Versailles Series Book 7: The Ballerina [COMPLETED]

PROLOGUE

=== C A R R I E ===

"It's a pleasure to have you here, Ms. Versailles."

I smiled at the matriarch of the Sullivans, owner of the Riocht Group Inc., one of the known pharmaceuticals in the world. They originated from Ireland pero nang mapangasawa ni Jared Sullivan si Martina Enriquez-Sullivan, nag-takeover na ito sa leading pharmaceutical company sa Pilipinas.

"I always set aside time for potential business ventures."

"I'd love for you to meet my grandson later."

I smirked. I knew that look. I get that every time since Versailles Leisure club earned its prestigious standing. This lady is trying to hook me up with his grandson. Juan Miguel Sullivan is the only grandson the matriarch has. His siblings are both successful women in their respective fields.

"I look forward to that."

I walked gracefully to one of the floor to ceiling windows to look outside. The cityscape is a sight to behold but I still prefer the mountain view I get from my office at the Wallflower.

"I'm sure you met my lola."

I glanced at the man beside me. He's taller than me, probably a few years older too. One of the sought after bachelors is standing beside me. He is part Irish and Filipino and looks like he got the best genes from both sides of the family.

"I'm Carrie Versailles." I extended my hand.

"Juan Miguel Sullivan." He accepted my handshake before returning his hand inside his pocket. His face is as stoic as the magazines show him to be.

"I am interested in investing in your company. I've heard you're researching on potential cures on cancer and HIV."

"We are. We need all the funds we can get."

"Good. If that's the case, I am inviting you to one of my balls in my club." I handed him a black envelope. "If connections are what you need, I have all the people you need right there in that club."

He smirked. "You're not giving this for free."

"Hmm...you're a good businessman. You are right. In exchange of my investments here, I am offering you to be a member of my club. We bring each other connections. You can get a prime property inside the club too. We offer strict security and privacy for our members."

He was nodding his head. "I'll think about it."

"The date is on the invitation. You should have your decision by then. If you decide otherwise, don't bother to come. This won't affect my investment in your company if that's what you're worried about."

I left him there because he looked like he was still contemplating. A few days later, I smiled after seeing him in my ball. Looks like I have another member to welcome in my club.

***

I clapped my hand as the velvet curtain closed off the stage. I make sure not to miss any of the shows of my favorite ballerina. Alexandria Illustre is famous for being one of successful Pinays who are able to make a name in ballet here in Europe. With her dancing prowess, she also had the body and the face for ballet.

I've been following her since she started her career here and she has flourished so well since. I used to watch it with my dad and sisters. Every time I watch her, I'm just able to relive those moments.

There are rumors that she'll be retiring from ballet soon and everyone's hoping it will just be a rumor. But I've read somewhere that she wants to establish a ballet school in the Philippines and stay there for good.

I was lead to her dressing room and waited there for her. This time, I didn't come just to watch a ballet performance. I came here for business.

The door opened and came in a tall and slender woman still dressed from her performance.

"I wondered who it was waiting for me when they told me a woman was waiting for me. Believe me, I've met a lot of women just to confirm that I am not their husband's or boyfriend's mistress." She smiled at me. "Anyways, did you came here to continue where we left off?"

Contrary to my usual deals regarding my club, Alexandria is the first one to approach me a couple of months ago. She asked me if there is a certain Juan Miguel Sullivan who is a member of my club.

"Yes, he is an official member of my club. Now, before I decide on your application as a club member, I do have conditions for you."

She sat down and looked at me. "Let's hear it."

"You will enter as a probationary member. Not official yet, that is. But that is only known to me and Winter, my security director. I promised Juan Miguel a place of privacy and security but he didn't really provide a name to be blacklisted which might include you. So, if Juan Miguel requests you to be blacklisted from the club because he feels threatened or violated, I'm sorry but have to leave. After all, I'm still putting my members' interest first. If ever he doesn't blacklist you but your "mission" fails, you are welcome to be an official member if you still like. Of course, you are free to leave anytime."

I am not a hopeless romantic. I just love to stir up my club from time to time. Sometimes it gets lonely and I wanted to see some action or drama. My members who are oblivious to my plans are just there like nothing is happening.

"I am giving you options here Alexandria. In exchange for that, I'll be an investor in your dream dance school. You're a known ballerina. You will pull hundreds of students in no time. That means that the ROI might return sooner than projected. So...what is your decision?"

"This is probably my only shot. My last shot. So I'll give it my all. I'll accept."

I smiled behind my mesh veil. "Splendid. I look forward to seeing you at the club."

I handed her the black envelope before leaving the room. Exciting times ahead.

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