Excelsior

Chapter 5: Rubbing shoulders

Metnint, the company Mr. Levitt worked for, was hosting its biggest event that year. He was considered the right-hand man of the CEO, and for that reason, he was granted the honor of introducing Mr. di Bardi, who gave a long speech accompanied by a toast for the acquisition of a company in Texas.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for coming..."

The event's room had the presence of shareholders, their representatives, executives, corrupt politicians that facilitated such acquisition, and some other shoe licker. With no doubt, Lilly received some suggestive glances that lifted her ego. She certainly enjoyed knowing that she had a lot to choose from.

The speech finished with loud applauses, and Lilly felt like a small fish as she walked through that conglomerated room, like an appetizing fish chased by big sharks, and when she smiled back at a prominent and fine gentleman, Mr. Levitt stepped in her way.

"Com'on, my dear. There is someone I would like to introduce to you"

Lilly sighed and let Dearick lead her to his acquaintances.

"Good evening, Mr. And Mrs. di Bardi." He smiled.

The couple greeted him.

"There is a person I would like you to make acquaintances with. She is my fiancé, Lillian Fischer. My dear, he is William di Bardi, the CEO of the company, and his charming wife, Jessica."

Mr. di Bardi held out his hand and looked at her firmly, as did his wife, who was gentler.

"You were magnificent, sir. The speech of the year, no doubt."

"Do not be ridiculous, Dearick. It was embarrassing."

Mrs. di Bardi laughed.

"He thought he could improvise, can you both believe it?"

"I was just kidding, sir. Next time, you should listen to your wife."

"Oh, I surely will."

"So Dearick, tell us," Jessica said, "how did you meet such a beautiful young woman?"

Lilly blushed.

"I met her in a bar." He answered with indifference.

Mrs. di Bardi's smile suddenly faded.

"A bar? That is... well... charming I must say." She looked away.

The talk continued naturally, especially between Mrs. di Bardi and Dearick, as Lilly did not have anything else to add. She was curious about Mr. di Bardi's, host of the event, sudden silence and when she looked at him, she could not help but notice that the man was gazing upon the wide neckline of her sequined dress, almost like a dog watching his food and drooling. The man corrected his posture, and looked at her eyes. Lilly smiled, at which he smiled back and narrowed his eyes.

"Lilly?"

She jumped.

"Yes!"

"Are you okay, sweetheart? You seem tired."

"Well yes, Darling. I was just... thinking. Anyways, may I know what my fiancé does in your company, Mr. di Bardi?"

"Oh, Lillian, the real question here is: what does your dear Dearick not do? He is as loyal to us as a dog is to his master." He said with an arrogant, yet, soft smile, and took a sip from his glass.

All three of his hearers exchanged glances, and Mrs. di Bardi lowered her head in embarrassment.

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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed. English is not my native language, so any feedback, suggestion or advice to change the grammar would be really appreciated.