The private gathering tonight in actual was the engagement of the son of one of the board of directors. In normal situations, Michael would have never attended it.
He wouldn't have even bothered but tonight was different. It was fulfilling his purpose in a very indirect way.
The small group that was standing in the hallway was infused with silence, an awkward silence. No one dared to say a word while waiting for their boss to say something.
Anyone could tell that Mr Sinclair was talking about him only and no one had enough courage to even try to twist it into something else.
Normally Mr Sinclair did not drink. Being the head of the finance department, he was one of the most valuable assets for the company.
However, about half an hour ago, a strange thing occurred. The personal assistant, more like a left-hand man of Michael Clark conveyed a notification.
It instantly moved everyone on their toes, especially Mr. Sinclair. Under nervousness, he drank more than he should have.
These kinds of engagements, parties or events keep on occurring, but never once had the participant been Michael. He stayed away from these social events and activities.
But the news of his sudden arrival caused all of them to rethink whether they had done something they shouldn't have.
Their minds were already clouded with the possible reasons he was here.
Mr Sinclair had never made a mistake in his work until yesterday morning.
His thoughts had diverted towards the slight mistake he had made in the annual report, which, if it had been proceeded with, could have landed them in huge trouble.
Was the boss here to point him out to the complete audience? This was all his mind could think at that time.
"Michael, what a pleasant surprise!" A random employee batted her eyelashes and gawked at him.
She either had the guts to break the silence or she was completely delusional to expect the response.
Because even Ashley wanted to know if she had become blind due to the excessive use of her eyelashes.
No one would be shameless enough to address someone who was already standing with a woman in his arms.
The girl was not even trying to hide the admiration on her face. It was a lot more than just admiration.
She looked like someone who could not get enough of his handsome face. And if given a chance, she would have pounded on him right then and there.
Ashley was sure about that.
Some employees held their breaths as they forced themselves to keep their eyes neutral. What Mr Sinclair said was more than enough!
The girl definitely had some courage to address Michael in front of everyone like that as if they were well-acquainted.
There was no need for her to open her mouth. There were all kinds of curses roaming through the minds of the other employees towards this girl.
It was not a hidden fact that their boss disliked people approaching him beyond the professional work. Especially girls.
However, Michael did not even spare that girl a glance. Instead, he shifted on his feet to move inside the hall and ignored all the people standing there.
With his move, a heaviness in the air also dissipated. All of them took a sigh of relief when one of them couldn't help but mutter. "Did you notice the woman by his side?"
For almost three to four minutes, they remained in shock, recalling the silent companion who had been in their line of sight.
"Could that-uh, be his sister?"
Because they had never seen a lady with him before.
"I don't think so."
-
"What event is this though?" Ashley couldn't help but mutter when her eyes scanned the opulent decorations as they entered the open garden.
It did not look like a normal gathering, more like a wedding. There were guests dressed up in their best while a pretty stage was put up straight at some distance.
Ashley wouldn't lie but she had expected a little more drama a while back in the hallway. But it's fine, her nerves were already jiggling in slight nervousness.
Ashley was never a person who loved socialising. Also, she had never attended any wedding or event like this before in her life.
Their silent entrance seemed to have made quite an impact.
Something shifted in the environment because one by one, the people gathered in this part of the area noticed them.
Like not just Michael but also her. Ashley could not ignore the way they squinted their eyes at her and analysed her up and down.
"Engagement party." At this time, the man by her side finally decided to break the seal and enlighten her. His hand broke free from her arm and went around her waist.
It was a silent claim in front of all. As if telling them that what they thought was correct.
Ashley stared at him as his eyes softened while looking at her.
Oh Devil!
Ashley was not lying but her heart did a somersault at that look. It was an act, and she knew that, but she had not expected him to be so good at it.
He had never looked at her like that and she was sure he had looked at no one like that before.
"Can you do a little good at hiding the surprise?" He muttered while his fingers pushed the strands of hair behind her ear.
Ashley blinked and realised the duty. She faked a gentle smile, "What could I even do if you were to throw that kind of look out of nowhere?"
To others, it might look as if they were having a loving conversation.
"Michael!" A surprised voice grabbed their attention. A middle-aged man approached them with a lady by his side.
"We are so honoured to have you here!" The lady grinned ear-to-ear as she quickly eyed Ashley.
Michael nodded nonchalantly. He was a man of few words, so the couple did not take it to heart.
They were beyond glad that he was here at the engagement of their son. They had extended invites to all the important people in the company, and naturally, it went to Michael as well.
But they had done so without holding expectations.