Eventful Attraction: A CEO Romance.

Chapter Two. ALEX BLACKWOOD

The boardroom was silent, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of papers. All eyes were fixed on the man at the head of the table—Alexander Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises.

His piercing blue eyes scanned the room, taking in each board member's expression before settling on the trembling figure of Mr. Henderson, who had the unfortunate task of delivering the bad news.

"As you can see, Mr. Blackwood," Mr. Henderson stammered, gesturing to the projection screen, "our quarterly earnings have fallen short of our projections."

Alexander's face remained impassive, but his gaze hardened. "And what, Mr. Henderson, do you propose we do about this?"

The older man swallowed audibly. "Well, sir, we could consider downsizing the marketing department to free up some—"

"No." Alexander's voice was a low growl, his tone brooking no argument. "You will find a solution that does not involve cutting jobs. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes sir, I...it was thoughtless of me, I made a mi-

"I have no room for mistakes Mr. Henderson. But then again."

Alexander paused, leaning on the metal, leather covered table.

"I agree with your idea, so how about you be the first...hmm?"

Mr. Henderson's eyes widened slightly

"No-no sir i-i

"I never said you could speak, does anyone disagree?"

Alexander asked thoughtlessly. The room remained quiet, the slow blow of the AC was the only sound that could be heard, along with Alexanders Leather shoes tapping on the tiled floor.

Satisfied with the response, Alexander straightened up and fixed his icy gaze on Mr. Henderson. "Very well. See that this issue is resolved within the week. I expect nothing less than perfection from my employees."

As Mr. Henderson scurried out of the room, Alexander let out a sigh. He hated having to be so harsh with his staff, but he knew it was necessary to maintain order and ensure the company's continued success.

Just as he was about to gather his things and leave, there was a soft knock on the door. "Come in," he called, expecting it to be another board member with a question or concern.

Instead, it was his assistant, Emma, her face flushed and her gaze darting around the room before finally settling on him. "Sir, I have the reports you requested," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander couldn't help but notice the way her hand trembled as she handed him the stack of papers. He took them, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Thank you, Emma. That will be all."

She nodded and moved back hastily.

"Emma, What are the plans for the annual gala?"

Alexander asked while Flipping through the files

"The annual gala is currently in the early planning stages, sir. We've been working on securing a venue and finalizing the guest list. Is there anything specific you'd like to see incorporated into this year's event?"

Emma replied, her voice steady despite her earlier nerves.

Alexander frowned, flipping through the pages of the report. "I expect this year's gala to be the most successful one yet. We need to pull out all the stops—top-tier entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and an atmosphere that will leave our guests talking about it for weeks. I want Blackwood Enterprises to be the talk of the town."

Emma nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, sir. I'll make sure to communicate your expectations to the event planning team. Is there a particular theme you have in mind?"

He stopped and squinted upwards slightly, a habit since he never liked wearing his glasses.

"I was thinking, Old money. A bit of irony if you must"

Emma nodded. She knew what he was aiming for. He didn't come from old money, he used his blood, sweat and tears to build up this company, and now he just wanted to mock himself, Emma however didn't question him. She knew he was smart. Amazingly so.

"Very well, sir. 'Old Money' it is. I'm sure we can come up with some clever ways to incorporate the theme throughout the event—perhaps some vintage décor or entertainment with a classic feel."

Alexander nodded, his gaze returning to the report in front of him.

"Make it happen. I have faith in your abilities, Emma. That's why I hired you."

Emma's cheeks flushed again, this time with pride.

"Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."

"Oh, before you gi back to work, Get Lucas to come in here, would you?"

She nodded and she turned to leave, Alexander couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lingered on him for just a moment longer than necessary. He sighed, wondering if he'd ever find a way to let her down gently. But for now, he had more pressing matters to attend to—like ensuring that the annual gala was a resounding success.

About five minutes passed when his office door was pushed open.

"You called, his royal majesty"

The Blonde man said bowing dramatically.

"I need an event planner, asap"

Lucas hummed and stolled over to the seat Infront of Alexander. His long legs aiding him with just three steps.

"That's the hard part Alex, what event planner would be ready in suck short notice? You could've done this a few months earlier"

Lucas chided and Alex groaned.

"I was busy, Mom and Lia had to move over and now that lia has a new boyfriend, i need to check him too"

"She does?"

Lucas asked lowly, Alex stared at him with a raised brow.

"And?"

"Nothing, nothing, I'll get your event planner for you, but don't blame me if but don't blame me if he or she's uncooperative!"

"Get a man, women are always trouble"

Alex spoke

Lucas chuckled at Alex's remark, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Trouble is thy middle name, Alex. You're hardly one to talk."

He leaned back in the chair, his long legs stretched out casually.

"Now, let's see. If we're looking for an event planner that can work under pressure, only one name comes to mind: Anderson Hawke."

"Anderson Hawke?" Alex repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. "I know that name from somewhere."

"He's the one that planned last year's party"

"Oh, no. Not him"

Alex stated and Lucas doubled over with laughter

"It was just a little kiss Alex-

"Don't f*****g talk about it"

The other man all but growled.

"Okay okay, not him. I'll go search for one, but I can't promis you it'll be a man"

"It better not be infact "

Alex sighed and Lucas walked out laughing all the way

The door clicked shut behind Lucas, and Alex sank back into his chair, scrubbing a hand over his face. He need this gala to be perfect, if not for himslef then for the fact that the Lakewood CEO would be making an appearance, he never needed to impress him, he needed to one up him, it'd always been like thay between them after all they were Step brothers, what's a little sibling rivalry?

The Lakewood CEO might be his stepbrother, but there was no love lost between them. This gala was more than just an event; it was a chance to prove to the world that Alexander Crestfall was a force to be reckoned with, a genius in his own right, and certainly not living in his stepbrother's shadow.

If only he had an event planner who could match his ambition and creativity.

___________

Alex settled into the plush leather seat of his luxury car, the engine purring as he navigated the city streets. The day had been a long one, filled with conference calls, presentations, and meetings. He let out a sigh of relief, his body sinking into the seat as the stresses of the day began to melt away.

As he neared his high-rise apartment, the glow of city lights reflected in the car's tinted windows. The day's events replayed in his mind like a movie on loop. Suddenly, his stomach growled, reminding him of something he'd forgotten: groceries.

The groan that escaped Alex's lips was one of annoyance, the frustration of his forgetfulness mingling with his weariness. But he pressed down on the accelerator, determined to make this grocery run a quick one.

The wind whipped through his hair as the car accelerated, the streetlights blurring into streaks of color. Alex was a man of efficiency, and he wasn't about to let a little forgetfulness derail his plans.

In no time, he pulled into the parking lot of the nearest store. His BMW standing out of place amongst other rickety cars.

Heads in the parking lot turned as Alex stepped out of the car, his presence commanding attention. The gentle clunk of the heavy car door echoed across the parking lot, the sound as deliberate as Alex himself.

As he strode towards the supermarket, his tailored suit and air of confidence set him apart from the other shoppers. His hands tucked into his pockets, he cut a dashing figure, unbothered by the stares that followed in his wake.

Inside, the fluorescent lights hummed, casting a sterile glow on the aisles of packaged goods. Some stared in recognition, some jealousy, alex didn't care.

He stood amidst the towering shelves like a giant among mere mortals, his imposing stature only highlighted by the diminutive size of the store.

He began his search for provisions, his gaze flitting from one shelf to the next, his long strides eating up the space between the aisles.

Pasta, spices, canned goods, fresh produce...each item was selected with care and precision, placed neatly in his cart. But as he rounded the corner into the frozen foods section, when a petite figure barreled into him, sending a box of popsicles tumbling to the ground.

"Watch where you're going," he growled, his frustration from earlier boiling to the surface.

"Excuse me?" came the retort, the voice icy as the freezer behind them.

He glanced down to see a pair of sharp brown eyes which held no recognition, glaring up at him, set in a face that could only be described as striking.

As their gazes clashed, it was clear that this woman was no shrinking violet. Her messy brown bun seemed to reflect the fiery spirit behind those brown eyes, and her freckles only added to her appeal, their light dusting a charming contrast to her otherwise unadorned face. The silver piercing on her nose, attracting his attention to the ones on her ears as well.

The grey hoodie she wore was several sizes too big for her petite frame, making her look like a defiant teenager standing up to the imposing Alexander .

"Well?" she said, her voice ringing out in the frozen aisle. "Are you going to apologize or not?"

"Apologize for what exactly? You couldn't pay enough attention to what was Infront of you"

He said raising a thick eyebrow. Sophie's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening.

"Excuse me? You're the one who wasn't paying attention. And now you've dropped my popsicles."

She crouched to pick up the fallen box, her movements deliberate.

"I don't know who you think you are, but you need to learn some manners."

Alex scoffed, his temper rising.

"Manners? Maybe you should learn to watch where you're going, little girl."

Sophie shot him a withering glare, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Little girl?"

She growled and tightened her hold on the box. His icy gaze trailed over her petite frame again and a smirk played at his lips.

"You just be 16 or something"

"Yeah, well how do you feel checking out 16 year olds? You f*****g pedo"

Alex felt the heat rise in his cheeks, the insult catching him off guard. He recovered quickly though, his expression hardening as he met her gaze, defiance and something else flashing in his eyes.

"Checking you out?" he scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I have higher standards."

Sophie bristled, her jaw tensing as she stood to face him, undaunted by his height or his attitude.

"Higher standards? More like a superiority complex. People like you disgust me."

Alex leaned in, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper.

"Watch your mouth little girl, you don't know who I am"

Her brown gaze met his in defiance as they glared at each other. They made a strange picture to the onlookers in the small store.

The tension crackled between them, palpable and bristling, as they stood toe to toe in the frozen aisle. The clatter of shopping carts and the hum of the freezer faded to a dull background noise as the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them.

"I know enough," Sophie retorted, her voice low and challenging. "You're some arrogant prick who thinks he's too good for the rest of us. Well, news flash: you're not."

Alex's jaw clenched as he absorbed her words, his eyes boring into hers.

"Careful, sweetheart."

Sophie rolled her eyes and huffed.

"Continue standing here Mr pedo, I hope you find more underaged girls to oogle out. f*****g creep"

She muttered the last part before twirling away from him.

Alex watched her retreat, a strange mixture of anger and frustration churning in his gut. He'd never been talked to like that before, let alone by some random woman in a grocery store.

He had half a mind to go after her, to put her in her place, when he realized she'd stolen his cart. The audacity! He swore under his breath, fuming as he watched her move quickly towards the registers, his groceries still in tow.

He had two choices: let her go, or confront her again.

He wouldn't bother himself with peasants he had more pressing matters, he cursed when he realized he picked the wrong brand of spaghetti. He paid for his groceries, lucky enough not to cross paths with the woman again

Alex stormed out of the store, his shoulders stiff with indignation. As he slid behind the wheel of his car, he took a moment to collect himself, his grip tightening on the leather steering wheel.

"f*****g little girl," he muttered, his teeth gritted.

And yet, as he drove away, he couldn't shake the image of her from his mind—the defiance in her eyes, the way she'd stood her ground. He knew he should have let it go, but something about her was...intriguing.

Alex gripped the wheel tighter, forcing his thoughts away from the brunette. The wind blew against his hand as he sped down the street, the cool air helping to calm his raging thoughts.

Home, bed, sleep—those were his priorities now. He'd deal with the event planner tomorrow.