RC.

Ch8 ......... I

Suddenly someone taps on the microphone, a young man of about thirty speaks.

He presents himself as the director of the start-up that is organising the evening. He has the looks of a dynamic young executive.

A Hugo Boss suit, black-pointed waxed shoes, a perfect hairstyle and a newly shaven beard.

I love his style. That style. Actually, in general, I like men who take care of their appearance.

He already seems quite comfortable talking to a large audience. Looks as though he'll go far! No doubt that's why Ryan invested in him.

Speaking of the devil ... My heart immediately races as Carter appears at the young man's side.

The latter is now just a pale figure compared to the man who exudes such an incredible aura.

Still as beautiful, Ryan immediately captures people's looks with his feline gait, his penetrating eyes and his irresistible smile.

(I mustn't be so weak!)

I hate myself for being so weak after what he did!

I shouldn't let myself be bewitched by his deceiving image. But I can't help it. I've got him under my skin!

The other steps aside. I wonder how much Carter invested in his startup, and a sour smile takes shape on my lips.

(Don't worry, sweetie, he's already played his cards right to devour you the day you'll be worth it!)

I learned that at my expense, he always gets what he wants!

I watch him: everything seems so studied; Nothing in him is left to chance.

It's as if he was designed to seduce, to manipulate all the poor little souls of this world.

(I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!)

I start prancing about, sighing. Quick! Let this speech be over with so that I can move on to something else!

A man shoves into me trying to get closer! I almost drop my glass!

(Hey! Don't mind me!!)

It's crazy how some people can be so impolite! What an idiot!

T:"Hey, couldn't you be more careful!"

He turns his head in my direction, frowing. His black eyes and the expression on his face prevent me from insisting.

I give him a dirty look back, but he is already in the midst of the spectator and I quickly lose sight of him.

I try not to listen to Carter's voice ... That voice that has so often gained me over. I'd like to forget it completely!

(Impossible!)

But how ?! What woman can forget Ryan after having had a taste of him? It's like trying to forget the taste of ice cream!

All of sudden, the sound of a gunshot resounds!

(What?!)

People all around me start screaming!

(What's going on?!)

For a fraction of a second, I'm totally disorientated. I freeze, stunned!

And then I understand. An ice cold chill runs down my spine!

The crowd before me turns around and starts moving towards me, like an immense tidal wave, threatening, inevitable.

Quickly, everybody's in a panic! I'm jostled, my bag flies in the air, my glass crashes to the ground! People are running in all directions!

I should run away too, but no, only one thing comes to my mind: Ryan !!

(Shout his name!)

T:"Ryan !!"

I yelled, clenched fists and neck extended. But my voice is covered by the screams of terrified guests!

I have to avoid the people who are hurtling towards me to try to find Ryan!

I see nothing but a terrible chaos of distorted mouths and horrified looks!

As everyone rushes towards the exit, I find the strength to scramble to the podium. I see security guards running!

Others seem to try to contain the madness!

I'm pushed and nudged and I nudge back. I almost fall several times, but nothing comes to stop my chase!

T:"RYAN !!!!"

I scream almost to breaking point, panicked at the thought that something terrible might have happened to him!

Is he injured? Did somebody shoot at him ?!

He's nowhere to be seen!! I'm going to go crazy!

As I come level with the podium, I look for him on all sides, but there's too much of a crowd! As I look around horrified, my eyes meet with the churl's who jostled me just a minute ago.

What I read in his eyes makes my blood curl and I understand at once!

My eyes drift to his left hand. He's carrying a gun!!

T:"IT'S HIM !! STOP HIM!! HE HAS A GUN!!!"

I gesture to the security agent whilst stepping back!

A cruel smile stretches across his lips. It's then that he lifts his weapon up at me ...