"I am flattered, but I am nothing compared to you, Mr. Cognaugh. After all, you are the second-generation owner of Epsilon Group," Serign softly retracted her palm from his.
Epsilon Group was a behemoth in the financial world, ranking in the top 10 in the state of Marlow with its extensive connections and financial power. They held a prominent position in 16 other states as well. Serign, despite her early success at only 24 years old, couldn't compete with such a background. Returning to her "family" seemed unlikely in this lifetime.
"I've heard that you are currently looking for investors. I am interested, and I hope we can discuss a potential collaboration," Serign mentioned, shifting the conversation to business. Mathew Cognaugh didn't comment on his background, choosing to steer the discussion in a different direction. Serign felt a mix of emotions in his gaze—hatred, love, and other chaotic feelings.
It seems like he isn't on good terms with his family, Serign thought, observing his expression. She mentally shrugged, filing away the information for later.
"That would be my pleasure. I will arrange a meeting next week if that's okay with you," Serign agreed. This project was worth 15 billion UCs, and she desperately needed it to succeed. It would serve as her capital to grow her business to the Union level.
After settling the matter, they engaged in idle chatter while waiting for the beginning of the ceremony. Although Serign didn't want to admit it, it had been a while since she had a pleasant and casual conversation with a man.
After graduating early at 19, she had worked tirelessly, dedicating herself solely to her profession. That version of Serign was like a possessed woman, running from something. Reflecting on those times, she could see it all—the avoidance of relationships, the nonchalance, the cold-heartedness. Most importantly, the numbness.
It wasn't that she was interested in Matthew Cognaugh now; she simply felt alive. Who would have thought that a simple conversation with a stranger could make her feel like a person again? Truthfully, it felt great. Their topics varied, covering arts, hobbies, studies, and even snippets of their childhoods. Serign was almost frightened by how easily she was opening up to this man.
As the hall filled with chaotic chatter and the atmosphere warmed with flowing wine and liquor, the lights dimmed slightly. The guests were drawn to the podium by the light projected upon it. A charming red-headed woman in a beautiful green dress stepped onto the stage.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. We, at the Wright Dome Center, are pleased to welcome you once again to celebrate the accomplishments of young businessmen and women in the Union. As you all know, this year is special. It marks the 150th year since the first chairman of the Wright Group, the initiator of these awards, held the inaugural ceremony. Since then, the recipients of these awards have gone on to change the economic landscape of the Union for the better. It is with the hope of fostering the founder's spirit that we welcome Chairman Lumens Wright to personally hand out the awards to the winner," she said composedly, exuding grace and poise. This was expected of Celia Wright, the fourth-generation scion of the Wright Family and the city's Executive Director of the Wright Dome Center.
The hall erupted in applause as excitement permeated the air. The projector pointed from above, following a figure making its way down on a platform. As soon as the man came into sight, the applause intensified.
He was dressed in a luxurious suit, showcasing his tall figure, with curly red hair and handsome facial features. Lumens Wright wore a smile as he made his way down.
"He is unexpectedly young," Serign sighed inwardly.
Ascending to the chairman position of a group like the Wright Group spoke volumes about his skills and mental tenacity, not to mention his highly competitive spirit. Surpassing his siblings to become the Group Owner at only 27 years old was truly mind-boggling, especially considering his status as an illegitimate child. Everyone in their circle knew this; it was public information. Despite it, they couldn't help but admire such an accomplished and powerful young man.
"As expected of the Wrights, always a cut above in each generation," Matthew Cognaugh commented as Lumens Wright's flashy entrance came to an end. Serign looked at him through the corner of her eyes.
He speaks as if he is familiar with the Wright family on a personal level, Serign pondered about the relationship between the two families.
As far as she knew, the two magnates didn't have much of a relationship. The Wrights were a couple of steps above the Cognaughs in terms of wealth and social status.
Maybe they know each other from school? After all, the truly wealthy often attend the same prestigious institutions for their studies, Serign mused, but she dropped that train of thought as her focus shifted to Chairman Lumens.
"Hello, everyone. I am Lumens Wright. I am honored to stand before you and carry out this event, as we do every year, which has become a tradition," Lumens greeted the audience. He paused for emphasis before continuing, "I am grateful to all of you for showing up in such huge numbers. This year, we have a few young businessmen and women who have made tremendous waves in the state of Marlow, starting ripples in the financial world of the Union."
A wave of applause swept through the room.
Lumens then joined his half-sister on stage and said, "I will let my sister, the Executive Director of the Wright Dome Center of the city, present this year's nominees." Celia smiled and bowed slightly before taking over.
"Thank you, Chairman. The nominees for this year are..."
Anticipation filled the room, and Serign felt a slight nervousness creeping in. She believed she was more than qualified to be chosen as a nominee, but she wasn't sure. Although her business ventures had been fruitful this year, there were many other businessmen who had also done well.
"Marius Low, CEO of Future Technology; Vera Minae, CEO of Secret Fashion; Serign Blake, CEO of S-Design," Celia finished listing the candidates for the award in a single breath. A brief pause followed before applause and words of congratulations filled the room.
Serign was stunned. She had hoped for it, but now that she had actually been chosen as a nominee, she couldn't believe it. Mathew Cognaugh tapped lightly on her shoulder, bringing her back to reality.
He pointed at the stage with his chin, and Serign stood up, thanking him before making her way toward the stage. On her way, she heard many congratulations and well-wishes. Each time, she nodded politely or expressed her gratitude.
As she approached, she saw that the other nominees had already taken their places on the podium, so she slightly quickened her pace. Soon, she stepped onto the stage and stood alongside the other nominees.
Marius Low, a man in his late 20s with curly hair and fashionable glasses, wore a black tuxedo. Vera Minae, a beautiful woman in her early 20s like Serign, donned an incredible green dress, radiating glamour.
Lumens Wright and Celia greeted them all in order. Standing close to them, Serign felt like she was facing royalty. She didn't have an inferiority complex, but their presence was overpowering. When she shook hands with Lumens Wright, it felt like the world had suddenly paused. Everything seemed to fade away except for the two of them. When their gazes met, it felt like she was looking into the sun. She was almost brought to tears.
It was only for a few seconds, but it left a lasting impression on her. When Lumens withdrew his hand, the world regained its normalcy. Serign was slightly dazed. She discreetly looked around, but nobody seemed to notice anything amiss.
Am I having delusions? Am I that tired these days? she couldn't help but wonder.
She was also greeted by Celia, and though she experienced a similar feeling, it was less intense. Afterward, Celia spoke into the microphone again, "Now that we have our nominees, shall we reveal who among them has won the award this year?" She teased the audience, who eagerly awaited the announcement.
"Very well, let's cut the suspense. The winner of this year's Wright Business Awards for young businessmen and women is..."
Serign took a deep breath, putting the weirdness of Celia and Lumens Wright in the back of her mind. She clenched her fist in anticipation, ready to hear the name.