The next day the mood of all employees in the office was very bright. Almost no one could focus on working because they were all busy discussing the company's Christmas party that would be held that night.
Usually at this Christmas party, besides having suave events, good food, various interesting shows, and lots of prizes, the company would also announce the profits they made this year and how much bonuses would be given to employees.
It was safe to say that this was a long-awaited day. The bonus would usually be transferred a few days after the party, so that all employees could go on vacation with their family with a thick pockets.
Finland was very happy because she started working at the right time; just a week before the company Christmas party, and therefore she could really experience the excitement.
Caspar decided to work from home that day, so Finland left alone for the office. She held two remote meetings with an information brokerage company and scheduled several interviews for the following week.
At 2pm Finland was back at home. Her face looked satisfied because the project she was working on seemed to go very smoothly.
"Will the new employees also get a bonus at the company's Christmas party?" Finland asked, putting her bag on the sofa. She then walked toward Caspar who was fiddling with his laptop, showing something to Aleksis on his lap, to give him a kiss.
"Hey, honey... Hahaha... usually they don't. You've only been working for a week, right?" Caspar looked at Finland with a teasing look, "But I can give you whatever bonus you want."
"Ah, I'm just curious..." Finland said, smiling back. "So, I'll come to the party first with Aleksis, then 'go home' and leave Aleksis with Lauriel, then we come together to the party?"
"Yes. I'll catch up with you. I still have a little business to attend to," Caspar said, nodding.
"Uhm... Okay."
Actually, Finland was rather surprised because Caspar was not usually like this. She had initially expected Caspar to offer to come with her to St. Laurent Hotel and wait for her in the penthouse until she was done chatting with her office friends, and then they would come down together.
Today, too, he chose to work from home instead of going to the office with her. It was very weird, considering that Caspar usually didn't want to be far from her side.
Hmm...
At 5 pm, Finland was ready with Aleksis in their beautiful Victorian gowns (19th century England) and left for St. Laurent. The atmosphere in the hotel was very lively and the ballroom was quickly filled with employees who dressed up and came with their spouses. Some, like Finland, even brought their children.
At the reception desk, just before entering the ballroom, was a long table where hundreds of beautiful masks were provided for guests who did not bring their own masks.
The general vibe was very pleasant and warm. Inside the ballroom, there were dozens of beautiful dining tables and party chairs. Each table had a sign with the name of the department, which made it easy for Finland to find her department friends.
"Hey... you came early. The event hasn't started yet..." said Ruth, who looked radiant in her beautiful dress. She invited Finland to sit next to her and she immediately kissed Aleksis, who looked like a little angel dressed as a Victorian princess. "Jeez... is this your daughter? She's so beautiful. What's her name?"
"My name is Aleksis, Auntie," Aleksis answered with a smile.
"Whaa... not only are you beautiful, you are very smart too!" exclaimed Ruth, "Ah, you make me jealous. Now I really want to have a child..."
"Ahahaha... you can, Ruth." Finland just laughed at that.
They then chatted and enjoyed the snacks and drinks provided at the table while waiting for the event to start.
"There, at the corner of that table, is where the big bosses and their spouses will sit. Usually they come in the middle of the event. That's when they will give speeches and announcements from the corporation. Our table is coincidentally very strategically located. We will be able to observe Mr. Schneider and his girlfriend later... I'm curious to know what kind of person she is," Ruth said enthusiastically.
Finland could only sigh at that.
The party finally started, and the employees eagerly enjoyed the music performances and games from the MC, as well as drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere was becoming more and more lively.