The Billionaire's Obsession

Chapter 2

Juniper's Pov

Today is the big day. I have to pitch my ideas for the high end Christmas party for The Ivywood Hotel. I started my own event planning company at the beginning of this year and this party is exactly what my small company needs to put us on the map, no pressure.

I load everything into my car and drive to The Ivywood Hotel. I take a deep breath, putting on my best smile and walk into the hotel. As I enter the hotel, I am met with warm smiles from the receptionists. Jane, the head receptionist that I have been talking to, leads me to the conference room where the meeting will take place. She shows me where the projector is and how everything works.

"Is there anything else you might need or that I can do for you?" Jane asks me.

I think about it for a moment before I shake my head. "No, I believe I am all set now. I just have to set up everything so I can start as soon as they get here."

Jane nods her head and leaves the conference room, giving me time to set up. I set up my presentation and run through it just to make sure everything is running smoothly. I have just finished looking over everything when the doors to the conference rooms opens.

Two men enter the room and I walk over to them, extending my hand as I introduce myself.

"Good Morning, it is nice to finally meet you in person. My name is Juniper Rhodes."

The older man shakes my hand first as he says. "Good Morning, it is nice to meet you too. I am Walter Kingsley." He gestures towards the younger man as he says. "And this is my son Sebastian Kingsley." I shake Sebastian's hand too.

"Shall we move to the table, so I can start my presentation?" I ask gesturing towards the table.

They both nod their heads and walk over to the table to take their seats. I take a deep breath before I start.

"Thank you so much for considering me to bring this Christmas party to life at your beautiful hotel. I can already picture how magical this venue will look, and I’m excited to share my vision."

I move on to the next slide in my presentation with the pictures of how I want to decorate the Hotel's lobby. "I want to start by setting the scene. First, I want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a warm, festive wonderland as soon as they enter the hotel. We’ll transform the lobby with lush Christmas trees adorned in classic gold and silver, complemented by garlands and twinkling lights that will bring a cozy holiday glow. The grand staircase will be decorated with elegant winter greenery, and we can set up a photo area at the base, complete with festive props. This will encourage guests to capture memories as they arrive, creating an immediate sense of joy and anticipation." I gesture towards each picture to indicate what I have in mind as I talk.

Next, I move on to the slide with the pictures of the ballroom. "The ambiance and decor, for the main ballroom, my goal is to make it feel luxurious and festive while keeping it sophisticated. Each table will feature rich winter florals, elegant candles, and hints of sparkle. I’m envisioning table linens in deep forest green or burgundy, complemented by gold accents on the plates, napkin rings, and centerpiece vases. We’ll even add small, personalized ornaments at each place setting, doubling as both decor and a thoughtful take home gift." As I mention every idea I make sure to show them the picture so they see the same picture that I have in mind.

The next slide covers the food and drinks that I believe will coordinate well with the feel of the party. "Onto our dining experience. Food and drink are key to the holiday experience, so I’ll work closely with the hotel’s catering team to create a menu that feels traditional yet elevated. We’ll have a few Christmas inspired appetizers circulating as guests mingle, followed by a gourmet dinner with winter classics. For dessert, I’m proposing a stunning holiday dessert table, with decadent pastries, Christmas cookies, and perhaps a mini yule log or a Christmas trifle. For drinks, we’ll offer a full bar plus two signature cocktails, one with a spiced holiday twist and the other a crisp, refreshing option for balance." I show a few pictures of the food and the two cocktails I have in mind.

Every great party needs a good atmosphere. "For the entertainment and atmosphere I was thinking a live band will provide holiday classics and lively tunes to keep the energy up throughout the night. Between sets, a curated playlist will keep the festive mood going. For added holiday cheer, we’ll set up a cozy corner with a hot chocolate and mulled wine station, giving guests a chance to warm up with something comforting and sweet. The overall effect will be sophisticated, cozy, and memorable." I added pictures of the hot chocolate and mulled wine station.

"What is a party without the little details? Finally, I’ll make sure that every detail, from the lighting to the table settings, enhances the holiday ambiance. My team will be there to coordinate and ensure everything flows seamlessly so that the hotel’s reputation shines. This Christmas party will not only bring joy to the guests but will showcase the hotel as a place of elegance, warmth, and celebration." I show a few more photos of how the hotel will be decorated.

"When guests leave, I want them to feel that they’ve experienced the best of the season, warmth, elegance, and a sense of togetherness. I’m confident that, together, we can create a magical evening that will make the hotel the go to destination for holiday events. Thank you for considering this vision, and I’d be thrilled to make it a reality for you." I end my presentation and look at them expectantly.

Walter leans back in his chair as Sebastian leans over and whispers into his father's ear. I see Walter intently listening to his son and nodding his head. They both stand from their chairs walking over to me. Walter gives me a big smile as he extends his hand to me and says.

"Congratulations you got the job."

I shake his hand smiling back at him. "Thank you sir, you won't regret this. I will make this a party to remember. Everyone will still be talking about it by New Year's."

"Now that is an idea, maybe we should have a big New Years party too. But I will be leaving the party planning for you and Sebastian." Walter says and leaves the room.

I look at Sebastian who has been quietly looking over everything in my presentation. I walk to him just as he turns around and says.

"You really did a great job turning your vision into pictures so we could see the same thing. I think everything is perfect as is. We don't need to change anything. I would just like to discuss more in detail what our main dinner will be."

I nod my head. "Thank you. Of course, we can discuss anything you like."

"I think we can call it a day and start planning in more detail tomorrow."

I nod my head. "I can't wait to bring the party to life. See you tomorrow."

He nods his head and extends his hand as he says. "It was lovely meeting you Juniper. I will see you again tomorrow."

I wait for Sebastian to leave the room and I listen until I can't hear his footsteps anymore before I let an excited squill slip out. I got the job I think to myself feeling very excited and proud. I pack up all my things and head back to the office.

***

Finally the day of the big Christmas party has arrived. Early on a crisp December morning, I step into the Ivywood Hotel, bundled up in my winter coat, my hands full of notes and checklists. The hotel lobby is quiet, a peaceful contrast to the festive buzz that will fill it later in the day. The staff greets me with warm smiles, knowing how much I put into planning this event, and I head straight to the ballroom, where the grand Christmas party will be held tonight.

Inside, I immediately start scanning the room with my critical eye, making sure every detail is just right. I double check the centerpiece arrangements, a few of the arrangements need slight adjustments, and I make my way around, tweaking them until they’re picture perfect.

Next, I move on to the buffet area, checking that the food layout matches my plan. I mentally tick off each item on my list, glancing at my notes to ensure nothing has been missed. Satisfied, I head to the dessert station, my personal favorite part of the setup. I notice a tiny, delicate gingerbread village they’ve added as a surprise touch, it’s perfect, and I make a note to thank them later. I check with the AV team to make sure the sound system is ready, that the microphones work, and that the lighting is set to create a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Taking a deep breath, I step back, soaking in the scene. Everything is coming together just as I had envisioned. I allow myself a small smile. The Ivywood’s Christmas party is on track to be a magical night.

I am still double checking everything when Sebatian comes to find me. He looks around the ballroom in amazement as he says, "Wow it looks even better than in the pictures. You did a great job."

I smile brightly at him as I say, "Thank you, I am glad you like it."

"You should probably start to get ready for the party. I have arranged with the staff to get Room 4 ready for you so you can get dressed there."

I nod my head, "Thank I am just going to finish up here then I will get dressed. See you at the party."

I make my way to the room Sebastian had arranged for me to use. I pull on a stunning deep green gown that flows like silk, with a hint of shimmer that catches the light just so. The rich, evergreen hue complements my dark hair, which I sweep up into a loose, elegant twist, leaving a few soft curls framing my face. A delicate gold necklace graces my collarbone, and I fasten a pair of simple pearl earrings, just enough to add a touch of sophistication without taking away from the gown’s beauty.

After a final check in the mirror, I slip into a pair of champagne colored heels. I take a deep breath, savoring the quiet moment before making my way to the ballroom to join the party.

Within minutes the party is in full swing and everything is running smoothly. I am talking to a few guests when someone taps me on my shoulder.

I turn around to see Sebastian smiling at me, "Everything looks perfect and wow you are a vision in that dress. Sorry for interrupting, but I wanted to introduce you to my best friend."

A man comes up from behind Sebastian and he gestures towards him as he says, "Theodore this is Juniper Rhodes, the woman who made this magical night possible."

I try and hide the shock and horror I feel inside as I shake Theodore's hand and say, "It is really nice to meet you, but I am sorry to cut this short, I need to attend to something. I hope you enjoy your night."

I rush towards the bathroom to get away from him. How is this even possible? Why did he have to be Sebastian's best friend?