The Reeces, her former family, held drinks as they engaged the people around them, seldom looking at Muylin in wonder too. Xavier Reece had a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Muylin examined him thoroughly, taking in every detail. Her father was a very handsome black man with caramel skin, sharp eyes, and a goatee growing over his angled jaw. Muylin had inherited her darker complexion from her mother, making her skin comparable to Dairy Milk chocolate. His wife, Mara Reece, clung to his arm with a bright grin stretched across her face as she entertained their company. The white, gorgeous woman had long, dark hair that framed her heart-shaped face with zealous, hazel eyes. For people their age those two didn't look a day over 30. Muylin's eyes then latched onto Kara Reece, the girl who was once her adored little sister. She wasn't much of a girl anymore really. She had developed a slim, beautiful body that signed her a modelling contract, her young face donned with a mature smile and makeup that highlighted her flawless features. She was mixed race, though you couldn't really tell with how light she was. Muylin's mind recalled all the compliments she and Kara would always get. Bitterness filled her heart. There they were, laughing, being happy, as if she never existed. She turned away and found two men approaching in long strides. The tips of her lips curved up into a knowingly malicious grin. She didn't think they would to come to her so soon. Bryce and Devon stopped in front of her at a reasonable distance.
"Ms Saw, welcome to Star City," Bryce said with a forced smile.
Muylin's mind numbed for a long second when she heard Bryce's voice. It used to be her favourite kind of music, putting her to sleep, calming her down and banishing all her fears when she was choked. But now, she hated that sound. She could also distinguish the falseness of his smile. He was probably panicking inside.
"Mr Cameron, Mr Stone, it is an honour to meet you both," Muylin professionally responded as she dutifully bowed her head a bit.
Both men were surprised by her humble behaviour. They thought for sure she would be arrogant and treat them like the dust under her feet. The action immediately gave them hope, that perhaps the woman in front of them was more understanding than they gave her credit for.
"It is more of an honour for us to meet the famed Corporate Queen. We are fortunate to be standing in your presence, Ms Saw," Devon continued with flattery.
She wondered what tricks they had up their sleeve, and how she would patiently counter. Her dress hid her amused smirk as she faced the two men in ridicule. But her eyes lingered on Bryce as her heart clenched painfully. Five years and she still had yet to forget him. She tore her eyes from him and focussed on the man who made himself her enemy.
"Your kind words move me, Mr Stone. However, I am sure there is more to your advance than sheer compliments," she said, skipping right to the point.
It was clear to the men she had been expecting their approach. The guests all watched with interest as the three interacted. Devon and Bryce were in no rush to dive into things however. They couldn't allow Muylin to see their fear, it would only make them appear desperate. They had to a take casual step into it.
"Well, Ms Saw, you've just arrived to the city. It's a bit too early to discuss business, don't you think?" Bryce covered.
"Indeed. This city has so much to offer, wouldn't you say?" Muylin lightly mocked.
The two men before her had stiff expressions on, understanding clearly what she was referring to. After a tense second, they recovered, Bryce strapping on a small smile and Devon retaining his blank look.
"It does. We hope you will find your stay delightful," Devon responded, having run out of words.
Muylin simply hummed in agreement as her smile only widened in margins beneath her mask. Because the polo-neck fit tightly, the men could see the outline of her smile displayed by the polo-neck. They couldn't help the shiver that ran down their spines. That woman was too mysterious, yet detrimentally dangerous. They felt the menacing atmosphere she radiated ignite a great deal of omen they sensed coming from her. They had a very bad feeling about the famed Corporate Queen they just couldn't shake off. Unable to stand in her presence any longer, Bryce made up an excuse to get away.
"Well, Ms Saw, we hope that at the end of the night you will spare us a few minutes of your time. We'll leave you to enjoy," Bryce said as he turned to walk.
Devon bowed his head slightly and followed the brunette from the powerful woman.
"Looks like they're scared of you, milady," Sam commented in contempt.
"They should be," Muylin sniggered.