Julian Roscente stood at the center of the crowd, wearing a perfectly composed smile.
"My apologies for the disturbance."
His voice remained gentle yet carried undeniable authority.
"The auction will begin shortly. Please proceed to the adjacent hall to browse the treasures on display."
As the host, he needed to maintain control of the situation.
Seeing the conflict resolved, he signaled staff to quickly clear the area.
"Stay tuned for more." He added with a gracious smile.
While the charity gala focused on philanthropy, the upcoming auction concealed lucrative business opportunities.
Rare artifacts gathered here promised substantial profit margins.
Attendants guided guests toward the banquet hall in the rear.
Those without invitations lingered in the foyer, continuing their social engagements.
Order swiftly returned to the venue.
Julian approached Ryan Lawrence, extending his hand.
"Mr. Lawrence, what an honor."
His tone sounded cordial, but his eyes held scrutiny.
"With your father's upcoming election next month, congratulations seem in order."
The Lawrence family ranked among A-City's elite.
Recent setbacks in Julian's business were rumored to involve them.
Tonight's carefully arranged encounter served as reconnaissance.
Sophia Sullivan detected the underlying tension and chose not to engage.
She introduced them instead. "This is Julian Roscente, a friend."
Making her exit, she added, "You two talk. I'll check out the auction."
Ryan immediately pouted.
"We've barely spoken, sis."
His puppy-dog eyes followed her.
Sophia remained unmoved.
"See you later." Her tone stayed neutral.
"Fine." Ryan blinked rapidly. "I'll find you soon."
Though reluctant, he acquiesced.
His expression darkened when turning toward Ethan Sullivan.
"Mr. Sullivan, you're Sophia's escort."
His low voice carried implicit threat.
"If she suffers any slight, even the Sullivan family won't bear the consequences."
The young man's sharp edges emerged around others.
Ethan gave him a measured glance.
"Do you think Ms. Sullivan is some helpless damsel?"
Ryan faltered.
Sophia chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. I can handle myself."
The real Ryan proved more unruly than his Decagon persona.
Ryan's voice grew husky. "Sis, I'm just concerned about you."
He did have important matters to discuss with Julian.
As Sophia walked away, Ryan's gaze lingered.
What made that serpentine necklace so special? As a designer, she owned countless jewels.
He resolved inwardly to gift her something even more precious.
...
Staff pushed open double doors.
Sophia entered the waiting area.
The elegant interior design contrasted sharply with the venue's opulence.
Forty or fifty guests mingled amidst perfume and finery.
She selected an empty seat.
"Julian has good taste." She mused privately.
"High emotional intelligence too, knowing how to manage business associates."
No wonder influential figures granted him such deference.