Chapter 67: 67
The Paris global governance summit was the biggest event of the year. Which was usually held at the famous Palais de l’Élysée. World leaders, diplomats, and big business names gathered there to talk about important issues facing the world. People called it ’The Midnight Accord’ since talks often went late into the night.
The night was full of glamour and influence. Guests arrived in sleek cars, with security all around. Camera’s clicked nonstop. Inside the grand ballroom, chandeliers lit up the room. Golden details reflected onto shiny marble floors. Glasses of champagne clinked, people were chatting quietly, and a classical quartet played softly in the background.
Leaders, business people, and celebrities mixed together, all under the eyes of the press. Andrè Dubois the expected next president was in the spotlight, talking softly with a visiting American envoy. Nearby, the British Prime Minister shared smiles and sharp comments with a rich oil magnate from the Middle East, both hiding their true feelings.
As the night went on, journalists buzzed about a secret meeting happening behind closed doors. A sudden discussion had sent aides rushing down the hall. Then, just as a senior EU official raised a glass for a toast, a loud sound broke the chatter.
Click. Click. Click.
The sound of heels on marble cut through the room. It was slow and steady. And everyone noticed. Conversations stopped, hands froze, and the pianist missed a note as the music faded.
All eyes turned to the grand entrance. A woman stood there, framed by the tall doors. She was in a sharp black dress and had an air of mystery. Her face was hard to read, but she made waves in the room.
The President’s chief of staff got tense. A journalist from Le Monde fumbled with his recorder. A Russian diplomat held his champagne flute tighter, it was obvious that every one knew who she was, and that made the tension rise.
But no one said a word. Not yet.
She took another slow step, the click of her heels echoing again.
And then, finally, she smiled swiping her gaze across the room
"I never knew I held so much importance" Carmela finally spoke up maintaining the smile on her face while Damian walked closer to her. They crossed their hands and made their way inside the hall while Cameras kept clicking
"Mr prime minister, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet with you" she did a slight bow which they both returned
"Miss Dalton the pleasure is all mine. I’ve always wanted to meet the creators of my favorite painting and today I have the opportunity " he placed a kiss on the back of her hand "I heard you were married to the first grandson of the Dean family.."
"I guess the Prime minister is easily entized by false rumors I’ll never make the mistake of spending the rest of my life with someone has hot tempered like Miss Dalton" Nix interrupted earning him a death glare from Carmela
"And neither would I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who is mentally disabled.." she smiled at him before turning to face the prime minister "I’ll also like to use this opportunity to introduce my fianacee Damian,our wedding would be commencing in a few days and I’ll be sure to send an invite to the both of you"
"Then I’ll be expecting that" Nix let out a chuckle catching the attention of almost everyone in the hall including that of Carmela.
"Congratulations Miss Dalton on your engagement with you fianacee I hope your father is pleased with your choice..no I know he’s please with a doormat as a son in-law" he scoffed before taking his leave
"Doormat.. he just called him a doormat what could that mean?" Whispers suddenly began infuriating Carmela making her clutch her hand
"We’ll excuse out selves then" Damian withdrew taking her away from the spotlight as he noticed Carmela’s knuckles turning white. As much as he loves the way she showed him off in public and detested the way Nix made fun of him,he couldn’t admit he loved the tension between the both of them and one thing he would not allow is Carmela’s anger ruining everything
"Babe" he called cupping her face in his palm as they got to the conner but she withdrew "You shouldn’t mind him,all his words doesn’t matter.."
"Doormat? How dare him?" She rethroted
"But I’m not a doormat so calm down babe.."
"I’ll kill him..I’ll surely kill him today" she said storming out on him leaving him with just a sigh. He rubbed his hand on his forehead wondering how he ended up with such a situation on his plate but was sudden startled. He turned to find who touched him to find a dark skin lady in a black dress standing behind him
"Mr Damian,your miss Dalton’s finance right?" He took a step backwards eyeing her before giving a small nod. " I’m Sophie Tchiani,director of the Judicial police in Paris if you don’t mind I have a few questions for you" hearing this he felt a lump in his throat but his straight face masked his worried appearance
"Alright, I’m all ears" he tried to compose himself
"I’m sorry if my method of approach is wrong but i know this is the only opportunity I’ll get to be able to approach you.
From our investigations,about the death of the university students,we found out that Mr Dean was involved in it but every lead that we had towards him suddenly disappeared. I decided to dig in more and got to know that both you and Mr Dean shared most of your childhood times together so I believe you’ll have or be a better judge of his character than anyone else. Almost a decade ago, a similar incident happened and more than a hundred lives we’re claimed and every evidence that pointed to Mr Dean was somehow covered up just like now, how would you explain that?" He smiled looking away as he cooked up his answer before looking back at her
"As you said,I and Nix Dean did spend most of our childhood together and so I’ll be a better judge of his character. The reason I and Nix are no longer close friends is because of that day. I’m not sure if you we’re aware of this but I was also a victim on that day, he almost killed me when I went to visit him but luckily I escaped"
"Then why didn’t you speak up? He could be brought to punishment by the law"
"If he was able to clean every trace that led to him do you think he would not get rid of me? Don’t forget that my family status and his are on a whole another level..."
"Not anymore Mr Damian, I’m willing to reopen the case of you are willing to walk with he." He looked the young fierce woman in the eyes and a smile creeped on his face before he extended his hand
"The pleasure would be all mine director Sophie Tchiani.." he brings out his business card from his wallet "..be sure to reach out to me whenever,I’d like to catch up with my fiancee" he took his leave as his devilish plans unfolded one after the other, things were about to get spicy and all he has to do is sit back and watch it all from afar.
"You look so happy after that child announced that you’re getting married " he turned to find the Scientist leaning against the wall his face covered with a mask.
"I’d rather kill my daughter than have a physcophat like you as a son in law" he scoffed making Damian chuckle
"Too late, you have no other option than to accept me" he teased making the scientist roll his eyes
"You speak so highly of yourself, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s following you..like where is she now?" He stepped closer to him
"Weather I am being fooled or not is my issue as of now I have big news Sophie Tchiani the director of the Judicial police in Paris is on Nix’s tail" he whispered but the scientist showed no sign of surprise
"I was the one who gave the hint. I’m not sure what that child is up to but before she figures out my cards I’ll throw that boy into prison so make sure she doesn’t ruin it" he hit him lightly on the chest before walking out.
"You speak so highly of yourself, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s following you..like where is she now?" The words of the scientist ecoded in his head and he took to his heels to find her. He wasn’t sure iof the direction she was but he knew from the temperament she displayed before leaving that she was super mad.
"If I was Carmela and wanted to kill somebody without calling for attention then where would I be?" He asked himself as strolled through the corners of the hall before abruptly stopping
"Car park " he said to himself taking a D-turn through the hallways.
On approaching there "Don’t you have any shame" he heard Nix’s voice and took a step closer to find Nix hand wrapped around Carmela’s neck while she struggled to get free from his grasp "You’ve already announce your fiance to the world but here you are chasing after me.." she suddenly cuts him off by spitting on his face making his facial expression change "I detest you Nix Dean I sincerely do" she said before kicking his groin. He suddenly let go falling to his knees in reflex to the pain he felt in-between his legs "The next time you call my fianacee a doormat,I wouldn’t just stop after kicking you but I’ll take away everything you treasure.." she threatened straighting her dress "..be ready to bow to your next ruler Nix dead" she scoffed before walking away
Damian’s suddenly started clapping catching the attention of Nix as he took a step closer to him
"Nice shot..dont you think?"" he squatted to Nix level "you know I once taught we could be the best of friends after all we were roommates in the mental hospital but no you have to be the upright one" he landed a blow on Nix’s face "That’s for holding my baby roughly" he said before giving him another blow ".. and that’s for even touching her..you better keep your distance if you love yourself " he threatened before standing to take his leave
"Shameless couple" Nix cursed.