Chapter 242: Festivities
“Of course, it is. Come this way…” Ace said.
I felt the warmth of hisforting touch on my elbow as he helped support me. The walk felt so long
but we finally reached the round table where I could take a seat.
“If you need to greet your guests, you can go ahead. Just leave me here, I’ll be fine…” I said with a
smile.
“No need. I’m pretty much done with that. Plus, the main part of the event is about to start,” Ace said as
he sat down next to me.
The seats at the round table were still empty and there was no one else there except for us. However, it
didn’t take long for the other people to arrive at the table. Although I should have expected it, I was still
surprised when Ace’s father appeared and took a seat at the same round table that we were. A few
other people that seemed to be his father’s VVIP guests joined him at the table.
“This is Karina, my personal secretary,” Ace introduced me smoothly.
“It is a pleasure to meet you…” I replied as politely as I could.
Thankfully, the lights dimmed and all I could see were the people seated at our table. Suddenly, a few
spotlights came on and my attention was drawn to therge stage in front of us where a beautiful
woman walked elegantly onto the stage.
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, wee to one of the most special parties hosted by Jessen’s
and Hill’s. Of course, this is a party to celebrate our CEO, Ace’s birthday!” the announced cheerfully.
Loud cheers filled the venue all around us as all the excited guests pped and cheered. It started to
feel more like a birthday party as the overall atmosphere became exciting and celebrative. I found
myself pping along with the other guests. The host quickly announced the first show which would be
a mini concert from one of the most famous bands. I had to say that even though I wasn’t that into
music, I knew some of their songs.
Many guests made their way to the dance floor in front of the stage to get the party started and then the
band began to y their hit songs. The music was loud and it was hard to have any kind of
conversation with Ace even though he was sitting right next to my side. The mini-concertsted for
around half an hour and then the event moved on to the second segment of the performance which
involved dance showcases.
“You seem to be enjoying the dance shows more than the band,” Ace said from my side.
“I guess. The band was great, but the music was too loud for my tastes,” I replied with a smile.
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“I didn’t choose the band…” he muttered.
“I didn’t think that you would have…” I replied before I shed him another smile.
Whomever thepany had hired to organize the event probably chose the band and everything else
along with it. I doubted that Ace would have the time to pick and choose anything although this event
was supposed to be his birthday party. The dance segment had many interesting performances, but the
best part was that the music wasn’t too loud and I could still share some conversations with Ace while
we watched the performance together.
After the dancers left the stage, the same beautiful host came back on and announced the next
segment to the event. I felt her eyes ncing briefly in the direct of our table before she took in a deep
breath to announce the next segment.
“Now, what everyone has undoubtedly been waiting for…” the host began announcing the next agenda.
Everyone cheered even louder than before and apuded when the host called up Ace’s father to give
a speech. I thought that this was to be expected as I watched Ace’s father take the stage before he
stood behind the podium and adjusted the microphone a little.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much for joining us tonight on this special day to celebrate my
son’s birthday. As everyone is probably already aware, my son has always been my pride and joy.
Although there were some unexpected dys, everything truly came together when Ace decided to
take the position of CEO for ourpany. Many of you here must have had the opportunity to interact
and work with Ace already and I am sure that he is taking ourpany to greater heights…” he said as
he beamed proudly at the crowd.
I felt Ace stiffen a little at my side and I could tell that he wasn’t quitefortable to hear his father
speaking this way about him. I wasn’t sure if he was ufortable for being praised so directly in
public or if it was because of the strained rtionship that he has with his father.
“He’s really praising you…” I whispered to Ace.
“All he ever cares about is work…” he muttered back with clear irritation.
With that remark, I began to realize that everything that his father was talking about had something to
do with work and probably had something to do with the promotion of thepany and its work rather
than personallyplimenting Ace or wishing me any well wishes in the event of his birthday. Sadly, it
seemed like this event is indeed nothing more than a business event to promote and advertise the
services of Jessen’s and Hill’s.
“What an excellent speech…” someone said quite loudly.
The speech came to an end, and everyone apuded very loudly. To them, the speech must have
sounded amazing for sure. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought the exact same way. The host
took the stage again while Ace’s father made his way down from the stage. It seemed like the event
was ready to progress to the next segment. While I was wondering what kind of performancey in
store for us, the host approached the microphone and smiled at the audience.
“Next is the absolute highlight of tonight because we will have the person who we have gathered here
tonight to celebratee up here and give a speech of his own. May I please invite Ace to share some
words with all of us!” the host announced enthusiastically.
--To be continued…