the building where the event is being held came into view. Cedric went out of the car before smoothening the lapels of his suit jacket as soon as they reached the walkway to the entrance.
"He's here!"
As soon as one reporter spotted him, everyone else followed, and in a second, the media was all over the man. Cameras started to record his every move at every angle so Cedric quickened his pace since the blinding flashes were making his headache return. George followed him from behind as the Ford security team assigned for the event held the media back to make way for them.
"Mr. Ford! Can you comment on Lilibeth Peyton's recent interview? She talked about being pregnant for real this time! "
"Cedric look at the camera!"
"Looking good tonight, Cedric!"
"How does it feel to be a part of the top 100 most attractive men alive?"
The reporters continued to probe at him while their phone recorders and microphones are practically shoved at his face if not for his security team.
"Sir, are the rumors true that Beatrice Ford is terminally ill?"
That one last comment made Cedric stop at his tracks. He never entertained the media if it's not an official interview set up by the company but this comment pushed his patience to the limits. How in the heavens were they even able to know that?
He made sure security of information about his grandmother was kept tight so why?
Cedric wore a straight face as usual while he kept himself from looking at the reporter who said that. He wanted to know where and who gave out that information.
He'll find out. He'll make sure of that.
Breathing in slowly, Cedric brushed the comment off, not giving anyone room for satisfaction while he resumed walking down the red carpet to the revolving glass door of the building.
Once Beatrice Ford spotted her grandson enter the hall, she bid goodbye to the social circle of wives she's been chatting with and gracefully made her way to him.
"Cedric," she called and the look of disapproval on his face made her want to laugh. Oh, this boy...
If it was up to him, Cedric wouldn't let Beatrice go out and attend this party. He would have preferred it if she just continued to rest in the mansion but knowing her, he knew that she didn't want to be seen as weak just because she's sick. Especially those rumors. His gran had probably heard it by now. All the more reason why she'd insist on attending this event.
"Gran." he returned her greeting with a short hug.
Beatrice immediately studied her grandson from head to foot, shaking her head when she took a closer look at his complexion. "You don't look so good." she began while taking his hand to hers, "-In fact, you look sick. I think you should go home for tonight."
Beatrice was about to pull her grandson back out where he just came from but Cedric didn't budge.
"I'm okay, gran." the tone of his voice came out hard and it sounded as if he's mad.
Beatrice was about to argue with him when an old man's laugh reached both of their ears.
"Beth!" the voice called and Beatrice let go of the hand she's holding to greet the man walking to them.
"Xavier. I'm glad you could make it."
He chuckled, "Of course. I wouldn't miss a Ford event."
Beatrice turned to Cedric who slightly nodded his head. "Ced, I haven't formally introduced you two yet. This is Mr. Xavier Rossi of Rosa Group-"
"Yes, founder of one of the biggest confectionery manufacturers in the country. It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Rossi."
"Ah! Is this your eldest grandson?"
Beatrice proudly smiled at the old man, "Why yes...Xavier, this is Cedric, director and soon-to-be CEO of Ford Enterprises."
The old man caressed his belly and nodded his head. "Hmm, very promising and quite young as well. How old did you say he was?" his eye shone as he turns to look at Beatrice while asking her.
"-you see, my daughter here might be the same age as him." the old man added.
"Xavia." he called and a lady who seemed to be at Lucas's age step out from behind the old man. "-introduce yourself to them."
She stared at the old man before stiffly nodding her head.
"Xavia Katarina Rossi. It's nice to meet everyone." she quickly said before going back behind her father.
She seemed surprisingly brave for someone so timid-looking when she stared at the grandmother-and-grandson duo straight in the eye without flinching when she introduced herself.
Interesting. Beatrice thought.
"Xavia is not only beautiful but also a well-mannered girl. Don't you think they look good, Beth?"
Beatrice let out a short laugh. "Oh, I don't meddle with my grandson's private life."
Cedric wanted to scoff at that but he held it in. There is one reason why his gran didn't push him to this family's daughter. It's either Ford won't benefit from them or she just didn't like the company altogether including its owner. Cedric chose the latter.
The Rossi couple is known among the social circles because of their children. The four daughters are said to be extremely beautiful. Having no sons to inherit his company, Xavier Rossi opted to marry off his children to families even wealthier than his. And he has seemed to have successfully done that to the three older Rossi children so the lady behind him must be the youngest one.
"That's a shame-" he pouted at Beatrice before turning to the younger Ford, "-but your grandson might be interested himself?"
Cedric's line of thoughts ended when he heard the man talk to him. As he was about to respond and disagree with the old man, his phone suddenly rang.
_to be continued_