The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 67: She Shines Like A Star

Chapter 67: She Shines Like A Star

The deafening applause lasted for a long time.

Erik smiled proudly at how well-received Aryana’s endorsement was. It was very clear that she was the star of the Bay Gardens commercial. To be honest, he was jealous of Antonio but he can only keep his jealousy to himself.

Soon murmurs were heard from the crowd that did not escape the ears of the people at VIP table 1.

"I’ll have my son’s prenuptial photo shoot in that pool area."

"My daughter will be celebrating her 18th birthday in three months. I’d better book the venue."

"I’ll get a unit there. I can watch that spectacular sunset every day."

George Lee leaned towards Erik and whispered something in his ear.

"Hmmm. That woman is quite valuable. I didn’t know she can project herself well on the camera. She deserved to be called The Water Nymph."

His nonchalant praise brought the corner of Erik’s lips to curl up lightly. But he did not say anything.

George Lee was invited to go up the stage. He gave a lengthy speech recognizing the contribution of all the affiliates and the director behind the successful commercials of Bay Gardens Residences.

The photo gallery behind the Bay Gardens Residences booth was unveiled. The backdrop of the gallery was the blown-up photo of Aryana in her wet white flowing dress and beckoning Antonio who was sitting on the side of the pool, his trousers rolled up and his feet dangling on the water creating ripples in the pool.

Antonio, Aryana, the manager of the sales and marketing department entertained guests who inquired about the property. A lot of units were purchased and bookings for the pool area were made on the spot

George Lee accompanied by Erik and Norman Lopez approached the booth and briefly congratulated the director, Antonio, and Aryana. He did not linger but moved to the other booths.

"Well done Yana," Erik whispered to her after giving a mischievous wink. "I’ll reward you tonight."

Aryana blushed.

Erik also congratulated the director and Antonio politely before moving on to follow his grandfather.

Many young CEOs who came for the celebration scrambled to take their photos with Aryana. Erik who was with his grandfather could not help himself but clenched his fist and looked back at Aryana from time to time.

Gram Ham approached Aryana with an amiable smile. "Can I have a photo with you pretty lady? I’ll show it to my son. The one I mentioned is the CEO of Galaxy Entertainment."

"Uncle!" Antonio protested. Gram just glared at him and he shut up. He passed his cell phone to him and posed with Aryana.

"Remember what I told you earlier Aryana. We can discuss a compensation package that is beneficial to you. Galaxy can offer you better resources than you working freelance."

"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Ham. Let me think through it. But then again, I can only do photo shoots on weekends." Aryana responded politely.

"Aryana, I strongly suggest that you accept Uncle’s proposal. You will be in good hands." Antonio tried to convince her.

"I’ll think about it." She replied firmly.

The banquet hall was filled with music and while the older men grouped together to discuss business opportunities, the younger ones started filling the dance floor.

"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you Ms. Jones?" Antonio offered his hand to Aryana. Before she can accept it, Erik took her away.

"You may not Antonio. I’d like to dance with my secretary." Erik said as he led Aryana to the dance floor.

Antonio can only follow them with his gaze in fury. He did not have any choice but to ask another model for a dance which she happily accepted.

"You dazzled everyone tonight Honey. Even grandpa was impressed with you." Erik whispered as they swayed gently to the music.

"That’s good to know. I was afraid that your grandpa would look down on me and embarrass me today." Aryana shared her fear with him.

"You have to pay me for the jealousy I felt tonight. Even now so many men are looking at you with that look that wants to devour you whole." Erik said seriously.

Aryana chuckled. "I think it is the other way around. Look at all the beauties with their longing eyes trained on you. And your grandpa is looking this way. I think he wants to talk with you. He has a guest with him."

Erik led Aryana to where his grandpa was. He was talking to the patriarch of the Lopezes.

Gram Ham intercepted them and asked Erik politely, "Can I have this dance with Ms. Jones?"

Erik nodded lightly and Aryana was back on the dance floor with Mr. Gram.

George Lee led Erik to a small private room adjoining the banquet hall.

"How have you been Grandpa and Grandma Lopez? Thank you for gracing Grandpa’s birthday party today." Erik bowed slightly to show respect. His grandpa and the patriarch of the Lopezes were best of friends and have always had close ties with each other.

"It is not a birthday party at all but a showcase of the strength of your grandpa’s business empire. We are here to discuss strengthening that empire through a marriage alliance." Vicente Lopez declared confidently.

Erik showed no reaction." Julia slept with my best friend Franco. I will never accept her." Erik said coldly and firmly.

"Oh dear, Julia is not our only granddaughter. We will give you a surprise soon." Mrs. Lopez butted in.

Erik clenched his fist and silently cursed. He threw his grandpa a glance before bowing slightly again. "If there is nothing else, I’ll go back outside to discuss with Mr. Ham the next theme park that we will be building." He said and left.

He surveyed the dance floor and found Mr. Ham still with Aryana and talking happily with her. When he saw him, Mr. Ham escorted Aryana out of the dance floor only to be intercepted by Antonio.

Erik clenched his fist and threw daggers at Antonio. He was too far away to intervene. Mr. Ham approached Erik with a knowing smile.

"You looked like you want to kill Antonio with that look of yours." Mr. Ham chuckled.

"Aryana is my secretary and you know how dirty Antonio plays," Erik said tersely.

"Hmm, looks like he has good intentions for that pretty lady." Mr. Ham defended his nephew.

"You have not seen how he molested her the first time they met," Erik said coldly.

"Anyway, I am here to talk about the contract of the Galaxy Theme Park. I have minor changes and we can finalize the contract by Monday. My secretary already set an appointment. We will be at your office at 9:00 am."

Erik nodded and said okay. He was distracted and was looking for Aryana.

"Your secretary is quite good. She escaped from the clutches of Antonio."

Erik smiled and bade Mr. Ham goodbye, then he went to the restroom area.

Sure enough, Aryana was there.

"Time to go home honey. Our work here is done!"