Chapter 1 Twists and turns

JR's POV.

"And what makes you think I would marry Victoria?" I ask my Dad who dragged me into a side room backstage as soon as we got to the venue for the Company's thirtieth anniversary.

He had insisted on coming here in such a manner that one would think a big mess had occurred. To think all this fuss was to inform me of a pending announcement to be made tonight, one which had ruined my evening completely.

"I too do not want you to rush into this whole thing but it's been a year since Daniel was discharged and you're grandpa believes he needs a mom to look after him," Dad replies while raking his hand through his semi-grey dark hair.

"I'm Twenty-eight so I don't see the point in you two meddling in my affairs! Since I decided to adopt Daniel he is my son, meaning I know what is best for him and I have the final say! Out of all people why did you have to pick her!!"

"I know this is too sudden but I don't see any problem with you marrying her. Think about it..." he takes in a deep breath. "she's the rumored illegitimate daughter of Your Uncle Blake, my close friend and you've known her for a couple of years now, so whether in relation to our business or personal relationship, she fits the bill.."

"What's that got to do with anything?" I cock up a brow.

Sensing that our conversation is going nowhere he rubs his palm on his forehead. I tap my right foot impatiently as I watch him fumble on what to say next.

"How about this, considering your past relationship I'm sure you can tolerate her." I begin to disagree but he quickly raises his palm in a stop sign before proceeding. " You don't need to say anything, I know you don't like her but..."

"But nothing, this conversation is going nowhere. Whether or not you convince me, I know you're still going to push through with this anyway. So just spare me the speech Dad and do whatever you want." I walk out furious to the max, so instead of heading back into the Hall I end up breathing hard at the Balcony upstairs.

An hour later, James rushes toward me all sweaty and out of breath. He attempts to speak but all I hear is the rush of his minted breath.

"Did someone die?" I remark sarcastically with a nonchalant expression.

"Not yet...but I definitely...will if you don't...appear before Mr...Roland Senior, young master!" he breathes out probably exhausted from searching for me,

"Is it time for the announcement?"

"Almost, I believe there are still five minutes until you and Miss Danlade are called on stage," he states looking at the stopwatch around his neck.

"What did you call her?"

"M..M...Miss Davidson." He quickly corrects.

"Good." I won't let anyone take her place not even her half-sister Victoria! While we're still on the balcony, I'm decide to tell him of my plans to leave when a gush of wind sends leaves and dirt toward me.

"What the hell!" This is definitely not my day. James begins dusting off a few tiny leaves that had landed on my suit. I smooth the imaginary wrinkles on my jacket and decide to leave the hotel.

Being new here the lobby reminds me of a fascinating maze, fascinating as well as annoying considering how suffocated I'm feeling right now.

"Who makes so many twists and turns inside of a hotel, I'm starting to feel like I'm trapped in a game of "one hundred doors" instead of a damn corridor!" I sign after failing miserable to locate the lift several times, heaven knows how I didn't notice this in the first place. Just how far did I wander off?

James snickers behind me bringing an abrupt halt to my steps.

"Do you find this funny?"

"No sir," he replies biting his lips to hide his amused smile.

"Hmm!" I Huff before continuing my journey down the maze of a loby. He's lucky we're friends and not just a typical boss and PA.

To dissolve my frustration I focus on my surroundings drinking in it's sophistication. The three huge waterfall chandeliers on the ceiling are so equisite they demand attention. Artworks are beautifully lined up on the creme white walls each corresponding to the position of those on the opposite side and the purple petunia-filled vases by the elevator are the cherry on the cake. Hold up! The elevator!!

"Finally!" I yell with outstretched arms and a stupid smile. I probably look dumb right now so I'm glad we're all alone. James steps forward and pushes the button and it's chime is music to my ears.

Unfortunately, nothing seems to be going my way today. The floor indicator tells me it's on the last floor up and considering the delay I guess it's still loading.

"How many floors down is the the hall?" I inquire tired of waiting,

"Two floors below,"

"Let's go then." I point toward the stairs answering James silent question.

"Perhaps if we...." James begins to say but is quickly silenced by my frosty look. I walk away aware of his presence behind me. We walk in silence until I stop abruptly causing him to bump into me.

"Inform the Marketing department to have their presentation ready in an hour. I'll be heading back to the company now so try to avoid Grandpa in the meantime. If you must tell him my whereabouts let him know I found the party boring and uninteresting." I see him gulp and can't help the smirk that appears on my face as we descend our last set of steps. Serves you right for taking pleasure in my irritated state.

Coincidentally, the elevator door slides open at that exact moment and What greets me is a jaw-dropping sight! A young woman walks out of the elevator surrounded by four bodyguards with two on each side and a scrawny-looking guy walks behind her Entourage.

Dressed in a form-fitting crimson red off-shoulder dress she is beyond breathtaking. Her heart-shaped lips are scarlet red and man are they tempting. The long slit on the right side of her dress reveals her long fair legs in glass-like ankle strap heels. Her shiny dark hair is in a messy updo that sings out both elegance and seduction. Her catwalk is impeccably smooth and she carries a domineering aura.

"Is everything alright young master?" James the blockhead blurts out, he is fortunate his stupidity is as great as his efficiency. I turn away from the beauty to give him a piece of my mind but the sound of heels clanking on the tiled floor leads me to a pair of grey eyes.

"Now now let's not scold the poor guy, after all, he wasn't aware you were entrapped by a goddess." The grey-eyed beauty smirks, "maybe a little more than a goddess."

"Confidence, a dish I love to savor," I reply, I make a point to send James away when I notice her guards at the further side of the room.

"I'm ravishing and I know it. What better person could there be to point that out than myself," she states.

"Oh? In that case, pardon this humble servant your Excellency but I would like to know why you have graced me with your presence." I say playfully now. Using her right hand she lifts my chin with her forefinger and I notice her sharp intake of breath when our eyes meet.

It feels like an electric shock just went through our bodies and I can't stop the gulp that follows. Withdrawing her forefinger from my chin her hand makes a journey to my silky dark hair and I feel her pull something out of it. She moves closer to my ear and her coconut scent fills my senses.

"I couldn't stand the leaf causing an imperfection on such a great site," she whispers in my ear before straightening up with a smile showing off her pearly whites. Her hands are still on my shoulders and she draws them on my skin till she gets to my hands and dropping the leaf in them she walks away.

"I see you've met Miss Alana," my Dad says as he approached me,

"Who?"

"Miss Alana, Alanna Jones the second biggest shareholder in Dragon Empire. How do you not know this, she's on the guest list the one I had asked you to review?" dad says with confusion lacing his voice.

"James?" I beckon my PA to come over.

"Yes, young master?"

"Reschedule the meeting with the marketing department, I just realized it wouldn't look good if I'm absent from our company's celebration."

Looks like I'll be staying after all!