As the large double doors opened, conversations died and every head turned. Even Judas and his family looked up, hoping it was Annabelle walking through those doors.
As dramatic as such an entrance was, it mattered not and could be easily overlooked as long as she came.
But instead, two men clad in custom-made suits walked in. They were not strangers, just people whom nobody expected to see at a Marudas banquet.
Isaac Shaw, and Kevin Grey. The chief secretaries of Colossus.
Though their presence came as a surprise to the guests, hushed whispers began to spread, but the disappointment in Judas' eyes was unmistakable. His eyes found Mr. Whyte whose eyes were fixated on the pair. He let out a sigh. It was better than him still glaring at everyone because Annabelle was absent.
Isaac and Kevin made a beeline to where Judas and his family were. The guests around them gave way as if it was the natural thing to do.
"Chairman,"
"Greetings Chairman,"
They greeted, bowing politely.
Judas smiled, pleased that they at least recognized his presence despite their rocky relationship. "You are both welcome," his gaze moved past them, looking behind as if expecting someone else to walk in after them, seeing no one, he looked back at them and then said, "It appears Mr Quinn couldn't make it."
"Something came that needed the president's attention," Isaac replied, and Judas' expression fell. "But he'll definitely be here. Just a little late," he added.
Judas looked up, surprised at that, but before he could ask further, they had already turned their attention to his family.
"Congratulations on finding your lost daughter, Mr. Marudas. It must have been quite a joyous moment," Kevin said, a charming smile on his lips.
"Yes, it certainly was a moment of joy," Elias replied, smiling as he glanced at Lilian, whose smile was almost blinding. "Thank you for coming to join us in our celebration."
"It's a pleasure to have you here with us. And knowing that president Quinn will be coming too, it means a great deal to us," Samantha said.
Just knowing he was coming meant he was considering the offer and proposal. It was a positive sign, and seeing the expression on everyone's faces was more satisfying than they thought.
Meanwhile, Lilian's eyes lit up for completely different reasons, her excitement growing every passing second. Unable to keep silent any longer, she asked,
"Uhm… Mr Shaw, do you know exactly when President Quinn will get here?"
Isaac, aware of what she was cooking up, glared at her, and she flinched.
Kevin chuckled, blocking Lilian's view of Isaac. "It won't be long, Miss Marudas," he said, a smile on his lips.
Lilian couldn't help thinking how much better Kevin was compared to Isaac, who was being rude.
Isaac looked at Kevin, his eyes saying more than he could afford to say, but Kevin just shrugged. Only they knew that Cassian was here even before them. Just didn't bother showing up.
But it was no lie that he had something to take care of first.
Earlier, about twenty-five minutes before the duo stepped into the hall, Cassian stood leaning against the sleek black car parked outside the estate, a hand tucked inside his pants pocket, eyes on the wristwatch.
"Are you going to stand here all night even after coming this far?" Isaac asked.
"He's waiting for his special someone. He won't budge even if you pushed him," Kevin said jokingly and got a look from both men. "Am I wrong?" He asked.
Just then, a car pulled up right beside them, and Annabelle stepped out before the car drove off.
Cassian straightened his posture. His eyes were unconsciously drawn to her. Every step she took closer drew him in. His jaw flexed. He suddenly became conscious of his own appearance.
Kevin nudged Isaac.
"What did I tell you?"
Isaac just gave him a look, turned around, and walked into the estate since it seemed the car wouldn't be going inside anytime soon.
"Mr Quinn," Annabelle called as she approached Cassian whose gaze hadn't shifted from her since the moment she exited the car. "I didn't keep you waiting, did I?" she glanced where Kevin was, he nodded at her and she did the same.
"No. I just got here," he replied and saw her let out a breath of relief.
It wasn't her fault since Judas seized her car and she had to order a ride online. Something she had never done before.
"Shall we head in?" Cassian asked.
Annabelle nodded. "Yes, but before that, I believe there is something you and I must discuss and agree upon." she said.
Cassian smiled, "Of course," he said, opening the car's door for her. She got in before he went around where the driver already stood with the door open for him.
"Just a question," Kevin spoke before the door closed. "What about me?"
Cassian looked at him without saying a word, but the moment Annabelle would have invited Kevin in, he spoke,
"Go with Isaac." He said and shut the door himself.
The car drove away with Kevin just staring at it. He shook his head and chuckled. "And you still question what it is you feel."
The car drove past Isaac and came to halt soon after and they exited.
"Now what?" Cassian asked, his eyes on the familiar yet unfamiliar building housing his greatest rivals.
"I do not intend to meet them," Annabelle said. "Not until at least."
"It is inevitable, but even the inevitable can wait until we are done," he said with a nod. "Lead the way, my dear."
Annabelle led him through a side entrance, the sound of hands clapping could be heard after Judas' voice ceased. For a moment, she halted, a dull ache shooting through her heart but she swallowed it down and continued on.
Behind her, Cassian noticed every detail even the most subtle that could have been easily missed, but said nothing, just followed her silently.
"No one should disturb us here," Annabelle said, opening the door to a balcony. "We can talk freely here," she added.