Moonlit Man (bxb)

Chapter 3 - Mathew Krondstat

"Shit, we're late. I told you I don't like being–" whispered Kate, looking around the hall.

"I know, just hurry up and find a seat," Sam snapped back quietly. They both entered the dim lecture hall with about seventy people and slipped into two nearby seats, trying to avoid attention. The bright, white light being emitted from a projector in the back, slit through the room and made the tiny dust particles floating in the air, glimmer. It poured straight to the front of the hall, illuminating the stage and presenting in big bold letters, 'Stanford's Influential People in Business'.

"Shit, is that -"

"Yeah, it is. That's Mathew Krondstat, CEO of Krondstat Industries, business tycoon and billionaire. Plus, he's not too bad on the eyes." Kate whispered while getting comfortable in her seat.

Sam realized that was an understatement. He couldn't help but notice his well-built, toned physique. His triangular frame was perfectly accentuated in a deep black suit, paired with tailor fitted trousers and glossy black smart shoes. The crisp, white shirt underneath was accessorized with a navy-blue tie. Even from where Sam was sitting, he noticed how sparkles of light deflected from his watch, the same way his blue-green eyes glimmered as the white light from the projector stroke his face. Small shadows were cast by long dark eyelashes which softened his sharp, defined face. His skin had light olive undertones, paired with striking blonde hair which was further complimented by darker angular eyebrows. Some darker brown strands underlined the side parting of his hair while his high cheekbones and strong jawline contrasted perfectly with his delicate lips. Sam held back a small curse while biting lightly on his thumbnail when he studied this gorgeous man who seemed to move with strength around the stage.

"...I am honored to have been invited back to Stanford Law for this presentation. When I was last here, I was in the same seat as each and every one of you now. Filled with hope, dread and a little hungover from last night's frat party..." The audience let out a polite chuckle which quickly faded as he went on. Sam smirked and appreciated the speaker's confidence, demonstrated by the way his deep, yet clear and crisp voice commanded the hall.

"You know, my Dad hates his guts, right?" Kate whispered over.

"Why?" Sam perked up, interested to hear more.

"He and my Dad have been in a bidding war over a major plot of land for business development. My Dad says Krondstat Industries intends to make a central hub for community outreach. You know, for feeding the homeless and hosting community events – that kind of thing."

"Is that so bad?" Sam inquired.

"It is for Veneno International. That plot of land is right next to the Financial District, it has nearby public transport links and is just ahead of South Park, which means it's a prime location for a new Veneno bank."

"And what do you think about all that?" Sam asked, with a raised eyebrow.

"I think we have enough banks in the area, but Dad won't let his ego be tainted by a younger entrepreneur who comes from 'new money', so I guess he's not dropping it anytime soon." Kate said, as she twirled strands of hair around her index finger while watching him speak. Twenty minutes later, Krondstat continued.

"...So that is why it is imperative to be steadfast in your own abilities. Being an 'influential' person also comes with its own challenges, such as being able to command a boardroom of shareholders or address any type of question you might be asked in an interview or press junket. Through my years in the public eye and in business, I have developed the ability to phrase answers on the fly. I'll demonstrate... Can somebody ask me a question? It can be about anything, on any topic or subject."

Sam's eyebrows raised as a mischievous idea flashed across his mind. He nudged Kate and said, "let's put that to the test, shall we?"

"Wait, what are you doing?" Kate knew Sam was up to something and so she covered her eyes and sunk into her seat, preparing herself for potential embarrassment while he stood up and raised his hand.

"Ah yes, young man in the corner." He moved his head up and took a few steps towards the edge of the stage, in the direction of Sam to properly hear what he was about to ask.

Sam locked onto his emerald-laced eyes and said loud and clear, "If ignorance is bliss then why do we seek knowledge?" He sat back down as a smirk grew on both his and Kate's face. The room was now silent as everyone waited for an answer. After a few quiet seconds which seemed like minutes, Krondstat held his well-maintained hands up in the air, as if in defeat and said,

"Well, I guess I stand here corrected. I can't think of an answer to every question, at least not with an answer I would be satisfied with. Particularly for a question like that!" The audience chuckled and began applauding while a charming smile crept up on his well-defined face, revealing a gleam of diamond-white teeth and a faint dimple on his left cheek. Sam and Kate laughed along with them.

"And that ladies and gentlemen was a good example of how we should never settle. Never settle on working on yourself, your abilities, your life and the stage you're at in your career. There will always be someone one step ahead of you; someone smarter or more powerful than you; but the true 'entrepreneur' has the distinct ability of never settling for anything less than what they want, or what they deserve. Thank you all for your time." He stepped down and slipped into the dark curtains behind the stage. The audience clapped and the sound of shuffling papers, rustling bags and jackets hovered in the air as students made their way to the next class.

Sam was pleasantly surprised at the presentation which felt shorter than it actually was. He particularly admired the speaker's ability to turn that complex question on its head, ending the talk on a high note which left the audience feeling motivated and lifted. A faint tingling sensation had entered the core of his chest which made him smile. Kate glanced at him while reaching for her bag from under the seat as she teased,

"Well, I guess he passed your test with flying colors."