"You look good Leo!" Jack looked at the teen in front of him. After having lunch with him and Alex yesterday, he had followed him and got to know a little about him. Jack had easily opened up to him courtesy of his approachability. Leo was wearing a black tuxedo along with a crimson bow tie, the effect was surprisingly striking. As Alex had already told them that he had decided on a black and red thematic for the syndicate and he was already working on a logo for them. He had also told them that he will be dropping out of the high school all three of them attended so that he can focus on breaking into the underworld as there was very little useful knowledge the school could impart to him now. Leo could see the attractiveness of dropping out, however, he will have to still attend the school so that he can make connections with the children of the higher echelons of society. Also, who would go out of their way to network with a dropout? In this modern society education meant a lot, second only to experience.
Looking in the mirror at his dashing figure, Leo smirked in confidence. This mission should be a walk in the park, following his parents he should have no problems in interacting with the high society.
"Leo let's go! You begged us to take you and now you're going to make us late!" His mother, like always, was stressing about being late. The funny thing was that she was always obnoxiously early, so it was up to his dad to be late in order to cancel it out. In this combination they almost always were bang on time. Following behind Leo, Jack had also dressed up in the normal bodyguard getup of a plain black suit.
Getting in the second car with Leo, they were driven to the venue – an imposing ballroom in the heart of the city. With its historical visage and grandiose look, it really was the meeting place for those established within high society. While his parents were famous in the eyes of the public, within this circle of people they were mediocre at best. An actor and a singer can have very little impact on the business discussions that occurred. The most they could do is guide public opinion or help people make connections in the entertainment circle.
Walking into the venue along the red carpet, Leo took everything in. The overwhelming smell of expensive perfume, the vivid colours of dresses here and there and the haughtiness on every attendee's face. Once they entered the ballroom, Leo stopped in his tracks as he looked down the wide staircase in front of him. Taking in the sea of people in front of them, Leo finally grew excited.
"Father, Mother, I believe that as I will be finishing school soon, I should start making connections with some people that are higher up in the social standing. They would be invaluable in my rise to prominence. While networking with their children is valuable, it is not even close to making connections with the power holders themselves. Are there any people you could introduce me to?"
Taken aback by their son's foresight, the pair were speechless. Feeling like they were looking at a stranger their sons request to accompany them to this charity ball finally made sense.
"Alright, your request seems logical. I will take you to meet with the Deputy Minister of Media, and the owner of the BBC, the largest broadcasting corporation in the country."
"I can call in a small favour from the Minister of Entertainment to take some of his time to introduce him to you, however, don't get your hopes up. I could also introduce him to Helen, she's the editor-in-chief of a famous newspaper."
"Sounds perfect mum and dad, why don't we begin."
His dad nodded and led them towards a group of men chatting at the base of the stairs.
"Good evening Mr Halford, I just came to greet you and introduce my son Leo."
"Ah good to see you old chap, I saw the new movie you released. Stunning performance if I do say so myself! So, this must be Leo, I heard a lot about you from my daughter, she's in your year group at the Academy."
"Nice to meet you Mr Halford, if I am not mistaken Mia is surnamed Halford, she wouldn't be your daughter, would she?"
"The one and only, hahaha!"
"I am good friends with her, she has really helped me to understand the wonderful art of poetry much better. I could never get behind the idea of poems, but her insight is truly wonderful! Please thank her on my behalf for the door she has opened for me!"
Taking a breather Leo quickly checked out what his Information Gathering skill had found.
[Harald Halford, Deputy Minister of Media, famous for his masterful control of the public's opinion. Has gotten into trouble lately because the Red Mafia has gotten embarrassing pictures of him with his mistress.]
Taking in a deep breath, Leo was extremely surprised at the information he has been provided. This upright member of high society was being blackmailed over some pictures with a mistress?! Oh man, this was juicy!
"Alright Leo, we should be letting Mr Halford enjoy his evening. It was nice seeing you again Mr Halford. Hope you enjoy your evening."
"It was nice meeting you young Leo."
"Mr Halford, would I be able to have your contact details please? Next week there is a new venue being opened by the Morrigan group, I believe you will be able to find the solution to your picture problem there."
"What did you say?! What the hell do you know?!" Immediately incensed at the mention of his blackmail situation brought out Harald's anger.
"No worries Mr Halford, I am willing to put you into contact with a person who could solve your problem. Alright, we should be letting you enjoy your evening. Should you want to discuss more feel free to send your contact details to my father. Goodbye Mr Halford."
Humph!
Not even warranting a reply, Harald turned away angrily not to speak to them again. Walking away from Harald's group Leo's father looked at him alarmed,
"What the hell was that about?"
"Oh, nothing. I found out that he is getting blackmailed, I provided an avenue for him to solve that problem."
"How the hell did you find that out in the first place? And how the hell can you solve the problem?"
"That's my secret."
Winking at his dad, Leo slowly walked away. Looking at his back Anthony could not believe that it was his own son, it seemed more like a stranger had taken over his playboy son. Catching up with him they went to see his mother, Amanda, who was waving them down. Walking towards her, they joined the trio of 40-year-old women.
"This here is my wonderful son Leo. Leo, this here is Theresa Heyrock, the current Minister of Entertainment, and this here is Helen Peacock, the current editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail."
"Good evening ladies, nice to meet you I am Leo Di Veriza." Leo introduced himself with a bow.