The Contract

Chapter 96-The Event

"Since I was the one planning the event, I got to see all the activities mapped out. There’s going to be a dinner this evening to welcome everyone, and then it all begins tomorrow—"

"Must I get a rundown? I'm going to find out anyway," he said, looking up from his laptop.

"Well, you must have forgotten our no work policy too," I reminded him, shutting the laptop.

"I'm rounding things up here. Must I remind you that I’m handling two companies—"

"I know, you're selfish!" I cut him off, continuing. "Early tomorrow morning, we’re going hunting."

That caught his attention.

"Yeah, things will get competitive fast. Our opponents aren’t that challenging, though. We should win this."

"Have you used a gun?" he asked.

I gasped. "Excuse you? You weren’t around for the past few years, so you wouldn’t know me."

"Is that all?"

"Of course not. Breakfast tomorrow will be another party, the commissioner is arriving in the late afternoon, there’s a cruise planned, and then another dinner party. On Sunday, we’ll have the ultimate party kickoff. It shouldn’t be hectic," I explained, noticing him staring at me.

"What does hectic mean to you?"

I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my seat. We were on the ride to the family house—not the villa, but a much bigger one deep in the woods.

When we were kids, we called it a castle. We only visited it once in a while, so it was a surprise when Mom chose it as the party venue.

It was past 6 p.m., and yes, we were late. Everyone had arrived in the morning, but I had a lot to finish at the office, and Travis didn’t return until the evening. I still had to pack our bags.

By the time we finally left, it was evening. We wanted to appear as the perfect couple, but arriving late might ruin that image. Still, leaving work for three days had been hard enough.

I sat up when I saw the huge double gates. They creaked open as we drove in.

We arrived with our entourage as usual, but after much deliberation, Travis had decided to give Jeffrey the weekend off. I’d started feeling bad for the poor guy; he never seemed to have a day off.

As the car rounded the fountain and parked, Travis ended his call and shut the laptop. We both glanced out the window, staring up at the house, probably having the same thought:

We’re going to be stuck here for the next three days.

He got out first and opened the door for me. I guess all my nagging yesterday had gotten into his head. I smiled, took his hand, and stepped out.

Tonight, we matched once again. I wore a black dress with an open back and a long slit at the front, while my hair flowed down my back. Travis was in a dark two-piece suit.

We linked hands and headed to the door. The music from inside was audible even from here.

"Don’t get used to this," he whispered, and I gently nudged him.

The doors opened, and we stepped in. I couldn’t believe how many people were here, though I knew the house could accommodate them all.

We drew attention immediately. Judging by their faces, most people assumed we wouldn’t show up. Plastering on smiles, we approached the group.

"Good evening, everyone."

"We’re sorry for our tardiness," he apologized, and their angry looks disappeared. They accepted it easily.