An Interesting Invitation

"I'd actually like a word with her if you don't mind. Alone." Seeing as how Richard had no plans of moving from his position in front of Celeste, Titania pushed down her irritation at seeing the man she liked protecting another woman and tried appealing to Celeste.

"Miss Celeste, would you mind if I had a conversation alone with you? I promise no harm will come to you. I would just like the opportunity to make up with you."

Seeing Celeste was not moving, Titania added, "Unless you're too afraid to meet with me in a public space."

Celeste poked her head out from behind Richard and nodded enthusiastically, "You're absolutely right. I am terrified of what you might do to me again considering the last time I got injured and had to go to the hospital."

Titania's face darkened in anger before she smoothed it out and said, "I assure you nothing will happen to you."

She clutched Richard's arm even tighter and spoke to him in an exaggerated whisper, "Babe can you go get me a drink? Something sweet and alcoholic and some popcorn too. Extra buttery. But you have to make sure to watch me carefully, if I look like I'm in danger, you have to swoop in and save me."

Seeing him turn to face her, she gave him a little wink before patting his shoulder and releasing him.

"Miss Girardi, I'm all yours."

Before Celeste could even take a step away, Richard pulled her close to him by the waist and pressed a kiss to her cheek, softly dragging his lips to her ears and holding it there for several seconds, causing a shiver to go down her spine. He then sent a pointed look at Titania before walking away.

He gently brought her fingers to his lips, staring intently at her as he whispered, "I'll be back." Celeste could only nod mutely as he left, her cheeks flushing red. What the hell was going on with him today?!

"Are you done?" Titania asked in disgust.

Celeste shot a look at Titania before pretending to blush and placing her hands on her cheek, "What can I do? He loves me so much he's reluctant to part from me."

"Just come with me." Titania rolled her eyes internally and decided to ignore the display of affection she had just seen. Otherwise, she would vomit out everything she'd eaten that day.

Waving away Rebecca, she led Celeste to a secluded corner, and as she sat down she couldn't help but examine the woman in front of her. 

Pale almost translucent skin along with silvery white hair that fell loosely curled to her waist with a curtain bangs framing her face. A heart-shaped face with vibrant fox-shaped purple eyes and feathery lashes so long they cast shadows on her smooth cheeks. Plump pink lips with a distinct cupids bow curved into a smile and perfect white teeth flashing as she laughed. A tall figure that was fit with impeccable curves that were visible even through the casual clothing. Although her outfit was simple, it was executed to the level of perfection, elevating her beauty to the next level. 

Even she as a woman had to admit that the woman in front of her was a top-ranked beauty. And also, somehow the complete opposite of her. Tall to her petiteness. Silver to her gold. Pale to her tan. 

She could see that even as she examined Celeste, Celeste did the same to her.

"Miss Girardi, I suggest you hurry up and get to the point. The way my man is looking at you, I would be very afraid." Celeste said as she lightly waved at Richard Carrington who was coldly glancing at their table.

"I'll keep this brief. I want to remedy the situation between us so Richard will stop the cold war going on with my family." Titania got straight to the point. Although she was currently handling the situation for now and placating her family, she would not be able to do so forever.

"I have already released a statement to apologize, and I have sent many offers to your home but have not received a response so I am here to ask you what it is that you want that would make you convince Richard to take back his words."

"Hmmm? To my home?" Celeste asked thoughtfully, "Richard hasn't mentioned any messages for me so which home are you talking about?" 

"You-, you don't live at the Valentine manor? You live with Richard?" Titania asked in disbelief. She almost screamed the latter but kept her voice low to not attract attention.

"Of course. He's my man. Where else would I live if not with him?" Celeste responded with a provocative smile. Of course, she meant that they technically lived together. Separated by many feet of concrete and steel but who cared about the details?

"You improper-" Titania took a deep breath before she blew her fuse and decided to get back on topic.

"Anyways, what can I do for you that would make you forgive Rebecca and me for the issue that happened last time."

"Whatever you think is worth the incident you caused. However, I want you to know that I'll run it by Richard first, and if he thinks it's not enough, I won't speak in your favor." Celeste warned her. Either way, she would profit since it wasn't her family or business being affected by the Carrington embargo.

Titania thought for a bit, tapping the table deep in thought before speaking slowly.

"I am aware that there is some…. restructuring happening in the Valentine family company and you all will be pursuing new business ideas. Every year there is a bit of a retreat with influential young leaders at top companies and people with incredible wealth. They will be coming not only from the capital but from all over the world. This is happening in a month in Verbier Switzerland. We usually gather for a week at a private chalet there and all sorts of decisions and deals are made. I can secure you an invitation if you agree that this will wipe our debt clean."

Celeste her words before casually glancing at Richard before turning back and looking at Titania again with her brow raised. Her message was clear – why would I need your invite if I can just ask Richard? Give me something better or your family is the one that will continue to suffer.

Titania gritted her teeth and continued, "I am one of the organizers so I can be your guarantor for one deal as long as it is not detrimental to me or my family. I am aware that Richard can do the same but there are some sectors where the Girardi name will go further."

Hearing the words being forced through Titania's teeth, Celeste finally broke into the smile of a satisfied cat.

"Perfect. Please send over a contract stating exactly that no less than that, and I'll sign and have it notarized. Once that's done I attend the retreat, I'll speak to Richard about the sanctions on your family. Now if you'll excuse me, my babe is looking a little impatient so I'll head out."

Celeste gave Titania one last smile before heading over to where Richard was standing waiting for her.

"Good conversation?"

"The best! I'll tell you later babe!" Celeste cheerfully replied. She had come out for an unexpected date and now Titania Girardi owed her a big favor. What was not to like?

Grabbing his hand, she followed him as he led her to their seats. They were seated courtside at the basketball game, and she could only look around in awe at the loud stadium and players practicing on the court. As they walked past people, Richard tightly held her hand and properly cleared the way for her. All she had to do was walk forward and follow his large figure that wouldn't lose to any of the players. Celeste calmly sat down, reaching for her drink, and placing it on the seat next to her.

Richard squatted in front of her, leaning his face close to hers as he spoke, "I'll be right back. I'm going to grab myself a drink and grab you some fresh popcorn. If anybody makes trouble for you, beat them up or wait for me and I'll beat them up for you."

Feeling cheeky, Celeste asked him with a mischievous smile, "What if I make the trouble?"

"Same answer beat them up or wait for me to beat them up for you," Richard replied seriously.

"Yes yes babe, whatever you say."

Seeing that she wasn't taking his answer seriously, he sighed before getting up to leave. He would just have to return sooner as it seemed she hadn't seen the look of the male vultures around them.

Once Richard left, Celeste sipped her drink while looking around. The seats were filling up as the players finished up their warmups. A player waved at her, and she cheerfully waved back. A young woman sat one seat away from her and they waved at each other before turning away and doing their own thing.

"Hello there beautiful young lady. How are you tonight? Can I buy you a drink?" Celeste turned to look at the man who had sat down next to her. He was of average height, balding, and had a combover to hide the baldness. He wore extra tight, light wash jeans with a too-small jersey that exposed his potbelly and smelled of extremely overpowering cologne and cheap cigarettes. All in all, he looked like an aging uncle who was chasing his youth.

Smiling politely, she held up her drink "No thank you I already have one." 

Before she could turn away, the man continued speaking as if he hadn't heard a word she said, "Are you here by yourself? Is this your first time at the game beauty? Judging by your clothes it must be. Don't worry because I have seasons pass for floor seats so I'm always here. If you need me to explain anything to you, just let me know. If you follow a big boss like me I can show you the finer things in life."

"Oh no thank you. I'm actually here with my-"

"My name is Green. Jared Green. Have you heard of my family? We produce some of the best jewelry in the imperial capital city. I'm sure you've seen the ads." Jared Green interrupted as he flipped his hair.

He glanced over at the sexy young girl in front of him, his eyes specifically eyeing her long, exquisitely shaped legs, accentuated by the high heels she was wearing. Although he wasn't a fan of young girls these days who died their hair weird colors and liked to have weird eye colors, he had to admit that the white hair and purple eyes made her look good and exotic, almost like a fox spirit come to life.

Seeing the young girl stare at him open-mouthed, he knew he had her hooked. All the girls fell for him once they heard his family name. Even though she was seated in these expensive seats, he could tell from her clothes that she was a bit poor. He only had to show her some money and his flashy car and she would fall immediately.

Sensing his victory was at hand, he smoothly slid one arm behind her chair. 

Celeste immediately scooted up to avoid the touch of this creepy man. Before she could decide where she would dump her drink all over him or directly punch him in the face, a cold voice stopped the man dead in his tracks.

"You dare to touch my woman?"