20 A major shareholder (2)

Nobody noticed the appearance of the speeding Blue Bentley towards the venue. Riley was standing in the middle of the crowd happily receiving interviews from the various media outlets. Just then, someone announced that the Jewel Empress and CEO of Tiara Jewels had appeared.

The reporters turned their attention to the Bentley that stopped. Riley too left to enter the venue.

His only cause to show up at the press conference was... He smiled like a lotus blooming under the sky. People present nearby were immediately swooned by his smile, letting out surprised gasps and sighs.

But this didn't affect him at all. Instead, he walked straight inside the venue. Some things could wait.

...

The Blue Bentley stopped in front of the crowd. The cameras were snapped furiously while the reporters quickly crowded nearby. Allen, who was wearing a black shirt and a pair of red jeans stepped down. He walked around and pulled open the other door for Sara to step down. The moment she did, the crowd let out exasperated sighs and surprised gasps.

Sara walked gracefully among the crowd of reporters who didn't dare to approach her. She was the complete opposite of Riley. Instead, they interviewed Allen. He was quite reputed in his field, making him the Adonis in his field.

"Are you here as Miss James' partner for tonight?"

Before Allen could say anything, Sara's chilly gaze swept through the crowd of annoying reporters, causing them to scurry away to farther. Allen sighed and rolled his eyes silently. Despite this, Sara continued moving inside haughtily and elegantly.

"Can't you be less scary?" Allen asked helplessly.

"Those are some bunch of annoying flies!" Sara jeered disdainfully.

"Fine", Allen retreated his claws.

...

Inside the venue

Mr. Xi was talking to Riley and the other shareholders present there. When he heard the mastermind of Tiara Jewels had arrived, most of them had their back straightened. After all, the Empress was the most eligible young lady and the designation beside her was empty. Moreover, she didn't have any rumors under her name. Only Riley was relaxed. He had a smile blooming all the time, swooning people over.

...

Sara walked in with Allen and was ushered to Mr. Xi. He was smiling warmly at her. He spoke in fluent Chinese, "My dear, you came. Let me introduce you to our six major shareholders."

"Sure", Sara smiled and replied in Chinese.

Mr. Xi guided her over to a crowd of delegates. Sara swept her eyes through them. But her eyes lingered for a moment on the one wearing a blue tuxedo. But, she hurriedly moved her gaze away.

"This is Mr. Yu", Mr. Xi gestured and Sara nodded while Allen stood a step away, as not to disturb them.

After introducing the Fangs, Yis, Suns, etc., Mr. Xi finally gestured to Riley, who was standing with a charming and elegant presence. His noble presence could not be concealed. Sara's eyes met his and she gulped in nervousness. But her face was neutral, bare of any emotions.

The brief moment their eyes met, the world had already fainted in the background. The noisy chatters had died down to indistinct chatters as background music. Nothing was left but the staring contest between them and the sparks flying in the air.

"Miss James?" the sudden intrusion of a voice snapped Sara out of her daze and she tore off the intense staring contest.

"Yes", Sara turned to see the personal secretary of the Chief Minister standing on her right.

"We would like you to call upon the stage. The press conference will commence any minute", the secretary bowed elegantly and gestured to her.

Sara nodded and followed the secretary. The secretary was a middle-aged woman. She was wearing a white undershirt, a maroon overcoat, and ink blue pants, looking professional and elegant. Her hair was tied up in a professional updo.

Besides Sara, Mr. Xi moved along while his six shareholders tagged behind them. Riley seemed to be right behind Sara. She could sense him. She could feel a similar warmth beside her. She turned to look. Riley caught her gaze and smirked. Sara hurriedly turned away as a result. He shrugged lightly.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Fine!

Sara felt her phone buzz in her purse and she took a look.

[Allen: I will be among the guests. Call me if you need anything.]

Sara took a deep breath and continued moving.

...

Onstage

A long mahogany wooden table was set up in the middle of the stage. Eight chairs stood behind them. Mr. Xi walked to the fourth chair and guided Sara to sit beside him. The six shareholders set on either side. The chair right beside Sara was occupied by Riley.

The journalists downstage were ready with their notepads and pens. They were chatting endlessly. Just then, the secretary from earlier appeared on stage. Undoubtedly, she was the host of today's conference. Her arrival quietened down the chatters that were rising downstage. Her arrival also marked the beginning of the Livestream by the National News Channel. She came an stood behind the podium.

"Good morning, my dear friends of media", the secretary began her addressing speech, "Today we all are present here to witness the historic collaboration between Tiara Jewels, the pinnacle of Jewelry world and C Nation's Xi perfumes, the number one perfume brand."

...

Other than the journalists, some popular faces and celebrities were also present. The celebrities were especially here to see Riley. With him sitting beside Sara, they looked great. One was the chilly wind of the Artics while the other was the hot winds of Gobi desert. The fact that opposite poles attract each other seemed to fit their descriptions. Their close presence neutralized the situation. One would wreath in fear under Sara's chilly gaze but would immediately melt upon seeing Riley's charming smile. As a result, most people tried to avoid Sara's chilly gaze. But what could be done? Her youthful face and her noble and elegant aura drew people in. But her eyes could kill.

On the other hand, Riley had a pleasant personality with his noble elegance and charm. Most people would die upon seeing his swooning smile.