The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 38: Star of the Night

Chapter 38: Star of the Night

Aryana and the rest of the new hires returned to their table after a group photo with the CEO. On the way back when they were going down the stairs, she felt someone push her from the back. Good thing that Elaine was in front, otherwise she could have fallen. She looked back and found herself staring into a pair of hostile brown eyes. She recalled her name was Janet from the Marketing Department.

Aryana pursed her lips. She was the lady who did the introduction before her and she must be the one who spilled the oil on the floor.

The program went on for some time. The highlight was of course the awarding of the Most Outstanding Employees. All three winners gave their speeches which bored Aryana. Then it was time for Erik to give his speech.

Aryana looked around and saw that everyone was paying attention.

Erik was an eloquent speaker. He was a cold and domineering leader but he can adapt quite well and can be charismatic when the situation calls for it. The way he delivered his speech in a compelling charm inspired devotion from his audience. He captivated Aryana and she liked him more.

"So, you are just like the rest of the ladies here. You are crushing over him." She heard a sarcastic voice beside her.

"Antonio, why are you here?" Aryana made an effort to lower her voice so as not to attract others’ attention. Erik was still presenting the company’s performance in the last three quarters and plans for the last three months of the year.

"And why can’t I be here? I would like to be seated beside the most beautiful lady tonight." Antonio whispered seductively to Aryana’s ear.

She felt goosebumps on her arms. She ignored him and focused all her attention on Erik like everyone else. If it will not cause any distraction she could have asked Elaine to change seats with her.

She treated him like air and he was unhappy about it. He clenched his fist.

’What is so good about Erik, other than his title? I am a famous model and in terms of looks I am at par with him.’

Aryana’s full attention was on the stage and it irked Antonio. He studied her side profile and was mesmerized for a moment. She has symmetrical features. Her nose was refined, soft, and narrow that run in a smooth line directly from her eyes to the tip, where it turned up delicately with an outward curve. Her eyelashes were long and curled at the tip.

What an angelic face. He did not have a chance to really looked at her eyes but he knew that her eye color was unique and they were always bright and dazzling.

Aryana felt uncomfortable and she could feel a scorching gaze from her left side. She refrained from looking at him and focused her attention on Erik as he concluded his presentation.

"By the way, that was a good comeback." Antonio was trying his best to engage her in a conversation.

"Thank you." Aryana glanced at him briefly.

Soon dinner was served and Aryana heaved a sigh of relief. She thought Antonio would go back to his table but contrary to what she thought Antonio stayed at their table.

He chatted happily with Janet who was sitting to her left as if she was his date but at the same time pestered Aryana.

Aryana stole a glance at table number one. Julia was leaning closely toward Erik. She seemed to say something to him and it made him smile.

Aryana excused herself and pulled Elaine to the back where the cocktail was. They each had a glass of wine.

"Our CEO is so handsome and his voice is damned so sexy." Elaine babbled looking in the direction of where Erik was seated.

"Hey, look at you. You looked like a die-hard fan." Aryana joked.

"Ladies, can I propose a toast?" It was Jax.

Aryana frowned but obliged. She clinked her glass with that of Jax and then Elaine before downing the entire glass. Soon more and more people, mostly men, crowded their table trying to introduce themselves to Aryana.

She looked around for Marlon and hoped that she could stay with her to ward off the males who were trying to hit on her but Marlon was not around.

She was about to excuse herself to go to the ladies’ room when she heard her name being called on the stage.

"Aryana, you were nominated for the Star of the Night award. Hurry go up the stage." Elaine was excited and she urged Aryana to go up the stage.

"Let me escort you" Jax offered.

"It’s okay, I can go up by myself." Aryana rejected Jax. She walked gracefully to the stage and came up only after the four other nominees were already there. Julia was also nominated. She looked confident and very regal in her dress.

The audience will determine the final winner for the Star of the Night. They cast their votes and when the time was up, the emcee called Erik to go to the stage to announce the winner.

Erik, without attempting to put the audience in suspense announced the winner without ceremonies.

"Our Star of the Night is Aryana Jones. Congratulations Aryana. Please come forward." He smiled as he handed her a bouquet and her cash prize.

Julia was boiling mad but still maintained her smile. She congratulated Aryana and requested if she can have a photo with her and Erik. Of course, she stood beside Erik and not Aryana. She can’t accept it that she was defeated especially when Aryana’s dress was not even a famous designer brand. She wanted to humiliate Aryana so she secretly asked the emcee to have Aryana sing a song.

"Can we ask our Star of the Night to sing a song for us? With such an angelic face, I’m pretty sure you have an angelic voice as well." The emcee urged her.

"But I am not prepared." Aryana protested.

"Come on Aryana, this is just for fun." Julia’s said in a sweet voice. "You want to hear her voice right?" She instigated the audience.

"Aryana.. Aryana ...Aryana ..." the audience chanted.

Erik frowned.

Aryana sighed. Julia wanted to humiliate her but of course, she did not let her.

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