Chereads / THE—CEO / Chapter 17 - chapter 16

Chapter 17 - chapter 16

I gaze outside in shock, I know the Grey gala has been a hot topic for the last two weeks but I didn't expect there to be a red carpet and dozens of paparazzi.

Mr Grey exits the car and rounds behind then opens my door, the minute I step out I'm blinded by the flashes of cameras.

Mr Grey's arm slips around my waist and pushes me very close to him, his scent wafts around me and the best radiating off him protects me against the cold of the night.

We begin to walk, the flashes continue and questions begin to be thrown at my boss.

"Mr Grey who is accompanying you today?!"

"Will she be like the other models?!"

"Will your–"

The questions end once we enter the two doors, I smile immediately at the lack of noise and bright lights.

I am grateful when I see that everything is perfect, the hall is filled with many people, a lot of celebrities, many known businessmen and women, waiters walk around with trays of drinks and appetizers.

Low murmurs and arrogant laughter a fill the room, with the low play of class music from the orchestra.

All these stop once they notice the arrival of Mr Grey and Nicholas who just arrived besides me.

I watch as everyone looks at him expectantly, he nods just the slightest and then they continue.

A waiter comes to us, I swiftly grab a flute of champagne and my boss a tumbler of whiskey the guy disappears after I softly thank him.

I half expected his arm to move from my waist but it stays, and when I try to move he tightens his grip almost like a warning.

We walk around for a while, a few people stopping us and talking to my boss. Meanwhile I look around the room, to say that most people here are fake would be an understatement.

Many women are by their husbands sides or escorts, they wear expensive dresses and even more expensive jewelry just to stand there and smile.

The men speak so casually with one another but it you can't miss the looks in their eyes that show hatred, the arrogant laughter that scream 'right...', and the smirks on their faces that say claim that they are better than the people they are talking to.

Very few have genuine looks, most directed to their partners.

"Xander!" My boss visibly freezes, I look up at him curiously then try to look behind me.

I feel like I'm looking in a mirror, Grey snr is a literal copy of his son just a bit older looking and the only different feature they have is the colour of their eyes.

Meanwhile my boss's are brown, his are blue.

Mr Grey downs his drink and plants it on a passing tray then turns us around, I notice that his slightly relaxed demeanor is now replaced by a stoic face that shows no emotion at all.

Grey senior takes a few steps towards us, "Should I bother knowing her name?" He asks, looking over at me.

"What do you want Shane?" My boss asks, I take a gulp of my champagne feeling like I'm going to need it.

'Shane' ignores his son's questions and smiles at me, "As you've heard I'm Shane, I presume you are one of my son's many wh–"

"I thought I made it clear that I don't want you anywhere near me and anything that has to do with my business." Mr Grey's hold on my waist tightens as he cuts his father off, and I'm actually quite thankful for it.

From my view I don't think I would've liked if he had finished that sentence, nor would Mr Grey apparently.

"Now now Xander–"

"You could either walk out of here with whatever bit of pride you have left or I can happily call security to escort you out." By it's kind of hard to ignore the tension that has filled the hall.

I swear all eyes are on the father and son, and my guess, another scandal for the media to feed of is coming.

"You wouldn't want to cause such a scene." Shane warns, I nod agreeing with him.

"Sir." I try but he gives me this side look that's meant to shut me up but I turn my body slightly and put my hand to his chest to push him back but he stays still.

"I honestly think he has a point, this wouldn't be good for business." I whisper in his ear, last time something like this happened Killigan threw allegations and that caused a huge mess he had to clean up, according to magazines.

"Listen to the b*tch son, she's a very smart one." I look at the old man glaring at him.

"I don't appreciate you speaking of m–" my boss's arm falls from my waist and he takes a threatening step towards his father.

I stand and watch like everyone else, by the way Shane is glaring at Mr Grey, I'm assuming he just issued a threat that clearly pissed him off.

Before I can comprehend, Shane throws a punch at his son.

"Shane!" A feminine voice yells out, I look over at the owner of the voice.

Brown eyes that match those of her son's, they glimmer with unshed tears and worry is etched on her face. Behind her, two young women holding the woman back.

I look back at the two men, to see two guards already holding back Grey senior. I walk closer to the two, "You'll regret this soon Xander." I hear Shane threaten just before the haul him out.

Surprisingly he stays calm throughout it all, despite for when he shrugs the guards arms off him and walks out by himself.

I look at my boss and see his burst lip, "Are you alright?" I ask as he takes out a handkerchief and wipes away the blood.

The women soon surround us, Mrs Grey tending to her son, constantly apologising for her husband.

Nic comes to my side and whispers in my ear, "can you please get them to the dining area?" I nod my head and rush to the stage where the orchestra is and ask for the mic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the scene. May we all just please move to the dining area, where we get started?" I speak, a few of the waiters guide the guests to the doors of the dining area.

Where they will be guided to their seats and meals will be served based on what everyone prefers.

I follow behind when everyone has disappeared that side, all the tables are long and infront is a separate table for the people close to my boss.

His mother, sisters, Nic, a few important associates and I. Everyone is seated, a low sonnet playing in the background while waiters walk around with plates.

No more than ten minutes Mr Grey appears and takes a seat between his mother and I, his food is immediately served and we all eat in silence.

The first and second course pass by, with a lot of business talk coming from my boss and a few of the associates.

Mrs Grey has kept quiet throughout it all, only ever murmuring with her daughters.

Grey stands up and walk up to the stage, all eyes are on him as the waiters swap out the plates for dessert.

"Ladies and gentlemen first of all I'd like to start this off by apologising for the scene earlier, and thanking you all for accepting the invitation to the annual Grey Gala..."

For the next five to ten minutes he recites the speech I typed out for him, adding in his owns things here and there.

"... enjoy the desserts and the rest of the night." Gentle applauds fill the room as he descends and takes his seat.

The murmurs arise once more and the orchestra continues.

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