Chapter 9: The dinner 1

"Do you really have to attend this party?", Tyra's loud but anxious voice echoed through the phone.

Ariel nodded. "I have to. You can come if you want to".

"Okay. But, will you show your face? You know.."

" Till then".

Tyra rolled her eyes skyward." You know what? "

" Say it ".

" You are a big shot that is gonna blow the minds of everyone ".

Ariel paused. Then, chuckled.

" You think so? "

" Whatever. You're like a mystery. I'll hang up so that I can prepare for the party".

" Then".

The line went dead.

Ariel stood from her seat and walked to her closet. She scanned it for a while and finally chose a black lace off-the shoulder long gown which was slited at the right. The gown was adorned with silver pearls at the chest and the sleeves were long with organza starting from the upper arm to her wrist.

She smiled. After everything she had gone through, she felt that there wasn't any color prettier than black. She kept the dress on a rack and took her phone. She dialed a number and a voice came through.

"Hello?"

"This is Ariel. Come to the address that I'll give you".

"Alright".

At the Stonewall villa, a figure stood at the window and looked at the night scenery. A stick of cigarette was in between his fingers as he took a draw from time to time.

"Hey man, you've been standing there for a while. You're trying to bore a hole into the sky?"

"I haven't tried it. But, I guess I would if I have to".

Malcolm decided to mind his drink. His friend had a certain kind of personality and he wasn't someone to be triggered carelessly.

" Do you think it's worth it to take over the Consortium? "

" It's a blessing, isn't it? You should be happy. Everyone envies you".

Rex smirked. "You think so?"

Malcolm nodded." Isn't it? "

Rex ignored him and kept on smoking.

Malcolm was his one and only friend. His best friend.

They weren't friends from the start but, an incident brought them together.

Malcolm was quite the fresh boy type of person. He wasn't cold unlike Rex who always pulled a cold look. He was what one could define in one word, 'sunshine'.

The butler at the mansion announced his presence.

Rex stubbed the cigar in an ashtray and stepped away from the window.

"Come in", his deep voice sounded. The butler walked in. He gave a slight bow.

"Young sir, the car from the mansion is here".

"Where's Jim?"

The butler kept silent. Rex smiled.

It was okay if he didn't smile but when he smiled, it actually sent chills down someone's spine. The butler broke out in cold sweat, his fists clenching and unclenching.

" You don't want to talk?"

The butler swallowed. It's not that he didn't want to talk but, if he did,....

"Old thing, I think you should have some sense up there right? Don't you know which side to be on? You had better not test me, or else... "

"Your grandfather sent him in an errand ".

Just then, a familiar voice came through the door, "Boss"

Jim was sweating all over. It was as if he had run all the way.

" You may leave ".

The butler swallowed and left.

Rex raised his eyes to where Jim stood.

"Don't waste my time".

Jim nodded and left.