Chapter 21 - Dinner Party

Xander Empire isn't a small name to anyone in a business world. The Xander are one of the three aristocrat that are still involve themselves in business nowadays. Their establishment are way back before this country achieve their independence. Other than the Xander, there's also the Logan and the most fearful among the three aristocrat are The Caelan. They have been around conquered most of the business in the entire country but unlike the other two, only The Caelan involve themselves in politics as well. The three aristocrat are in good relationship as they respect each other and wouldn't bother with other territory. As generations pass by, they still maintain the harmonious bond and weren't tied up to their old tradition.

Tonight's dinner party is not Xander Empire's dinner party but it's Ralph M. Xander's company called RIDH Corp, so it was held smaller than the main empire. It's one of the Xander's tradition by letting their heir to open up their own company and managing it by themselves. It's their way to proof if they are worth to become the next head of Xander Empire. It's also a win-win situation where should someone else were to become the next head, the company that they open is still theirs and no one can touch it except for themselves. Although it's only a dinner party for RIDH Corp a lot of guest wouldn't want to miss out this opportunity to take a chance meeting one of the next heir for Xander Empire. They took it as a chance for them to show themselves what they're worth. A lot of underhanded means to get the limited invitation card and that includes Anderson who brought along his wife and step daughter to the dinner party. While waiting for the main person to come, they linger around the ballroom and to expand their network. It was worth the trouble. Bribing his way in getting into the dinner party where they were welcome and being treated fairly. Everyone who came to the RIDH Corp's dinner party are all big shots. Famous celebrities, athletics, models and even some of the royal family members. But what attracts them the most is the appearance of one of the Logan's family members, Eric Jr Logan. Anderson hurriedly signal his stepdaughter who understood perfectly as she put her plan in action. No one seem to be bother since everyone else are busy socializing with others. It was unknown if Stephanie's plan would work but things may get interesting from then on.

Five minutes to eight, the ballroom suddenly quite down as the murmurs from the front door getting louder. Near the entrance, all the head executives were lining up orderly as soon as they received info of their boss arrival. Within minutes, Ralph walked in with his wife holding onto his arm and surrounded by five bodyguards as they made their way to their VIP table. The VIP table are long as it consist of both of his parents, The Logan's representative and as well as his friends. He glanced at the people around the table before nodding at them as he took a seat with his wife. Most of them have arrived except for her stubborn little sister and The Ruthless. He frowned inwardly but didn't wish to show it on his face.

"Where's Alicia? I thought you said she's going to come." His mom asked when she haven't showed up. The event has started but his sister is not here yet. It seems like he needed a Plan B.

"She on the way. Her friends are here as well and according to Tristan, they're on their way." He had to make up the lie. And not long, he was invited to be on stage to give a speech. It was suppose to be the time when he introduce Alicia to other guests as his sister. Hopefully Tristan would be here before that time come for it might be the longest speech he will ever be making. Thankfully five minutes into his speech, a huge commotion were heard as all eyes are on the main entrance of the ballroom. Ralph felt he just won a gold cup when he saw Tristan arrived with Alicia in his arms. He immediately redirect his speech to his main purpose.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Xander's family i introduce you to my sister Alicia M. Xander." As soon as he announced that, multiple gasps and murmurs can be heard as they give their full attention towards the couple who walked into the ballroom like they own the place.

Under their judgemental eyes, Alicia who was wearing a long blue dress with long sleeves and wide collar exposing her collarbones, elegantly style with slanted shawl that are covering her upperbody to hide her alluring figure design by famous designer custom made only for Alicia tightened her hold onto Tristan's arm. If one would look carefully, the black suit that Tristan wore are made to be match with Alicia's long dress. The blue line that can be seen around the cufflink area and along with the colour of his tie. They just made the perfect couple with the perfect height for each other. Walking beside Tristan, Alicia couldn't describe the feeling that she's having at the moment. It was a mixed of anxiousness, fear and also safe. But she still couldn't handle their stares when she hold onto his arm like she's never letting go.

"I'm not doing a good job am I?" Tristan low voice enter her ear. She look at him and didn't realize they were so close. But she doesn't have any intention to move away. Being closer to him feels safer.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"You're still scared even though I'm next to you." he answered. She was flustered.

"No, that wasn't it. I was just uncomfortable. Never like it when people look at me." With countless ugly scars, her self esteem is not that high when she's in a crowded place. She always fear if someone saw her scarred back. She was different person when she had to take off her mask as a doctor.

"Will cursing your brother make it better when you meet him later on?" She laughed lightly at his question. The thought of doing moree than cursing does sound intriguing.

"Will you help to curse him for me?" Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she asked him.

"I thought we agreed to be partner in crime." She laughed once again and instantly forgot where she was and the stares and murmurs from the people who have been watching them. She finally relaxed and Tristan look at her softly as he led her to the VIP table. Joining the others. For the people in VIP table who are watching their interaction were surprised especially with Tristan. Everyone knows Tristan isn't someone who would have an inch of softness in his bones. Why in the world people call him The Ruthless when he rules everything within his own rules. And to make them fear him is because he's one of The Caelan. A lot of people speculate he will be the next head of The Caelan as for his own cousin, Royce Cain isn't showing that much of improvement. But due to Tristan's doubtful status, the current head family which is his grandfather Mr Cullen is in a dilemma of selecting it's next head. No one really knows if Tristan is one of them or no as they were suddenly left at the door by his own parents. Before they can do any investigation, Tristan's parent died in an accident. Leaving others doubted about his relationship with them.

Tristan kept holding onto Alicia's hand and she didn't have any intention to let go as well. No one made any comment but they kept on glancing at the couple who had eyes on each other. It was like a perfect picture but it feels strange as well. Especially in the eyes of Delilah, Mr and Mrs Xander. They were flabbergasted. No one seem to know when Ralph end his speech but they were quickly acting normal the moment Ralph sat back on the table.

"You almost made me gave the longest speech in my entire life. What kept you so long?" Ralph rambled at Tristan.

"Is the dinner ending already?" Tristan asked lazily.

"It's just started!!! Don't tell me you're going to leave so soon."

"Alicia wanted to go home." Tristan said curtly. Ralph felt like pulling his hair. They just met officially today and now he wanted to show off to others that he's pampering her?

"Denied. Go for a couple of rounds. Then i'll let you go home." Since he couldn't talk some sense to Tristan, might as well he vent out his frustration to his sister.

Alicia glared at him.

"Promise me this is the last time." Alicia had a feeling this will not be the first time he's going to do this.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to. But with me around, won't it be fun?" Before Ralph could reply he was cut off by Tristan making him wanting to puke blood right away.

Alicia look at Tristan and she nodded her head obediently.

The people on the table on look at the spectacular scene and doesn't have intention to spoil the entertainment. Everything turns back normal when the food arrive and their main focus change to the food in front of them. But only Alicia's parent, sister in law kept a watch on them from time to time. And aside from them, The Anderson's family are all clenching their teeth in anger the moment they saw Alicia walked into the ballroom and was introduced as one of the Xander's family. Stephanie look at Alicia with deep hatred. She vowed she will ruin her life.