CHAPTER FIFTY–NINE–BETWEEN TWO FIRES
“I thought you might need some liquid courage to face this crowd of stuffy elites,” he said with a wink
Nia couldn’t help but laugh. “My hero,” she said, accepting the glass.
Justin turned to his brother, his smile faltering slightly leon. Looking sharp as always.”
“Justin,” Leon nodded, his tone polite but cool. I’m glad you could make it.”
An awkward silence fell over the trio, broken only when another guest called Leon’s name. With a last lingering look at Nia, he excused himself and walked away.
As the evening progressed, Nia found herself alternating between the two brothers. One moment, she was twirling on the dance floor with Justin, his infectious energy making her laugh and forget her nerves.
“You’re a natural,” Justin said as he spun her under his arm. “Are you sure you haven’t been secretly training for ‘Dancing with the Stars?”
Nia giggled, slightly breathless from the fast–paced dance. “If I have, it’s news to me. You’re not so bad yourself, you know.”
Justin pulled her close as the music slowed. “I had an excellent teacher. My mom was quite the dancer in her day.”
As they swayed to the music, Nia caught sight of Leon watching them from across the room, his expression unreadable.
Later, she found herself by Leon’s side as he navigated the room, engaging with various influential guests. Nia was impressed by his easy charm and the way he effortlessly steered conversations towards the charity’s cause.
“Mr. Colossius,” a distinguished–looking man approached them, “I’ve been meaning to discuss a potential collaboration between our companies.”
Leon nodded politely. “Mr. Blackwell, it’s good to see you. May I introduce Nia Foster? She’s been instrumental in organizing tonight’s event.”
Nia shook Mr. Blackwell’s hand, surprised by Leon’s praise.
“Is that so?” Mr. Blackwell smiled. “Well, Ms. Foster, you’ve done a marvelous job. Now, Leon, about that collaboration…”
As the men delved into business talk, Nia found herself captivated by Leon’s commanding presence. He spoke with confidence and vision, outlining plans that went far beyond simple profit margins.
“What do you think, Nia?” Leon suddenly asked, pulling her into the conversation. “You’ve been working closely with our community outreach programs. How do you see this partnership benefiting those initiatives?
Caught off guard, Nia took a moment to gather her thoughts before offering her perspective. To her surprise, both men listened attentively, nodding in agreement with her points.
As the conversation wrapped up, Leon placed a hand on the small of Nia’s back, guiding her towards–the refreshment table. “You were brilliant,” he said softly. “I knew you’d have valuable insights to offer.”
Nia felt a warmth spread through her at his words, acutely aware of his hand still resting on her back.
The pleasant buzz of the evening was interrupted by the sound of a glass being tapped. The Reverend
CHAMURLUKNINE BETWEEN TWO FIRES:
stood at the front of the room, calling for everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice carrying across the ballroom. “It’s time for our much- anticipated silent auction. If you’ll all make your way to the display tables, you’ll find an array of exquisite items generously donated by our sponsors.”
As the crowd began to move, Nia noticed the Reverend pull Leon aside, speaking to him in hushed tones. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but she saw Leon’s brow furrow as he glanced between her and Justin, who was making his way towards the auction tables.
Curious, Nia approached the displays, marveling at the luxurious items up for bid. There were exotic vacations, priceless artworks, and even a few high–end tech gadgets that she assumed came from Colossius Tech.
As she perused the items, she became aware of a growing tension in the air. Leon and Justin seemed to be circling each other, each eyeing the bid sheets with Intense focus.
The first item, a weekend getaway to a private island, saw Justin quickly outbid Leon. A slight smirk played on Justin’s lips as he caught his brother’s eye.
Leon’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, moving on to the next item. This time, it was a rare first edition book. Leon placed a generous bid, only to have Justin swoop in moments later with an even higher offer.
This pattern continued throughout the auction, with Justin consistently outbidding Leon on item after item. The other guests began to notice, whispers and curious glances being exchanged.
As Justin
in placed yet another winning bid, this time on a luxury sports car, Leon’s patience finally snapped.
“Enjoying yourself, brother?” he asked, his voice low but sharp.
Justin turned, his eyes glittering with challenge. “Immensely. It’s for a good cause, after all. Isn’t that what you’re always preaching about?”
Leon’s fists clenched at his sides. “And I’m sure your sudden philanthropic streak has nothing to do with showing off?
“At least I know how to enjoy life, Justin retorted, his words slightly slurred He’d been steadily drinking- throughout the evening, and the effects were starting to show. “Unlike some people who can’t seem to move on from the past.”
A hush fell over the nearby guests. Leon’s face paled, then flushed with anger. “You have no right to speak about that,” he bissed.
Justin, emboldened by alcohol and the tension of the evening, pressed on. “Come on, Leon. It’s been years. Kyra wouldn’t want you to keep living like a monk. She’d want you to move on, find happiness again.
Leon’s eyes flashed dangerously. “And I suppose your idea of ‘happiness‘ is jumping from one meaningless fling to another? Tell me, Justin, how’s that working out for you? Still feeling fulfilled by your playboy lifestyle?”
Their voices had risen, drawing attention from all corners of the room. Nia, who had been watching the exchange with growing alarm, stepped forward to intervene.
“Please,” she said softly, placing a hand on each brother’s arm. “This isn’t the time or place for this
