Frank was driving, and when he and Helen arrived, they saw that it was actually a private garden.
The venue was basically decorated as if it was for a social ball, complete with a buffet, wine, and classical music. Waiters were weaving in and out of the crowd, serving guests.
Naturally, everyone present were representatives of major businesses in Zamri-even if Lanecorp was not particularly weak among them, they were nothing to brag about either.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEach guest had a tag on them identifying the groups representing them, and Frank even noticed Victor Sorano from afar.
"Hmm...? Kallum isn't representing Lanecorp now?" an elderly man carrying a glass of red wine asked as he approached Helen just then, with a woman in her twenties linking arms with him.
It was a clear case of sugar daddying-the man was in his sixties.
Helen politely greeted him in turn. "Mr. Jameson from Zomber Group, yes? Your reputation precedes you. I'm Helen Lane, the new board chairwoman of Lanecorp...' "Oh, you know me?" The old man was taken aback, since he knew everyone who was rich and important in Zamri.
He did not recognize Helen, however, but she recognized him.
"Of course I would have heard of you." Helen smiled. "You're one of Zamri's Three Bears, and you're so famous that I've heard of you even back in Riverton..." She was clearly adept to the occasion, quickly making smooth conversation with the old man and changing his opinion of her. Naturally, he was leering sleazily at her, but Helen did not care.
Having socialized with strangers for years, she had certainly learned how to hold her own.
Moreover, there were occasions where she had to admit that beauty was a god given advantage.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJust then, the woman with Mr.
Jameson walked up to Frank, smiling as she clinked glasses with him. "Hey, handsome. Your girl's getting real close with other men. Don't you get jealous?" S "Of course not." Frank returned bluntly with a smile. "I'm actually beside myself with joy that she's so amazing." "Urgh, you're no fun," the woman said, though her red lips were cuding up dangerously. "Anyway, there's this masquerade ball where only the bigwigs of Zamri are invited. Twin Lions Hotel... Are you interested?" "A masquerade ball." Frank was mystified-why would she suddenly mention smasquerade ball?" The woman then leaned in to whisper into Frank's ear, "Since everyone has a mask on, they can do whatever they want with anonymity." She then blew a puff of air into Frank's ear-it tickled, but Frank was as calm as a cucumber.
He even smiled as he shook his head. "I'm sorry... ma'am? Not really interested in dancing or balls. I must apologize but I have to turn down your invitation." "Tactless." The woman snorted, though she paused a few steps away before turning around again to wink at Frank. "Twin Lions Hotel. Remember." Frank frowned, actually curious since she mentioned the hotel again.
Rubbing his chin, he chuckled. "Why is she so eager to invitewhen we've never met? Could she be interested in me? Well, that's understandable since I'm handsome." When Helen turned to find him standing there rubbing his chin narcissistically, she laughed despite herself and ribbed him. "What are you smiling for? The bid is starting soon." "Really? Then let's go in." Frank nodded and smiled without fighting back.
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