Ariella
The four were guided to an intimate candlelit table toward the back. She swore Narcissa smiled as she saw them slipping in during her auction. "I think people have gotten word Black Industries is open to catering investments" Sandra whispered smugly as a few eyes around the room found their table. Ariella nodded "I'm not interested in competing with the High Society only creating a more professional environment" Ariella reminded them. Sandra seemed a touch let down but nodded her agreement all the same. After a few more items were auctioned off the room was dismissed to mingle about themselves. Their two teams separated to cover more ground.
"Hermione" came a trill voice as Hermione grit her teeth and turned, giving Ariella a look as she followed suit. "Mafalda" Hermione countered dryly. "I didn't realize you held such elite company," the woman said with an underhanded tone of mockery. She looked past her and held her hand to Ariella "Mafalda Hopkirk" she beamed with a smile. Ariella shook her hand "Hermione's partnered with Black Industries on one of our projects" she told her firmly. Ariella mentioning the fact that she was dating Hermione's best friend would only diminish what Hermione brought to the table professionally. Mafalda's eyebrows rose "Working around the ministry then?" She questioned as Hermione beamed an annoyed grin. "I wasn't exactly making any progress with the ministry on the matter so when the opportunity presented itself, of course, I took it" Hermione bit out as Ariella smirked. "If you'll excuse us, we have a contract to close this evening," Ariella said, ushering Hermione along.
"She's fun," Ariella said dryly as Hermione scoffed "Improper use of Magic division" she explained as they moved through the crowd. Champagne was offered to them as Ariella shook her head, they were here for business.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Pansy, Rodolphus Lestrange showing an aggressive stance as he forcibly held onto her wrist. Ariella approached the pair as they whispered angrily at one another. "Mrs. Riddle—" Ariella interrupted holding the older man's eyes as he quickly let her go and offered her a tight nod. "You were just leaving," Martin said with a professional tone that held notes of a warning. Rodolphus sneered in Pansy's direction as she pinned an equally narrowed gaze on him. Ariella noted the soft bruising on her estranged friend's wrist. "Why are you here?" Pansy snapped, turning her gaze on Ariella. Ariella let out a soft exhale as she nodded understanding what little friendship they ever shared was gone. "Pardon my intrusion," Ariella said as she gestured to Hermione to move in the opposite direction. "People are talking—" Pansy hissed before they could slip away. Ariella paused to listen "—You're contracting investments—" she added accusingly.
Ariella lifted her chin and nodded simply stepping away from Hermione. "Times are changing, and there's a better way to achieve the same goals, maybe better ones" Ariella pointed out. Pansy scoffed "You've been to exactly two events Ari—" she argued with a shake of her head. "—I've been here working my ass off the last year" Pansy argued angrily. "What happened to Tori?" Ariella questioned. Pansy subtly shrunk back as if she had raised a hand and struck her physically. "We had to let Tori go—" Pansy explained, smoothing her dress and looking around cautiously. Ariella nodded "Is it the same reason Theo refuses to let Daphne work for you?" Pansy's gaze snapped back to her "Who have you been talking to?" she whispered furiously. "Take care of yourself, Pans," Ariella urged, eyeing her friend's bruised wrist purposely as she rejoined Hermione.
"—I've yet to see him," Hermione mused, still looking around the event space. "Don't give up just yet" Ariella encouraged giving her friend's arm a supportive squeeze. Ariella turned to Martin who stayed nearly invisible during her conversations "Any updates?" He met her gaze, "Falcons are still in play Ms. Black." She sighed and turned back to Hermione "We'll, let's make tonight worth missing his game shall we?" She offered as Hermione beamed.
