Try Harder

Alena doesn't know why she has to come with the rest of her family to this meeting. The sister of her brother-in-law has returned and asked to meet everyone in the family. She'd been gone for quite a long time; her family knew since Alexander told them. Her sister, Alexis, has been married to him for a couple of years now.

Still... why must she come here with them? They don't even know the woman, even if she's technically an in-law. More and more people came to the exclusive suite. Most faces are familiar to him. And then, he came.

Her eyes were suddenly glued to the man and she isn't even being discreet about it. She openly stared at him. He didn't seem to notice. Her older sister, Alice, did.

She saw her rolling her eyes at her and told her to behave in a whisper. She merely smiled before looking at the man again. He's definitely her type, appearance-wise. Also, she does prefer someone older when it comes to her relationships. She knew he's older than her. By how much? She can't be sure yet. She's guessing it could be more than five years. Wait, that's not right. Alexander is six or seven years older than her sister and he looks younger than the eye candy. Her man looks more mature but still very handsome. Yes, she's one of those women who gets attracted based on physical traits first. The personality and all the rest can follow after that.

Given how he's here, she's guessing he's just as successful as everyone in the room. Should she go over and make small talk with him? He seems like a loner. She'd seen Charles Cross approach him and they seemed to converse for a few minutes. She couldn't hear what they spoke about, though. It's as if the single couch was made for him. Her parents were busy speaking with Allen and Axel, Alexander's brothers. The wives are chatting together as well.

When the awaited person showed up, it seemed like an emotional reunion. The men, her brothers, were crying. She would've found it funny except she knew how much they missed her. And she'd heard so much about her. She's a great person.

Everyone has questions, and she answered them one by one. Finally, the man spoke and the contents were quite... dark. From the conversation, she could surmise that someone died. Or was killed, actually. Lee said they managed to capture the culprits or something, then she gave him a hug. She was instantly jealous. Oh, how she wished those arms were around her instead.

Oh, dear. She knew what her reaction meant. She has feelings for the guy. Well, it isn't the first time she fell in love at first sight. She's smitten. Her imagination already run wild and playing a scene of their wedding day.

Alice pinched Alena's arm when she seemed to be daydreaming again. Given all these people around them, it's not appropriate to tease her, so she'll wait until they're back home. She can tell from her expression alone that her sister is infatuated.

At least, before that day ended, she finally learned what his name is. Christan Taylor. Lee's brother-in-law. Her lip twitched. In-law of her in-laws. But they aren't exactly related. It's merely associations through marriage of their relatives. Whatever.

As soon as they left and she was seated in their family car, she entered his name on the search bar. Alice who was next to her inched closer. She also has her phone out. She would like to know who that man is and tease Alena about it.

He's a billionaire and owns a liquor business. He's involved in the sale and distribution of various liquor brands, here and abroad.

"Forty years old this year, Alena. That makes him what? Twelve years older than you." Alice teased her.

"He'd been married, though."

She rolled her eyes at that comment. "Didn't we hear just earlier that his wife was killed? Did he remarry? Is he currently married?"

They both searched for the information. What they got is that he's got two children at home. They're almost teenagers now, she surmised from the given birth years.

There's no information about his current civil status. Is he still a widower?

They can't find any article about him dating or marrying someone else. Heck, they can't even find the article about his first marriage.

"Huh, I guess we can just ask Alex if he knows something."

"Do you think they're close? They didn't seem close." Alena noted. Well, she'd been observing him too much earlier.

"Well, they might not be close, but he could still know some things about him, no?"

Alice quickly sent a message to Alex. It was short.

Is Christan Taylor currently married? Or is he single and available?

This is how Alex mistakenly thought that it was Alice who's interested in him.

He has no reason to dissuade her, though, so he answered honestly.

He didn't remarry if that's what you meant. Single, sure. Available? I can't be sure.

Alice showed Alena his reply and they both giggled. Their parents don't know what they're on about. They're busy with their own conversation, but those giggles got their attention.

With how strict their father is, they've learned to date behind his back. They would get into relationships without telling him, because then, he would demand to see the guy and interview him with the rest of the family. It's mortifying. Alex went through it and he managed to get their dad's approval. Well, he's a good guy. Back then, family was a sensitive topic to him and they even made him cry. It was one memorable past.

That night, she asked Alice to pester Alex for Christan's phone number. Her sister relented but Alex didn't give it to her. She tried a few more times, but the man has integrity. Or does he? Is it possible he doesn't have Christan's number?

She told Alena the results of her efforts and left her to it. She would have to find a way to get his number on her own. And ways to get his attention. A message or a phone call won't cut it.

Alena is much more persistent than Alice. She went directly to meet Alexander and ask him for Christan's number. Her sister, Alexis, doesn't like them bothering her husband, so she's sure Alexander wouldn't want her sister to see her at their house. She was waiting at the door as he fetched his phone. She was grinning. Let's pray he's not gonna give her a fake one.

He came out and looked at her with a stern expression. He's been friendly and approachable before, when he and her sister were still dating. She and Alice has been asking him for advices for their businesses. He'd been very helpful but Alexis doesn't like them pestering him most of the time. Well, he taught them enough already.

"You're aware that he's been married before and he's much older than you?"

"Of course. Aren't you older than my sister, too?"

"Yeah, but you can double that number. Also, he's got kids. Are you sure you want to pursue this?"

"Quite sure. I'm not one to fuss about the details. Free kids, no? I won't have to go through the pains of labor."

At this, he frowned. "Don't you want your own kids?"

"Of course, I do. But more without the pain is nice, no?"

His lip twitched at her statement. Her thought process is quite peculiar. She'd been staring at his phone the whole time since he returned with it.

"Don't tell him you got his number from me. I don't want to lose my liquor supplier."

At that thought, she blinked at him.

"What?" He noticed this strange expression on her face.

"Right. I think my liquor supplier is also his company. Not on your scale, of course." She perked up at that. She can have a legit reason to seek the man out. Maybe set up an appointment for a business meeting or something.

She held up her phone and eagerly waited for him to give it to her. He simply sent it to her as a message.

Grinning, she thanked him profusely.

"Think this through. Are you sure you want to do this? It won't be easy to get his attention. And if you do, there are children involved. He loves them, obviously. If you can't get those two on your side, you don't have a chance."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Do you think I'm stupid? Of course, I know that."

"And you still want him? A previously married person with two children, who's what... twelve, thirteen years older than you?"

She can only wink at her brother-in-law. "Yep."

"Don't give me that shit about how love moves in mysterious ways."

"Is that what it is? I don't think so." She dismissed it. She's just a hopeless romantic. All she believes in is that there's someone out there for her. And his name is currently Christan Taylor.

"Be careful."

"Thanks. I'll go now. Thank you." She skipped through their lawn, out the gate and towards her car. Evidently very happy with her accomplishment today.

Alex sighed. There goes nothing. He closed the door, just in time for his wife to ask if it was Alice bothering him again. He told her it was Alena, wanting Christan's contact information. She looked a little bothered and he advised her to keep in touch with her sister.

Alena went to her office and checked if it was really Christan's company that was supplying them with their liquors, especially the wines.

It took a while before she found the documents. She was relieved, though. It was his company. Now, what to do with this information?

She hasn't been very attentive to their business relationships and connections. Well now, she has a reason to and to one in particular.

Their orders aren't exactly sizeable. Her chain of small restaurants is... well, small. Compare that to Alex West's Queens Hotel... it's miniscule. She sighed. She can't demand anything with this little business between them. She would have to check with Alice and Alexis if he's also their supplier. If not, she can convince them to change it. That would be an opening. But of course, it's not guaranteed that it will be Christan himself who would discuss business with her. He's got assistants and employees, no? She needs another way to approach him. Not just this. This isn't enough.

She decided to ask around about him and see what she can get. He's not very sociable but he does attend events. He's still a big name in the industry. She also found out about a bar he's personally operating at the edge of the city. She kept asking about that one as it could be her entry point. She made sure to confirm that it's not an exclusive bar.

Alena was shaking her head. Is that it? How is it not being crowded? The location is not very accessible, but I think that's the main point. He doesn't want many people in it. Still... people who would like to speak with him, there must be many. Women who'd try to get his attention, like her. Business people who'd like to talk business with him.

There must be something, is what she figured. She needs more information on that end. She doesn't want to go only to be embarrassed. She doesn't want to mess up her chances.

And so, she spent more days planning how to get close to him. From what she heard, the man simply ignores women who tries to seduce him. She'd like to witness that before making her own move. Seduction is still an option but there must be a good way to execute that. And that's around Plan C or D. Definitely not Plan A or B.

Alena does have a beautiful face and a sexy body. She kept herself fit all these years. But she understands not everyone would be attracted. We all have our own preferences. She can only hope Christan would appreciate what she has to offer.

She doesn't want to act so obviously the first time so she just went to check things out the first few times. She brought Alice and then she brought her other friends.

She was able to accomplish what she needed to do: gather information. He does serve at the bar for a couple of hours or so every night. Except during weekends, which he apparently spends with his kids. She finds that admirable. Unfortunately, she can't find photos of his kids on the net.

There were also nights that he's not present. Either he's attending an event or having business overseas.

Three weeks later, she decided to approach the man. Not exactly going up to him and striking a conversation. She plans to sit at the bar and hope he'll be serving that night. She did see him talking to his customers, so she's hoping for the same.

Alice would be a terrible companion. She tends to tease. Coming alone would be best, but it's suspicious. He might think she's looking to hook up with another customer. That would be bad. After weighing the pros and cons, she decided to go alone.

She carefully chose her dress for tonight. Red and black are too common. She went for a printed one, kind of a summery vibe. Well, it's yellow and black. The kind of yellow that's easy and pleasant on the eyes.

She took a seat and ordered a glass of orange juice. Huh, she couldn't drink much, even when she tried increasing her tolerance in the last few weeks. She simply got wasted and unproductive. Alice assumed Christan would have high tolerance since... you know. One time, they were discussing how she's going to seduce him, if it comes down to it... the matter of his alcohol tolerance was brought up and they concluded it would be difficult. They've seen plenty of women in skimpy outfits parading in front of him these last few weeks. None of them caught his eye. He's a difficult customer.

She checked herself again. No cleavage on display. Her make-up is natural. Her hair flows down her back. Her skin is fair and she only wore a faint scent of perfume. Nothing over the top. Classy and elegant.

She was essentially too absorbed in her thoughts when Christan came and started serving. He was chatting to some of his frequent customers. He started from one side and worked his way down the bar. He was methodical that way. Yes, she didn't catch his attention but he did think she looked somewhat familiar.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked as he stared at her drink.

Alena blinked as she looked up, then she blushed. How could she not notice he's already here? The coloring of her cheeks didn't go unnoticed, but Christan thought it's because she was shy at being caught unawares.

"I'm not really good with alcohol. Do you have anything someone like me could drink safely?"

"Of course. Do you want a selection? I can make two or three."

She smiled. Alena didn't think he would talk in long sentences. This is much better than she imagined. Still, she knew he's just treating her like any of his customers.

"Sure." She watched as he prepared her drinks.

"You look a little familiar. Where could I have seen you before?"

She chuckled. She'd been coming here for three weeks and if he didn't figure that out, it means he really didn't notice.

"I'm guessing not here. I've been coming here for a few weeks now."

"Really?" He looked a little surprised but not totally interested. She knew those expressions.

"Yes." She focused on watching him again before letting out an "Ah!"

He looked at her curiously.

"I forgot about it. I think we first met at Queens Hotel. Board suite. Lee's return." Yeah, she was totally acting this part. How could she forget where she first laid her eyes on him? Hopefully, it looked genuine from his perspective.

He raised an eyebrow and visibly paused what he's doing.

"You were there?" He sounded doubtful.

"Yes. She's an in-law. To be honest, that was the first time I saw her as well. I didn't know why my whole family had to be there until she explained."

This time, he was looking at her more closely. "What's your name again?"

Inwardly, she was grinning. She might be leaving him an impression. Any sort of impression is fine by her, as long as it's good.

"Alena Reed. If I remember correctly, you're also in-laws with her, right?"

"Yes. She's married to my brother." He finished one of the drinks and presented it to her.

"My sister is married to her brother." She reciprocated with an explanation.

"I see. How do you like my bar so far?" He turned to business.

"I like it. My friends and sister enjoy coming here for the atmosphere. And the drinks, of course."

His lips curved up a little. "And you? What have you been drinking all those times?"

"Juice? I've almost gotten every juice on the menu. My friends would order something for me but I don't remember what they're called."

"I see. Try that one first."

"Thanks. This is new." She hasn't had this particular drink before.

She hummed her approval of its taste. "How much alcohol is in it?"

The look he gave her is unexplainable. She couldn't discern if it was a good look or a bad one. She hoped he's not thinking she's dumb.

"I used a very tiny amount of a 5% champagne. You should be good."

"Thanks. It tastes great. What is it called?"

"Sublime."

She smiled but her brain reminded her, he was talking about the drink, not you.

He finished the second one and set it on her counter.

"This is Cherry. It should taste sweet, and a little sour."

"Thanks."

"Why are you alone today?"

She's surprised he even asked, "Oh, my friends are busy today, but I needed a break, so..."

If she was honest, she's taking too much break chasing after him. She's currently unsure what the state of her business is. She would face that reality soon. So far, she's not getting any serious calls from the people she left on management.

Her concerns showed on her face and Christan interpreted as she really needed a break.

He tapped the third glass in front of her. "Hope this helps. Enjoy."

"Thanks." She's sad to see him go, but has to. She's new here, anyway. She listened to his conversation with the next lady and it was kind of personal.

He might have felt her eyes on him as he glanced at her a few times. She didn't bother diverting her gaze. She personally feels that would be a worse reaction.

The lady seems nice. She wasn't flirting with him. She does look older than her, though.

The men after her seems like very close friends of his, but they were more carefree. She imagined him acting that way and she almost giggled. He's handsome and looks younger when he's talking more. She's starting to understand why he decided to still work the bar, even if it's just a few hours every night. This might be the kind of socialization he prefers.

These people seem nice and good to talk to. The lady next to her has been observing her for a while now and her lips curved upwards as she realized something about Alena. The girl couldn't take her eyes off the man. She likes how reserved she is, though. Not openly flirting with him earlier. She knew Christan from university. He hates the flirtatious ladies who come to him with their bodies displayed.

"Hi, my name is Gia." She decided to converse with her.

Alena turned to her and smiled. "Hello, I'm Alena."

"So, I've heard. Tell me, you're here for Christan, aren't you?"

Alena couldn't stop herself from gulping. She picked up her orange juice and took a sip. Why does she feel like choking? She briefly glanced at the man, hoping he didn't hear her question. He didn't, did he?

Gia's smile widened. She openly surveyed her appearance before speaking, "You look nice and demure. I'll give you that."

"Uh, thanks?"

"You're not gonna ask him for his number? What kind of opening are you going to make?"

Alena shook her head slowly, while squinting at her. She knows what she's talking about, but her plan doesn't follow those actions. At least, not at this time.

"Interesting. How do you plan to get close to him, then?"

Alena figured it won't hurt talking to this stranger. She seems nice, not at all hostile.

"I'd like to take things slow. Make it as natural as possible."

"I see. What exactly are you feeling for him? Is it just lust? Admiration? I've heard the bit about both of you being in-laws with someone, so I'm guessing you're not after his money. Oh right, are you aware he's got two children?"

Alena smiled again.

"Yeah, I'm aware." She glanced at Christan again. He's now serving the last person on the bar.

"Admiration? Sure. He seems like a really nice guy. Responsible. Successful. Very attractive. Lust, you say? Maybe a little." Her insides involuntary clenched at the thought. This close to him, she's now familiar with his scent. Musky. Masculine. Heady.

Her plan ultimately includes a seduction if all else fails. That means sleeping with him, no?

Gia chuckled, seeing the change in her expression. Well, she can't blame her for desiring Christan. That man is extremely desirable, except for his background which is the cause of most complications. Well, she's already thinking he's wholly disinterested in women, in general. He has never dated anyone since his wife's death.

It's probably because most of the women who approached him criticized his dead wife. They don't know the real story. Yes, everyone thought she was with a lover when she died in a car crash. Only the closest friends of them know what's true.

Alena, being there when Lee explained, also knows the truth. She sympathizes with him and she wanted to give him her love.