𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰

50 - Revelations (EP. 01)

Aiden suddenly concluded that it was a bit ridiculous, by how the man strangely looked like him—but he was older, had a slight scruff of a beard, and was a towering six foot six giant whose presence actually seemed a lot more friendly rather than intimidating. Seriously though, he just had to inspect anybody nameless to him before they could even reveal themselves to be another pompous socialite lounging around.

“Ouh là, Uncle Pierre! Je suis content que tu ai es pu y aller!”

Okay—definitely not one of those—not when his fiancée literally knew what to say as the foreigner engulfed her in a brief hug. Aiden blinked from where he absently watched the two communicate faintly in French. The syllables were a little incoherent to him with the dissolute speed they spoke with; yet he understood anyway, as far as he could manage.

Elsa warmly returned to him, alongside the new guest who gladly allowed a wine steward to intervene with his path as he grabbed a glass. The stranger completely looked like he was ready to seize the contents of the glass in one chug—until he whined lightly. “No Lafleur, Elsa?”

“I would have prepared a whole bottle for you if I expected the unexpected,” Elsa joked. She wasn’t even anticipating for his attendance, let alone hope for the guy to travel 4,760 miles just to be able to show up in an engagement party. Recovering her hold around Aiden’s arm, she smiled slyly, “Oh and um, Uncle Pierre. C’est ma bien-aimée, Aiden.”

“The lucky guy, hein?” Pierre greets the younger man with a hefty pat on his back that almost got Aiden choking—and contemplating if were the man’s hand made out of flesh or steel.

“So I’ve heard. Apparently Arendelle Co’s Creative Director is quite a prominent name around and word spreads quite fast. And where are my manners? Je suis désolé. Pierre Storms.”

Accepting and shaking the hand reached out in front of him, it only took Aiden a few seconds to process the man’s introduction perceptively with a gaping jaw, “Woah. I’m sorry–but I think it’s kind of safe to assume. Storms? As in...”

“Storms Pacific. An accurate guess, lad,” Pierre clapped, flashing him a toothy grin, “CEO and Chairman of the Board of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate corporation, at your service. Apologies, I take pride in my job too much. Bad habit,” He chuckled.

Aiden laughed, shaking his head gently to signify that there was no harm done. He could already sense that he was talking with a fellow workaholic.

“I once read an article of yours about expanding the use of green energy! I completely agree with every word, Mister Storms. We shouldn’t rely heavily on the usual energy we use when we have more benefits to gain with your idea—which doesn’t even cost that much of a price the other energy experts are just too lazy to pay.”

Pierre whistled, “Well, well. Très impressionnant, Elsa.” He was thoroughly stunned as he gawked at the future groom, starry-eyed, “Looks like you got yourself a smart fighter here. You see, I met Agnarr when we were in Harvard. I met his little girl back when I saw him again touring her around in Bordeaux, and damn was I jealous.”

“Why, don’t tell me you’re still single, Uncle Pierre?” Elsa teases.

“I don’t want to lie, regardless of my chagrin,” It was as if the sun would never shine down on him ever again if he won’t finish his honest response quickly, “Apparently I’m not so fortunate when it comes to romance itself. Ironically enough as you may say. And it’s just so hard to find someone when you just can’t seem to determine whether they want you or the sum you are capable of. I’m really happy that you’ve proven my struggle wrong, Elsa. Your parents would be very, very proud.”