Watching the Banks brothers glide elegantly across the red carpet was a breathtaking spectacle. Refinement and grace radiated from them.
Their presence sent the reporters into a frenzy. The ensuing chaos forced bodyguards to intervene, pushing the throng aside. Davin's patience was wearing thin when a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Meanwhile…
"Boss, we're here," the driver said.
Arthur's voice was grave. "It's not too late to change your mind that way carlos won't find you."
Kathryn's gaze was steely. "That's the point, Arthur. I want him to find me. I can't run or hide forever, and I'm damned sure not going to cower anymore" she said, her voice firm.
"I spent six years building Star Corp, enduring hardship for a moment like this, for this stage. If you think for a second I'd run now, you don't know me." Her voice was tight with barely suppressed anger, the memories of her struggle etched on her face.
Arthur's panic was palpable at the sight of Kathryn's sadness.
"I'm so sorry," he mumbled, lowering his head. "I didn't mean to be insensitive. I just want you to be safe."
A small smile touched her lips. His meekness was endearing. He was known as a ruthless businessman, yet with her, he was a gentle giant.
She felt a pang of guilt for her outburst. She knew he was right. Stepping out in a place like this, in front of reporters from every major media outlet, would undoubtedly put her back on Carlos's radar. But she was willing to risk it if it gave her even a sliver of a chance to take him down.
"It's okay," she said softly.
Sensing the shift in her mood, Arthur adjusted his bow tie, his signature smile returning. "Well, ladies, shall we?"
"Thought you'd never ask," Rebecca said, linking her arm through his.
As they emerged from the Rolls Royce, the crowd erupted, a wave of excitement washing over the venue as Kathryn, Rebecca, and Arthur stepped onto the red carpet.
Reporters swarmed them, a cacophony of questions and flashing lights vying for their attention. Cameras captured every move, every step they took as they gracefully navigated the red carpet. Kathryn's luminous beauty and effortless grace sent the crowd into a frenzy.
She smiled, holding her head high as she continued her journey, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she passed, including Davin, who was as affected by her charm as everyone else, though his face betrayed nothing.
"Why are they screaming?" she whispered into Arthur's ear, genuinely puzzled.
"Have you seen you?" he asked, amused by her naiveté.
Hand in hand, they made their way off the red carpet, with both women flanking Arthur on either side. He was the envy of every man at the event.
Kathryn chuckled at the cold, indifferent expression plastered on Arthur's face.
"Why are you making that face?" she asked, though she had an inkling of why he was putting on the stoic facade.
"This is my normal face," he said, looking genuinely puzzled.
"You are such a bad liar," Rebecca chimed in as they posed for the cameras.
"Good evening, Mr. Arthur. Welcome to the 30th annual BMNW award night," a reporter gushed, thrusting a microphone towards him.
He offered a curt nod, the signal for the onslaught to begin. "Mr. Arthur, eight nominations in a single year, second only to Davin Banks's twelve during his debut. What's the secret to your meteoric rise?"
Arthur's smile tightened, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "The secret isn't a what, but a who. You see we weren't exactly born from a privileged background, so every success, every nomination, is a testament to years of blood, sweat, and tears. Pride doesn't even begin to cover it."
The carefully chosen words hung in the air, a subtle dig at the privileged pedigree of Zetrov Conglomerate's president. A dare to ask the question everyone was thinking, but no one dared to voice.
Another reporter, younger, bolder, seized the opportunity. "Speaking of Zetrov, Mr. Arthur, do you honestly believe Star Corp has a chance tonight, going head-to-head with them in almost every category?"
A beat of silence. Then, Arthur's smile widened, genuine this time. "Being in the same room, sharing the same nomination list as companies that have been around for generations? That's a victory in itself. What happens tonight won't change that."
Beside him, Kathryn and Rebecca exchanged a knowing glance. Pride shone in their eyes, pride in Arthur, in their journey, in everything they had built together.
"And who are these stunning women gracing your arm tonight, Mr. Arthur?" a reporter brazenly interjected, voicing the question burning on every tongue.
Arthur chuckled, a low, knowing sound. "Patience, my friends. All will be revealed in due time. A little mystery never hurt anyone, right?" With a final wink, he ushered them towards the entrance of the glittering ballroom.
As they moved through the throng, Kathryn felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck , the unmistakable weight of someone's gaze. Not the flashing cameras, not the hungry stares of the press, but something… different.
She resisted the urge to react, but the feeling persisted, a magnetic pull she couldn't ignore. Finally, she risked a subtle glance, her eyes scanning the crowd.
Across the room, their gazes locked. Piercing, emerald green eyes, framed by a face that could have been sculpted by the gods. His gaze was intense, predatory almost, and held a spark of something she couldn't quite decipher. Like a tropical rainforest after a storm, both dangerous and beautiful.
The chandelier's light caught the green, turning them to molten gold. It was a fleeting connection, broken as he smoothly turned his attention back to the reporters clamoring for his attention. A slow smirk played on her lips as she turned away. Interesting.
"Who are they?" Kelvin blurted out, craning his neck to get a better look. "And that phoenix tattoo… I've never seen anything like it."
Davin grunted, a low rumble of annoyance. He seemed immune to the electric energy crackling in the room, focused on some inner calculation.
"Let's go in," he clipped out, his voice brooking no argument. He turned on his heel, leaving a slightly bewildered Kelvin to hurry after him.