Chapter 5 A Gathering

Meanwhile, in the Oasis Club, renowned as the priciest spot in Orkset, the air within the VIP room crackled with excitement. Under the spell of bright lights and thumping music, a diverse group of men and women lounged together, basking in the exclusivity of the setting.

Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing Kristopher in the doorway.

The karaoke session halted abruptly as the crowd turned to greet him in unison, voices mingling. "Kristopher..."

Before they could utter another word, a woman cloaked from head to toe stepped out from behind him.

Lise, with a fluid motion, removed her mask and slid her arm through Kristopher's. She addressed the room with a poised charm. "My assistant took a sudden leave, and I found myself without company. Not keen on spending the evening alone, I invited Kristopher to join me. I trust that's alright?"

Lise's beauty was without question. Her face was a delicate composition of cherry lips and a sculpted nose, framed by eyes that shimmered with a vulnerable allure, commanding a protective fervor from those around her-her presence, ethereal.

In contrast, Carrie's features were more pronounced, her beauty vivid and striking. Lise, by comparison, carried a softer, more understated elegance.

Yet, as it often goes, matters of the heart followed no simple paths.

While Kristopher and Carrie were married, it was in name only; Kristopher seemed detached and seldom included her in private social events.

The group didn't have much of a relationship with Carrie, leading them to feel no obligation to defend her.

Upon hearing Lise's comment, a moment of discomfort rippled through the air. Nonetheless, they quickly recovered, offering a congenial smile as they said, "We're all friends here; let's not bother with formalities."

Lise offered a subtle, knowing smile, as she gracefully accompanied Kristopher into the bustling room.

The event that evening had been meticulously planned to express appreciation for Kristopher's contributions.

As they stepped into the room, the crowd parted like the sea, making way for them to proceed to the seats of honor.

The group's leader handed Kristopher a glass of wine with a flourish, proclaiming with a broad grin, "We truly owe you a debt of gratitude, Mr. Norris! Your exceptional talents are the talk of the town, and witnessing them firsthand today only confirms it. Without your expertise, securing this contract would have been a fantasy!"

Their gathering marked the launch of a novel shopping platform, one that had been in negotiation with numerous local brands in Orkset. But the scenario changed dramatically when the tech giant JoyBuy dramatically entered the scene, stirring up the competitive landscape.

Competing with JoyBuy was akin to the classic David versus Goliath tale-hopelessly daunting. In a surge of desperation, they turned to Kristopher, reaching out through a network of connections for his renowned strategic prowess.

With his characteristic swiftness, Kristopher hatched an ingenious plan and swiftly secured the deal, snatching it from the clutches of JoyBuy right before the business association could ink their agreement-a masterful coup that reverberated success.

This remarkable turnaround only intensified the already deep respect everyone held for Kristopher.

Albin Murray, beaming with pride, couldn't help but boast, "Ah, just look at the caliber of his friends! They thought they could steal deals right under our noses, obviously underestimating Kristopher's clout!"

Albin, born into the wealthy Murray family, counted himself among Kristopher's closest friends. He was renowned for his sprawling social web-a network through which the desperate plea for help was channeled to Kristopher.

Meanwhile, Kristopher himself, the focus of all their discussions, reclined nonchalantly on the couch, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights.

He was well-versed in the art of receiving compliments; thus, his expression stayed calm and detached.

The ambient light sculpted his angular features, casting dramatic shadows that emphasized his high nose bridge and sharply cut jawline, as though he were a living masterpiece.

His natural grace and detachment eclipsed any terrestrial magnificence.

Following a sequence of celebratory toasts, when it became apparent that Kristopher merely touched his glass without truly drinking, the rest of the company toned down their conversation, allowing him a moment of repose with his eyes gently shut.

Lise, slightly feverish, opted not to indulge in the spirits, choosing instead to sit in serene silence next to Kristopher, her eyes lingering on him with a look of deep, unmistakable adoration.

Albin, captivated by the seemingly perfect pair, pondered the whims of destiny. He discreetly captured their image with his smartphone and nonchalantly shared it across his social networks.

As the evening progressed and the liquor dwindled, the room's door swung open anew.

Kristopher's personal assistant, Oliver Brooks, made his entrance, acknowledging the gathering with a courteous nod that bordered on respect but avoided groveling, swiftly positioning himself in front of Kristopher.

Silence hung in the air, yet Lise, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned in and whispered, "What's going on?"

Oliver, maintaining his focus on Kristopher, chose not to respond directly to her.

A flush of embarrassment tinted Lise's cheeks as she turned towards Kristopher, hesitatingly inquiring, "Should I leave?"

Kristopher adjusted his posture, his voice low and calm as he instructed, "Go ahead, speak."

A shiver of apprehension coursed through Oliver as he tentatively began, "Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris has departed from Bayview Villa, and..."