In the cutthroat world of corporate power and artistic passion, Caelus Strait reigns as the Alpha CEO of SkyHaven Toys, while Alon Williams as a talented but unrecognized omega artist.
Their worlds collide in a wicked scheme orchestrated by Caelus'...
"Sir Caelus, you have a dinner meeting with the President of Imperial Silk Textiles," Mirabel, my secretary, announced as she entered my office.
"What are the details?" I inquired, trying to push aside the frustration that had led me to toss a desk decoration to the ground.
"Mr. Park requests the dinner to take place at the Golden Temple Restaurant at eight tonight," she replied, consulting her tablet for the schedule.
I sighed, turning my attention fully to her. "I'm sorry. Is this a bad time?"
"No, it's fine," I reassured her, feeling a pang of guilt for my earlier outburst.
"I'll arrange for someone to clean up," she offered.
"Thank you," I nodded appreciatively, then noticed a hesitance in her demeanor. "Is there something else?"
Mirabel hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "Let me guess," I interjected, sensing the topic. "It's about my brother, Carl, or my Dad."
"It's your father, Sir," she confirmed reluctantly. "He called, asking you to come home tonight."
"And you conveyed my decision to decline?" I inquired, already knowing the answer.
"I tried, Sir Caelus, but he insisted on speaking with you," she explained apologetically. "He wanted you to join him for dinner, but I informed him about your meeting with Mr. Lee. However, he insisted on seeing you afterward."
"It's alright, Mirabel. You shouldn't be burdened with my family matters," I said, attempting to ease her discomfort. "Is there anything else?"
"That's all for today's agenda, Sir Caelus," she concluded, and I nodded as she left the office.
Left alone, I paced around the room, my mind filled with questions about my father's intentions. Ever since I took over as President of SkyHaven Toys, I had distanced myself from him, seeking independence. Yet, he still found ways to pull me back into his orbit. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was time to leave. Grabbing my coat, I exited the office and made my way to the elevator.
"Good evening, Sir," the employees greeted me respectfully as I entered the elevator. Despite their unnecessary gestures, I appreciated the respect they showed. I quietly rode the elevator to the basement, then headed to my car.
Sliding into the driver's seat of my Tesla, I activated the GPS to navigate to the restaurant. As I drove through the city streets, illuminated by the glow of streetlights and skyscrapers, I reflected on my past. I used to live life at breakneck speed, always seeking thrills and challenges.
But everything changed when I met Jun. The memory of our first encounter remained vivid in my mind. Raised in a family immersed in the toy industry, I had been taught to appreciate art and craftsmanship, traits inherited from my mother, who had a passion for painting.
Two years ago...
There was a highly anticipated auction at the Elysian Spectrum Art Gallery. Initially, I hadn't planned to attend, but when I heard that one of Lucius Aurelius Artorius' pieces would be featured, my interest piqued. He was a favorite artist of my mother's, and her collection boasted a few of his works. What drew me in even more was the painting up for auction: "Aeneas' Departure ," depicting the legendary hero Aeneas leaving Troy, capturing the drama and emotion of his journey as described in Virgil's "Aeneid".
Arriving at the gallery on the day of the auction, I completed the necessary registration forms and received my temporary Buyer's Number: 7.
"Looks like it might be my lucky day," I murmured, clutching the number. I took the opportunity to wander through the rooms, surveying the items up for auction and gauging the atmosphere. There were paintings, pottery, and intricate woodwork on display, each piece a testament to the artists' skill and creativity.
In one room, I stumbled upon the painting my mother had always coveted. It was massive, measuring four feet tall and twelve feet wide. The starting bid was a staggering ten thousand dollars. "I'll make you proud, Mom," I promised silently, admiring the artwork before moving on.
As I explored further, another painting caught my eye: a chestnut-colored horse swimming in water. I found myself intrigued by the detail and realism captured in the piece, prompting me to check the catalog for more information.
"Mister Strait," the auctioneer's voice interrupted my contemplation. I turned to face him, ready for the bidding to commence. With a nod of acknowledgment, I made my way to the saleroom upstairs.
Inside, I sought refuge in the mini-café, placing an order for an iced americano while scanning the room for familiar faces. Among the attendees, I spotted Kevin Lee, the President and CEO of Imperial Silk Textiles, a longstanding business partner of FunHouse. It surprised me to see him here, a fellow enthusiast of the arts.
Lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality when a striking figure entered the room. He exuded an aura of elegance, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched him take a seat on the left-wing of the room. With his raven-black hair perfectly styled, he was undeniably captivating.
"Excuse me, Sir," the barista's voice brought me back to the present moment, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Sorry," I muttered, feeling flustered by the interruption. Snatching up my coffee, I hurriedly made my way to a seat, unsure of where to settle. I wanted to steal glances at the captivating omega who had just arrived, yet I feared coming across as intrusive or creepy. Opting for a seat on the right-wing, I did my best to avoid catching his gaze.
As the auction commenced, I focused on the items up for bid. The first, a Ming dynasty ceramic pot adorned with blue and white patterns, failed to capture my interest. My sights were set on acquiring Lucius Aurelius Artorius' Aeneas' Departure and the painting of the swimming horse. Determined to secure both pieces, I abstained from bidding on the ceramic pot.
"Next item," the auctioneer announced, capturing the attention of the room. "One of the highlights of today's auction is a masterpiece by Lucius Aurelius Artorius, titled 'Aeneas Departure.' Measuring four feet tall and twelve feet wide, this painting is a stunning portrayal of the legendary hero Aeneas leaving Troy. Bidding begins at ten thousand dollars."
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As the bidding commenced, I wasted no time in making my move. "Fifteen thousand," I declared confidently, raising my buyer's number for all to see. Gasps echoed through the room as the other attendees reacted to my bold bid.
