The Gray Case

seven

The whole family and Sofia walk out of the car and into the grand room in which the party is held.

There are people sitting at their tables, sipping red wine from their glasses. The Gray's nod and smile to the people who stop to greet them. Handshakes are exchanged and soft music played by a pianist is heard.

Women have their makeup perfectly done and their elegant long dresses touch the floor as they are walking beside their men. Alexander is doing the same thing as his arm is wrapped around Sofia's waist, leading her to their table.

Her cherry-wine lips curve into a smile as she notices that all eyes are on them.

Anthony Brown, Mark's business partner, reaches up to them.

"Mark, here you are," he says, smiling.

"Yes, we are a little bit late because of traffic," Mark replies.

"Oh, it's okay," Anthony says before turning to the rest of them, "I see everybody is here."

"Margaret," he says before shaking her hand. She nods with a smile. Her light pink dress matches her lipstick.

When he turns to Alexander he smiles, shaking his hand too.

"Alexander, nice seeing you again," he says.

Being used to formalities, his answer comes quite easy. "Pleasure seeing you too."

"And this must be your girlfriend..." Anthony continues, turning to Sofia.

Before Alexander nor anyone could say anything more, Sofia talks.

"Yes, it's Sofia," she says, shaking his hand with a big smile on her face.

For some reason, Alexander gets annoyed with her answer and restrains himself from rolling his eyes. There's no room for arrogance in spaces like this, that's what they've always thought him.

They all then take a seat at their table, Alexander sits next to his father, Anthony and Sofia while Margaret and Ryan sit in front of them.

Other associates sit around the big table, black ties around their necks and posh and polished women besides them.

Although this environment is what Alexander has grown up to, it isn't in his character. He doesn't necessarily love this type of parties. On the contrary, Sofia adores them.

She mingles with people, talks about superficial things and doesn't waste a chance to introduce herself to high-level people, with the help of Alexander, of course.

It has never really bothered him too much, but he has never really liked it.

Mark stands up, followed by Anthony to make his little speech as he silences the pianist and takes a microphone.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, tonight we are brought together to celebrate the great success of the company. To do so, I also wanted to thank my associates and workers for everything we have achieved. Most of all, I wanted to thank my partner and friend, Anthony," he says. Anthony smiles and everyone in the room claps their hands. "After the recent events you all surely know of, I have decided to reinforce the security, not only for myself, but most importantly in our working buildings, guaranteeing higher safety."

Mark is interrupted by another round of applause at which he smiles back.

"But for now, let's enjoy the night."

As his speech ends, he is patted on the back by Anthony before sitting at the table.

"Babe, do you like how I look tonight?" Sofia whispers in Alexander's ear.