Chereads / Chronicles of The Styx Syndicate / Chapter 16 - Networking

Chapter 16 - Networking

Taking a quick look at his system, Leo was surprised at the unhelpful information.

[Theresa Heyrock, current Minister of Education. Infertile.]

[Helen Peacock, Editor-in-chief of Daily Mail. Her husband is a cover up for her lesbian sexual orientation.]

Infertility and a secret lesbian, these are basically useless, thought Leo. At least I can take solace in the fact I can make some connections.

"You're looking beautiful tonight ladies; it is my pleasure to get to know you. My mother has always talked about you. Mrs Heyrock, I have long since admired your masterful use of the Ministries funds to promote amazing works of art for the screen. I have also heard a lot about Mrs Peacock's pre-editorial days as an investigative journalist in the war-torn Saharan Continent."

Leo's suave side kicked in and he buttered up to these two giants of media. He had hoped that they would at least have a small impression of him.

"Your son is a real sweet talker, huh?"

"He does know his way around words, doesn't he?"

"Haha, I didn't even know he could come out with such sweet words."

Amanda laughed at the compliments, smiling like any proud parent. Leo butted in with a final remark.

"You ladies look like you're having a lot of fun. I will let you enjoy your evening and go pester some other people. Although as a parting gift, I will spill a secret. The heiress of the Morrigan Group is opening up a new establishment in the center of town. I heard that she has managed to employ someone called the 'Devil's Barkeep', I suggest you ladies take time out of your busy schedule to attend the grand opening. You might be pleasantly surprised. Anyway, I will take my leave. Enjoy your evening!"

With that, Leo turned to his father and nodded at him. The pair slowly walked away, blending into the sea of important people.

"He really is interesting. Not even I had heard of such a high-profile venue opening up yet. How the hell did he get his hands on such information?"

"Even you didn't know, Helen? You're always on top of everything that happens in this city." Surprised Theresa could only look at her friend incredulously.

"Yea, that is the first time that I am hearing of the Morrigan Wolf creating her own personal venture. I wonder what could have sparked such an out of personality move. Or maybe we have never seen her reveal her true colours. Who knows?"

A pensive atmosphere descended over the trio, taking Amanda by surprise that her son had access to information that not even the renowned Mrs Peacock didn't know.

At this time Leo had already approached an old man drinking within a group of the older generation. Approaching this man put a serious look in Leo's eyes. He felt like he was looking at a wolf in human clothing, as if he was approaching a dangerous predator. Thinking about it, this made sense.

"Good evening Sir O'Neill, it is amazing to see you again. I have just come to introduce myself together with my son Leo."

"Oh young Anthony, your new work was good, well done." Barely looking at him, Harrison O'Neill brushed off Leo's father like one would some dust on your shoulder.

"Good evening Sir O'Neill, I have heard many good things about the rise of the BBC under your leadership."

Being completely ignored Leo grew angry, but his rational brain still held him back. Opting to have a look at the system information for something useful. He was extremely surprised at the quality of the information.

Walking away Leo's father apologised to Leo, "I'm sorry son, I am just a minor figure in his eyes, and you would be nothing but an ant. It is just how life is, some people are just more important than others."

"Do not worry dad. He will regret his actions soon enough."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing much." Leo couldn't hold in his smile as he kept looking back at the system prompt.

[Harrison Stephen O'Neill, Director of the BBC. Dotes on his hidden granddaughter, Eliza Smith. Having a high profile, to protect his grandchildren, no one other than him and the girl's parents know about her existence. Currently, Eliza attends the Royal Secondary Academy of Stockton.]

It seemed that even the system was annoyed at one of its pseudo-hosts being ignored like an ant by the roadside. It had opted to provide a much more detailed entry compared to the other three people he had met tonight.

"Alright father, I will let you socialise and enjoy your night. I will go off on my own. Don't worry I know how to act and will not offend anyone."

"Alright but please be humble, we are only minor figures in this gathering. One wrong word and we will be in deep trouble."

"No worries father."

Walking away from his father, Leo walked to the bar at the end of the hall. Sitting behind the counter, he ordered a gin and tonic and proceeded to scan the hall for any interesting targets to talk to. After the bust with Sir O'Neill, he still had to tempt two high profile figures into attending the grand opening of the bar to complete his plan. He planned to tempt them into going to the grand opening, and then by piquing their curiosity get their contact details at the opening.

Looking around everyone was some form of important, but no one that dragged his attention to them. Taking a quick peek at the bargirl that had just made his gin and tonic and looking at the system popup he was pleasantly surprised.

[Lily Dumas, scout of the Red Mafia.]

Taking a sip of his gin and tonic, Leo appreciated the sharp flavour. Looking in her blue eyes, he put on a teasing smile and turned his suaveness to the max.

"You're something else. A girl this pretty acting as a petty barmaid, you should be in a movie!"

Blushing, the young girl finally took a good look at this attractive boy. Finding him very pleasing to the eye she flashed a flirtatious smile and counterattacked.

"Thanks, but being at this ball means you are someone of note and being so attractive why have I never heard of you?"

"I'm barely out of my teens, I haven't had a chance to start my career. However, I am sure you've heard of my father, Anthony Di Veriza."

"Oh my god! If Anthony Di Veriza you must be the famous Leo, the lovechild of him and Amanda Heyfeld."

"Ding, ding, ding! Fully correct, now would you be so kind as to put your contact details in my phone? I would love to take you out to dinner one night. Someone so attractive will definitely make the food taste better!"

"Sure." Lily agreed quickly, she was weak against Leo's precise attacks. Giving in, she chose to see where it went with this gorgeous son of an acting legend.