Trapped In The Billionaire's Web

Chapter2

Ryan’s pov:

Derek handed me a glass of whiskey. "You're VIP, Ryan. The least you can do is act like you want to be here."

I sighed, not saying a word. Derek knew me very well.

"Come on, Ryan. These people are potential clients. The least you can do is honor their invite. And no, we won't be talking business tonight, and no, you don't have to accept their offer. Now can you put on your game face, please? The sooner we get this over with, the sooner this night is over."

I raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of my drink. Derek knew I hated these events, but he also knew i knew they were necessary.

I downed my drink, got out of the car, and adjusted my suit. “Let’s go make this money.”

Derek nodded. “That’s the spirit. Okay so let me quickly fill you in again” - he said, laying emphasis on “again”. - “FinxTech is a small but innovative company in the property software management space. We’ll need their support when we secure the government contract. You know, the Smart City Initiative?, where we’re the top contender, but there’s one condition…”

I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah I know. I need to be married” like I could never forget.

Derek nodded. “That’s right. And FinxTech is eager to partner with us. They’re impressed by our expertise in real estate and finance, they see the potential in us and they’re not wrong. Also, having them by our side could help secure the contract.”

“So what are we doing here ?” I asked as we stepped into the hotel lobby.

“Seeing if we’re impressed in them as well. Once we secure the government contract, we’ll need them. But tonight. We are socializing.”

Just as we enter, I notice everyone’s attention shifts to us. I scanned the room, my eyes wandering over the familiar faces of business people and women. This wouldn’t be the first time my presence commanded such attention. But I wasn’t in the mood tonight.

Truth be told, the government contract was weighing me down. It is totally unnecessary, in my opinion, why do I need to be married to be awarded a contract? Being married adds literally nothing to my abilities. It was just an unwanted problem.

“That’s the founder, Felix Penn,” Derek whispered, referring to an older man making his way towards us. “Beside him is Bob Walker, co-founder and head of operations. Be nice”

I raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m always nice.”

Derek nodded “right. I’ll go get a drink”, he said, and left.

I put on a charming smile as Felix and Bob approached me.

“The Ryan Kings. It’s a pleasure to have you join us”, Felix said, his eyes gleaming with interest.

“The pleasure is mine.” I replied, shaking their hands. “I’ve heard great things about FinxTech. It’s nice to finally meet the brains behind it all.”

“Oh, please, I can’t take credit for it all,” Felix said, humbly.

“I hope we impress you enough to consider partnering with us,” Bob said, eagerly.

Felix nudged him, laughing awkwardly. “This is just Bob. Always discussing business.”

I waved him off, smiling. “No, it’s fine, you believe in King Enterprise enough to seek partnerships even before we get the contract. We're definitely considering it.”

Felix and Bob exchanged a look, seemingly relieved and pleased by my response.

“We're impressed by your company's innovative approach to property management,” Felix said, “and we believe our software could complement your expertise perfectly.”

“Absolutely,” Bob added, “our technology could streamline your operations and enhance your services.”

I nodded, intrigued by their enthusiasm. “I agree, there's potential for a great partnership. But let's get to know each other better first. Tell me more about your team and what drives FinxTech's vision.”

“Nah uh!” Derek interrupted instantly, “what did I tell you about discussing business tonight?”

He hands me a glass of champagne. “Apologies, you’re right,” Felix says, smiling apologetically. “Please, Mr. Ryan, let's focus on getting acquainted. We can discuss business another time.”

"Mr. Ryan, we've got a special setting for you, this way." Bob said, gesturing towards a luxurious lounge area. I followed, sipping my champagne, when suddenly my eyes locked on her. She's stunning, a vision in red, radiating innocence and beauty. She looked like she'd rather be anywhere else, just like me. Our gazes met, and she quickly looked away, her eyes darting back to her companion. She was timid, intriguing. "Who's the woman in red?" I asked Bob, my glass hovering in her direction.

“Oh, that's Kira, Mia's friend,” he replied, nodding towards the woman in black beside her. “Mia's our business development manager. She’s been the one spearheading our efforts to secure a partnership with your company. She’s been instrumental in making this connection happen. You’ll get to meet her shortly.”

My interest was piqued, but not in Mia. “What does Kira do?” I asked, my eyes still fixed on her.

Felix chimed in, “You know why don't I get them to join us at the private lounge?"

Derek shot me a warning glance, but I ignored it. I wasn't here to play by the rules. "I'd like that," I said, my eyes never leaving Kira's face.