National Bank Banquet Day
The front plaza of the National Bank Convention Hall had been transformed into something that barely resembled a financial institution anymore. Long crimson carpets stretched from the grand staircase to the street, bordered by silver railings and guarded by uniformed security. Crystal lights hung like constellations above the entrance, reflecting off glass walls and polished marble. Everywhere, camera flashes erupted like tiny storms.
It was the most anticipated banquet of the year.
Luxury cars rolled in one after another–custom sedans, limited–edition sports cars, and armored vehicles bearing family crests. The city’s most powerful families had arrived, and the media had been waiting since dawn.
“The Anderson family is here!”
“Over there was that the chairman of Eastport Holdings?”
“Quick, the Cole family’s convoy is pulling in!”
The noise swelled instantly.
A line of black cars came to a smooth stop at the edge of the carpet. Security moved first, opening doors, forming a human corridor. Then Evan Cole stepped out, immaculate in a tailored dark suit, his posture confident, his smile practiced. Behind him came Raymond Cole, older, calmer, with a presence that carried weight without needing volume.
The reporters surged forward.
“Mr. Cole! Is it true your company is preparing a new round of acquisitions?”
“Mr. Raymond! There are rumors the Cole Group is restructuring its board. Is that correct?”
“Is the chairman attending tonight?”
Microphones crowded in. Cameras zoomed,
Evan offered a courteous smile. “Tonight is the National Bank’s banquet. We’re here to celebrate, not to make announcements.”
Raymond nodded. “Some matters are not suitable for public discussion. We appreciate everyone’s interest.”
They answered a few harmless questions, ignored the sharper ones, and moved forward without breaking stride. The guards gently but firmly held the press back.
Behind them, Miss Reyes’s assistant informed the reporters, “Director Reyes will arrive later. She has prior engagements.”
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That alone sparked another wave of speculation.
Inside the hall, staff moved like clockwork, checking guest lists, adjusting table placements, making sure every nameplate and every glass was exactly where it should be.
Outside, the arrivals continued.
Another car pulled up–this one less understated, more eager to be seen.
Lucas stepped out first, smoothing his suit with an air of self–importance. He turned back and offered his hand to Elena, helping her out with exaggerated gallantry. Margaret followed, eyes shining as she took in the spectacle, and Sophia trailed behind, already scanning the crowd for familiar faces.
Margaret gasped softly. “Look at this place… Lucas, this is incredible.”
Sophia nodded enthusiastically. “Everyone important in the city is here. Just look at the cars!”
Lucas lifted his chin. “Of course they are. And so are we.”
Elena didn’t say much. Her gaze drifted toward the front, where the Cole family was being surrounded by
cameras.
“They’re here,” Sophia said, tugging at Elena’s sleeve. “The Coles.”
Lucas’s eyes lit up. “Perfect timing.”
He straightened his tie and started walking toward them with visible excitement, his family following
close behind.
Before they could get too close, a guard stepped forward, arm slightly raised. “Sir, please keep your distance. Only invited representatives may approach.”
Lucas froze for a moment, then laughed awkwardly. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m Lucas Brown. We have
business relations with the Coles.”
The guard didn’t move.
Evan noticed them then.
His gaze passed over Lucas without interest, then paused briefly on Elena.
For just a second, his eyes narrowed slightly–not in hostility, but in appraisal. She was undeniably beautiful in a quiet, restrained way. The kind of beauty that didn’t shout but lingered. A thought crossed his mind, lazy and indulgent: Someone like her wouldn’t be a bad way to pass an evening.
But he didn’t approach. Not here. Not now. There would be time later if he wanted.
Sophia, seeing Evan’s attention shift, quickly stepped forward and said, a little too eagerly, “Mr. Cole! Congratulations on the new projects. The Coles accepted my sister’s proposal–Elena’s Grahams project. We’re very grateful.”
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Evan smiled politely. “Congratulations. If you wish to discuss business, please do so through official channels.”
Raymond added calmly, “Any cooperation with the Cole Group follows procedure.”
The words were courteous–but distant.
The guard subtly stepped in again, signaling the end of the exchange.
Lucas felt his face heat up.
“Well… of course,” he said quickly, forcing a laugh. “We’ll talk inside. I actually have direct access to-”
But the Coles were already moving on.
The small group was left standing there, the noise of the cameras and crowd washing over them.
Sophia looked a little embarrassed. Margaret frowned slightly. Elena said nothing.
Lucas clenched his jaw, then immediately put on a smile. “It’s fine. They’re busy outside. Inside will be different.”
They went in.
The interior of the banquet hall was even more dazzling. Long tables draped in white and gold, towering floral arrangements, a stage at the far end with the National Bank’s emblem. Soft music floated through
the air.
As they walked, Lucas leaned closer to his family. “You see? These things take time. I didn’t want to
make it too obvious outside.”
Margaret’s doubt faded quickly. “Of course, of course. You’re right. You have connections. They probably don’t want to talk business in front of the media.”
Sophia nodded. “Exactly. Lucas knows what he’s doing.”
Elena glanced at Lucas, but said nothing.
They found their seats–good ones, not front–row, but far from bad.
Lucas settled in like a king returning to his throne.
“You know,” he said casually, “this is just the beginning. Once the chairman arrives, things will really move. I’ve already arranged a chance to speak with him.”
Margaret’s eyes widened. “The chairman? The real chairman of the Cole Group?”
Lucas smiled mysteriously. “Naturally.”
Sophia clasped her hands together. “Lucas, that’s amazing!”
Elena finally looked at him. “You never mentioned that before.”
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Lucas waved his hand. “I didn’t want to jinx it. Big people don’t like too much noise before things are settled.”
They basked in the atmosphere–servers bringing drinks, guests greeting one another, soft laughter and clinking glasses filling the hall.
Not far away, Evan and Raymond took their places at the Cole table. Their presence alone drew attention. Several business leaders came over to greet them.
“Mr. Evan, Mr. Raymond, it’s an honor.”
“Likewise,” Raymond replied calmly.
Evan’s gaze drifted around the room again, unconsciously searching. It landed briefly on Elena’s table. He smiled faintly, then looked away.
At another table, people were whispering.
“Did you hear? The Cole chairman might actually show up tonight.”
“I heard he’s been back in the country for a while.”
“No one’s seen him in years…”
Speculation spread like a quiet fire.
Back at Lucas’s table, he leaned back in his chair, enjoying the attention Elena’s family was giving him.
Margaret said warmly, “Lucas, ever since you started handling things, our lives have really turned
around.”
Sophia added, “Yes! So many things we can’t mentioned, the invitations, now even a chance to speak to the chairman. We’re really relying on you.”
Lucas chuckled. “That’s what I’m here for.”
He didn’t mention that some of the Browns‘ projects had already been quietly canceled.
He didn’t mention that some doors had stopped opening.
Tonight was not the night for that.
Tonight, he would shine.
As the banquet host took the stage and began the opening speech, the hall gradually quieted.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the National Bank’s annual banquet…”
Applause followed.
The host spoke of partnerships, growth, and the future.
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Then he said, with a meaningful pause, “Tonight, we are also honored that several very special guests are present. And later this evening… there will be an announcement that concerns the future structure of some of our city’s most influential enterprises.”
A ripple of excitement went through the room.
Lucas’s heart thumped.
Margaret squeezed his arm. “You hear that? This must be it.”
Sophia whispered, “Lucas, you’re amazing.”
Lucas smiled, already imagining himself standing among the real elites, shaking hands, being recognized.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
