ELI MARKS' POV
We all arrived in the grand ballroom of the Grand America hotel and the whole room was filled with silence as we walked in. As we moved through the room the crowd parted respectfully like waves before a ship. We flanked him with Maximillian, and I realized that Chairman Armand's presence commanded attention and then most of the elite guests in the room rushed to greet him and they politely engaged in conversation with him. I stood behind him taking in everyone in the room and then my eyes landed on Pa'wife Laurene and her daughter Salome who snickered at me from the corner.
The murmurs in the room were clear as they whispered in hushed tones.
"Chairman Armand came for the event?"
"I am as surprised as you are "
"But they are enemies."
"How about Eli Marks? He is now the Chairman's Secretary"
"What the fuck is going on?"
What surprised me the most was that he listened attentively to those who conversed with him, nodding thoughtfully, and offering measured responses. No wonder Senator Liam invited him. Everyone in Utah would think that if he was involved in the fundraiser it would be a mark of prestige and a strategic move, a blend of philanthropy and political acumen that reflects on Chairman Armand's stance about the Senatorial race. As the evening progressed, I assessed the room as Senator Liam conversed with Pa and Judge William Doe and finally understood that Chairman Armand's presence was just a game created by Pa to make Senator Liam look important and make them feel that he was in support of his campaign.
I moved across the room and stood far away near the window as the events unfolded and then the MC announced that we should take our seats. Max turned around and beckoned me, and I had to walk to the table set for Chairman Armand and sit next to him. The event unfolded in a symphony of clinking glasses and murmured conversations as pledges to the campaign went on, but Chairman Armand kept mum and never said a word.
"Chairman Armand, everyone seems to be waiting for your contribution," Max spoke up.
"Senator Liam has yet to acknowledge my presence "Chairman Armand's response was so calm that the hairs at the back of my neck rose. "He invited me because he wants everyone to think I support him. It's time to leave."
Max stood up and Chairman Armand followed suit, I had no choice but to follow them as we walked out of the ballroom but as soon as we reached the door, Senator Liam had already rushed over, stood by the door, and barred us from leaving.
"Chairman Armand "His pretentious smile rose. "Thank you for coming. Why are you leaving so soon?"
"Senator Liam, you invited me, I came and now I am leaving as I have an international call that I need to be in, in the next twenty minutes "Chairman Armand responded.
Senator Liam's eyes blazed in anger as they shot daggers at Chairman Armand with hate and disgust. "Do you know if you leave the ballroom, what it will mean for the campaign?"
"How is that my problem, Senator Liam? "Chairman Armand drawled with boredom and I could hear the way Senator Liam gritted his teeth.
"Chairman Armand, what a surprise to see you here "Pa's voice rose behind us.
"How can it be a surprise when Senator Liam invited me ?"Chairman Armand drawled just as Pa appeared and stood beside us.
"Congratulations Eli on securing a job at Armand Inc., you managed to surprise everyone in Utah "Pa's sarcasm was evident.
"I only hire the best "Chairman Armand nodded. "Armand Inc. is lucky to have such a talent. "
"Really? "Pa's eyes blazed at me.
"I never thought that I would ever witness such a scene in Utah "Uncle Sean Edins walked over to join the crowd that had now gathered by the door.
"Sean, which hole did you crawl from?" Pa snickered and surprisingly Judge William Doe joined us and stood beside Pa.
"I saw my nephew from a distance, and I came to say hi. It's a pleasure to meet you Chairman Armand "Uncle Sean extended his hand to Chairman Armand.
Chairman Armand smiled at Uncle Sean and his hand stretched to him and they shared a handshake "The pleasure is all mine CEO Sean Edins."
"I would not mind a collaboration, please give me an appointment at your convenience. "Sean smiled as they ended the handshake, and I watched both of them stare at each other with Admiration.
"Eli" Chairman Armand turned to me "Schedule a meeting with CEO Sean Edin's next week. "
"Yes, Chairman Armand. "I responded and Uncle Sean winked at me.
"Great, if you will all excuse me, I have a meeting to attend too" Chairman Armand stated and walked out of the large ballroom and Max followed him while I stood stiff.
Just as they passed the door Chairman Armand stood still, and Max turned around and spoke up "Come on Eli."
His meaning was clear as his eyes blazed at me and then I heard Uncle Sean say, "Go on Eli, your boss is waiting for you."
I could hear the growl that came from Pa, the curse that came from Senator Liam, and the snicker that came from Judge William Doe. The sounds gave me the strength to follow Chairman Armand and the realization that I had found someone who would protect me from Pa made me bold.
We left the Grand America Hotel and Chairman Armand instructed the driver to take us to a private club on the outskirts of Utah for dinner.
"I am hungry "Chairman Armand stated as the car drove into the private club.
We alighted from the car and upon entering, we were enveloped in a warm, inviting glow cast by soft, ambient lighting. The decor in the private club was harmonious with a blend of classic and contemporary styles, rich wooden panels, plush velvet seating, and subtle metallic accents that added a touch of sophistication.
"I can't imagine there is such a place in Utah "I whispered.
"This is Chairman Armand's private club "Max informed me.
"It's beautiful" I responded with a nod.
" I love it here and I wanted to share it with you, " Chairman Armand announced.
" With me ?" I turned to him in shock and he nodded as a small smile played on his lips, he then walked into the private club as Max pushed me forward and I had no choice but to follow him.