CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Lia and Mr. Black made their way into the banquet hall without a stretch. It looked like the security there, were well informed about the arrival of Mr. King's people.
Just from observing the people present at the banquet, Lia could tell they were mostly from influential families. She felt as if she didn't belong there.
Meanwhile, Jack and Mabel had just arrived at the venue. They were currently having issues entering the place. The security guards refused to let them in.
"How dare you?" Mabel yelled.
"Do you know who we are?, I am the son of Griffon and your future boss" Jack said.
"When he is in power, all of you will lose your jobs" Mabel told them.
The guards kept silent. They had already told them what to do, to be allowed to enter. Either they present their cards or they leave.
Just then a familiar male figure walked passed them and was about to enter.
"Josiah" Mabel called out.
"Who is Josiah?" Jack asked but Mabel didn't answer his question.
"Ah, Matilda. What a coincidence" Josiah smiled at Mabel.
It looked like he had already burried the hatchet.
"It's Mabel"
"My apologies" Josiah apologized.
Jack didn't like the way Mabel gawked at him.
"How come he gets to enter without his card?" Jack asked frustrated.
"He doesn't need the card" one of the guards replied to Jack.
"He doesn't need one, but I do?" Jack yelled.
"Is there a problem?" Josiah asked.
"Scram" Jack yelled at him.
"Very well then. Enjoy your night" Josiah turned around and left.
" What's wrong with you?, He could have helped us" Mabel scolded Jack.
She preferred to swallow her pride and ask Josiah for help, than to be seen outside begging to be let in by the prestigious families present.
Jack and Mabel stood outside for a while. It wasn't until, their feet began to get sore that Jack's mother came to the entrance.
She was worried because she had yet to see her son. She decided to go and look for him.
"Jack" Mrs. Griffon called.
"Mother"
Jack might not want to admit it, but he missed his mother dearly.
"What are you doing standing outside? come let me introduce you properly to some of my friends"
"Well mother, These idiots refused to let me in"
"What? Can't you tell who your superiors are or are you stupid?" Jack's mother yelled at them.
"We are sorry Mam, but it was the instruction given by the chairman himself"
"Bullshit, let's go Jack" Jack's mother grabbed his hand and started dragging him with her.
Mrs. Griffon had not acknowledged Mabel's presence at all or she just pretended not to see her.
Mabel suddenly hugged Jack from his back. He instantly stopped walking and turned around.
"Jack baby, I suddenly feel dizzy. Let's go up to the balcony"
"Can't you go by yourself? My son has more important people to meet" Mrs. Griffon snapped.
"Mother how can you be so cruel? If she is sick then I will follow her wherever she wants to go" Jack defended Mabel.
Jack didn't give his mother a chance to reply. He took Mabel to the balcony where Lia and Mr. Black were currently present.
Mabel analyzed the woman in front of her and instantly a wave of jealousy hit her. She recognized the dress the lady wore.
It was a dress she couldn't even dream of wearing. The latest dress made by a famous designer ' Madame Marie '.
Sensing a presence behind her, Lia turned around to see who it was. She regretted her decision instantly.
"Why am I always unlucky?" Lia mumbled.
She felt somewhat relieved because she wasn't alone.
"Lia," Jack said. He was surprised.
Lia looked more stunning than ever. He took in her appearance from her head to her shoes.
The way the dress brought out all her curves. Her breast was slightly pushed up and her slender shoulders on full display.
He was instantly mesmerized by her. Now he wanted her more than ever.
This didn't go unnoticed by Mabel. Mabel knew that she couldn't compare to Lia.
Lia had only put on light makeup while Mabel had heavy layers of powder and foundation on her face.
Lia didn't know what to say.
"Congratulations Mr. Griffon" Lia said while snapping Jack out of his daze.
Mr. Black laughed. However, the three of them ignored him.
He left Mabel curious though, about who he was. He still had his back facing them. He was leaning against the protectors. She hoped that he wasn't the man Lia hooked up with.
Anyone could tell just by looking at his back, that he was a handsome and well built man, but at the same time, she was also happy that at last, she would find out who Lia had sold herself to.
"I guess you are aware that I am going to take over the Griffon group," Jack said proudly.
Mr. Black laughed again and this annoyed Jack.
"Who is he?" Jack asked.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Mr. Black"
Mr. Black stood up straight and turned around. Jack instantly felt threatened. Mr. Black was bigger and more muscular than he was.
Mabel became furious with jealousy. How could Lia have been able to grab herself a hunk? While she was stuck with jack.
Even Josiah laughed with Lia and he wouldn't even bat an eye before kicking Mabel away.
"So this is the man you sold yourself to Lia," Jack said with disappointment.
" Oh don't get it wrong, I'm just the assistant," Mr. Black said.
Hearing that Mabel and Jack relaxed a bit.
Jack felt as if he had more power than Mr. Black because of his higher position.
"Tell me then, what's so funny?" Jack said trying to sound intimidating.
"It's just, don't you think you are a little bit too confident," Mr. Black said with a smirk.
"How dare you? A mere assistant talk to me in that manner" Jack tried to show Mr. Black that he had more power over him.
"You are nothing in my eye"
Jack couldn't stand there and let Mr. Black disrespect him, especially not infront of Lia.
He threw a punch at Mr. Black.