Hollow

Thirty | Royal

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The car stops, the doors fly open and I give a smile to the Marcus, who holds the door for me. Grabbing the hand held out for me, I exit the limo, smiling at the cameras while trying not to trip over my dress. I down walk the red carpet as cheers erupt from everywhere. I pose for pictures, mentally preparing myself as I approach the media stand.

"Ms. Pierce!" A feminine voice calls, making me turn to her.

"Hello."

"Just a few months ago, you released a statement saying you were going to collaborate with UNICEF. What are you planning to do?"

I smile. "I'm afraid I can't disclose that now."

The reporters start yelling more questions and I answer some of them briefly before heading inside. Once inside, I spot Grace, a talented architect and a good friend of mine, a couple of feet away, engaged in a conversation with her husband. I grab a champagne flute from a waitress' tray and start making my way toward them when I suddenly bump into someone, nearly spilling my drink on my dress.

"I am so sorry. I should have watched where I was going."

Looking up, my eyes land on a man looking down at me. I wave him off with my hand and offer him a reassuring smile.

"Faridh Bin Hassan al-Kattan." He introduces himself, casual authority evident in his voice as he extends his hand.

"Zahra." I reply before shaking my hand.

"Are you here alone, Zahra?"

I'm about to reply when someone approaches me, telling me it's time. I excuse myself and regain my assigned seat on the stage, alongside the other speakers.

The room is silent as the moderator thanks the royal family for attending and dives into welcoming remarks. I avert my gaze to where they are sitting and notice Faridh sitting right next to the King. As if sensing eyes on him, he looks up and our eyes meet.

I smile politely before focusing my gaze back to the panel.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

As the moderator ends the conversation, claps are heard all around the room and I avert my gaze to Marcus who looks at me with admiration making me release a breath I didn't know I was holding. People start to scatter around for refreshments and networking.

As I socialize with the other speakers, I notice Faridh making his way towards us with the President.

"Ms. Pierce. That was an insightful discussion." The President states, gracing me with a small smile.

"Thank you, your excellency." I manage to mumble.

He nods and excuses himself to go speak to the other speakers. After mentally asserting myself and making sure I didn't just die from shock, I avert my gaze back to Faridh who is currently looking at me with an amused expression.

"Was that your first time meeting him?"

I nod excitedly. "How are you so chill about it? You don't even look fazed!"

"Why would I be fazed when I share a last name with the man?" He jokes casually, bringing his glass to his lips.

"Haha, very funny."

"Before I forget, it shouldn't take long to find the person you're looking for."

"You're Irwin's contact?" I gasp.

"Yes."

I frown, looking him up and down. "Is there something else I should know about you?"

"Nothing too serious." He chuckles. "Come, I'll introduce you to some of my friends and we can all have dinner later...if that's alright with you, course."

"I really wish I could but I'm not staying for long."

He looks at me with conflicted eyes before nodding. "Maybe next time."

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

"Get in touch with the sound, visual and makeup crew.."

"Did you go through the guest list?" Alex asks.

I nod, thanking the stewardess as she places a cup of tea in front of me."Yeah, but triple check just in case I missed something."

"Okay. The Hendersons are ready for you."

I adjust my dress before putting on my most professional smile as two more faces appear on my screen.

"Ms. Pierce. Thank you for meeting with us." Michael Henderson greets. He then ushers to the young man next to him. "This is my son, Sean."

"It's an honor to meet you."

I give him a curt nod. "I'm sorry we couldn't meet in better circumstances."

"It's quite alright." Mr. Henderson says.

"I understand that you want to merge our respective companies. How do y—" I begin but I am rudely interrupted by a scoff.

"We actually want to acquire your company, Ms. Pierce."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I want to buy Pierce Industries."

"What my father means, Ms. Pierce is that we want to partner with you." Sean says in an apologetic tone before giving his father a warning glare.

"I'll be in Miami in a few days so we can talk about it over lunch?"

Sean smiles, nodding. "Sure. I'll have my assistant set up a date."