The event came to an end two hours later and the guests had yet to see Muylin drink or eat. She politely rejected every waiter sent to her personally by the mayor until he finally gave up. As the night was slowly coming to an end everyone made their way out one by one, the mayor strode to Muylin with a benevolent smile on his aging face.
"Ms Saw, I hope you were pleased with today's event," he kindly said.
"I would've been if everyone wasn't so afraid of me," Muylin heartedly joked.
She truly liked Mayor Griff, had no qualms with him either. He was one of the nicest men in power she'd ever met. He was also the only person who tried defending her image and helped her after she was publicly shamed. Muylin came prepared to take over Star City, but the mayor would not be harmed in any way, she would not allow it. Mayor Griff rubbed his bearded chin with a nervous laugh. He'd be lying if he didn't admit that she made him anxious.
"I'm sorry. With all due respect, you do have quite the reputation. Perhaps no one wanted to say the wrong thing…" he trailed helplessly.
Muylin saw right through his brave façade. The mayor himself was being very careful around her. But she didn't want that, she didn't want Mayor Griff, of all people, to fear her.
"Mayor, no need to be uneasy around me. Would you prefer to be my first friend in Star City rather?" Muylin offered.
Mayor Griff was taken aback by such casualness from a destructive force such as the Corporate Queen, and was left speechless for a moment. Then a wide grin stretched across his face as calmness flooded his system. He should've known the legendary businesswoman would also be a humane soul. He chuckled softly by readily agreeing.
"I would more than love that, Ms Saw. Perhaps I could invite you for dinner sometime," Mayor Griff replied.
"I would truly appreciate that," Muylin flashed her own grin beneath the shielding mask and slightly bowed to the mayor.
Someone cleared their throat behind Muylin, prompting her to turn around in question. Bryce and Devon stood with their dates in hand. Muylin looked at the woman in arms with Bryce and felt a piercing stab to her heart. Her former friend, a very good one too. Rita Fernandez, high school friend, a former close sister, traitor, boyfriend-thief. Muylin clenched her jaw ever so faintly before sharing a small smile.
"Gentlemen. What beautiful dates you have," Muylin said, putting on a charming act.
"Ms Saw, it is a great pleasure and honour to meet you. Thank you for your kind compliment, though you stole the show with your gorgeous appearance," the woman next to Devon responded.
Muylin looked at her, recalling her name. Mia Chen, Devon Stone's fiancée. Her elegant composure and kind temperament could deceive anyone. However, as Muylin looked into her obsidian eyes that were filled with nothing but warmth and confidence, she couldn't find any malice in Mia's honest words. Such a sweetheart, Devon's fiancée was. How did she get stuck with such a vile, selfish man like Devon Stone? Muylin wondered.
"Thank you, miss. May I ask who you are?" Muylin naturally reacted.
"This is my fiancée, Mia Chen," Devon answered instead.
"Pleasure to meet you. I wonder how Mr Stone managed to snag such a good woman," Muylin teased.
With no one but Sam and Rowen understanding the underlying meaning behind her words, the others laughed after Mia as she giggled while looking up at Devon with a loving stare.
"He has his charms," she said as Devon looked down at her an equally affectionate gaze.
Who knew a man as cold as him was able to feel something else other than greed. The romantic interaction piqued Muylin's interest. So, he truly did care about the woman after all… Muylin set her eyes on the next couple.
"And is this your lover, Mr Cameron?"
Bryce hesitated for a solid second as if scared to answer. A particular apprehension rose in his heart when he thought about introducing Rita as his woman to 'Ms Saw'.
"Yes, this is Rita Fernandez, my girlfriend," Bryce answered.
Muylin simply nodded, shoving down the hurt and jealousy that grew sporadically in her heart. So, there he was, dating the woman he cheated on her with. As if her heart couldn't break any further, his words shattered the already shattered pieces, and all she could do about it was smile gently. Muylin hated how tight of a hold Bryce still had on her. An awkward silence descended upon the group for a long moment before Devon and Bryce shared a look.
"Ms Saw, Mr Stone and I would like to invite you to lunch tomorrow if you're free," Bryce took the initiative.
Muylin stayed quiet, pondering the possible reason for such an invite.
"How's my schedule tomorrow?" she suddenly asked.
Bryce's eyebrows creased into a confused frown at her sudden question.
"You will be free from twelve to two, milady," Sam easily responded.
"Contact my assistant with the details. I will take my leave now, goodnight," Muylin civilly said before turning around and heading out with her mini entourage.
Everyone looked at her stroll out as though she was the queen of the world with surprised faces. She certainly didn't sound or seem arrogant, that didn't mean she wasn't.