AC Syndicate: Isolated Files [OS]

Gentleboor [Alternative]

This short story comes from what I would call a crazy idea between friends —with a hint of inspiration from a song by Mozart the Rock Opera — and since then this idea has stayed in my head. I hope you enjoy reading it!

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The music floated in the air, animating yet another Season's reception behind the hubbub of chatter. Various nationalities from the Continent came at this time of year for business, both family and corporate. Tonight the party was at the home of Sophie March, who wandered among her guests and paused for a moment to survey them. She took in the comments and sorted out the details that were bothering her guests. Some make a fuss, others make her believe — or think she believes —  that everything is fine. Then she came across her favourite guest: Victoria Reid chatting with her brother, Elias. The two imperfect heirs smiled sincerely at her.

"Are you both having a good evening?"

"It's perfect, Sophie. Thank you again for giving us a good time."

"Even if Jacob isn't here yet," teased the brother.

"Elias!" Victoria scolded, glaring at him. "What have I told you at home?"

"Calm down, little sister," he laughed. "I'm just messing with you."

"Don't worry, sweetheart," Sophie assured him, putting her hand on the heiress' shoulder. "He'll be here any minute."

"I'm not after him," she denied. "And it's better this way... The Camerons could see me..."

"They're not here tonight, they declined the invitation. As did their friends," added the company manager with a suspicious air.

The Reid heiress breathed a sigh of relief. It was a weight off her mind, although she would feel the weight of the stares when she was with Jacob. The forty-something blonde saw a familiar man standing far behind Victoria and Elias. Physionomist, she would recognize him among a thousand. But before she could open her mouth and tell Victoria what she had just seen, a loud voice with a strong Spanish accent was heard behind her. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Elias and Victoria looked at each other intrigued. Sophie, looking up, mimed the words she and her two guests were about to hear:

"Señoras y señores, aquí está Armando de Aragón-Córdoba-Cardona quien enciende la fiesta!"

Victoria and Elias began to giggle, with varying degrees of restraint and a shared look. As for the man behind the heirs whom Sophie had recognised, he turned towards the loud voice he had just heard. He raised his eyebrow, wondering who the crazy man was who had just arrived. At the same time, he spotted Victoria and her brother.

"You don't seem to like that Spaniard," said the heiress.

"That paunchy blowhard? Don't mention him. He's not a bad man, but he's a drag."

"We've never met him, how come?"

"This beanpole thinks he's the king of the world since he inherited his uncles' land and his parents' business. With all the wealth he possesses, he's probably looking for a lady."

"A lucky man," Elias commented, crossing his arms.

"I'd say he's been set up."

"Really?" said Victoria.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that were the truth."

"Oh, Señorita March," he called, glad to see the woman he recognised.

The Spanish accent annoyed the blonde more than anything else and she gave a forced smile. She greeted Armando politely and held out her hand for him to shake.