Chapter 24

While they rested, Bella decided to go through her write-up for the last time. She would be saying most of the words from the heart and would only show pictures for reference purposes.
At six, they began to get ready for the welcoming party and in less than an hour, they were ready.
"Do you have everything you need in place?" Charlotte asked and Bella nodded.
Everything she will need is already in place. They left the room and went to the conference hall. There were only a few people in the hall when they got there. Charlotte and Bella mingled with a few people while waiting for the party to begin.
At exactly seven, the party began. Bella was ushered up to the stage to say her welcoming speech.
She did pretty well, showing pictures about the summit when necessary. She ended her speech by welcoming everyone to the summit and wishing them a happy stay in the hotel.
Bella bowed and finally walked down the stage. Claps had erupted; many people shook hands with her, while others tried to get her contact information.
This was more than a dream come true for Bella. She saw Charlotte and waved at her; Charlotte waved back, too, flashing her beautiful set of teeth.
She is super proud of her bestie.
Bella talked to a few more people before finally excusing herself so she could go and meet Charlotte, who couldn't stop smiling, seeing how well her friend had done.
"How was it?" Bella asked when she got to Charlotte's place.
Charlotte screamed slightly. "You did perfectly well, my darling. I am super proud of you."
"Thank you, bestie," Bella answered, smiling.
"I told you the speech was perfect, right? And all you needed was just courage. I told you you are going to do well."
Bella nodded. Charlotte did and she's happy she trusted her words.
They hugged each other happily. "Thank you, Charlotte," Bella said.
Charlotte pulled away from the hug and bowed. "My pleasure."
Charlotte went on to tell Bella how people were watching her with admiration.
"I was so proud of you that I told a few people... That is my friend on the stage."
Bella nodded smiling. "I saw that. I saw you speaking to some people and pointing at the stage. It made me smile."
"Were you watching me from the stage?"Charlotte asked.
"I couldn't help it," Bella said. "You know... You are kind of my muse."
Charlotte chuckled. "I am honored."
Bella chuckled too. "I guess you are."
"I am happy you did well. This calls for celebration."
Bella nodded. "It does."
They listened to a few more people speak on the stage and soon it was time to mingle among themselves.
"Is there anyone you want to speak to?" Charlotte asked.
Bella nodded. "A few but..."
A young man walked up to them. "Hi," he waved.
"Hi," Charlotte and Bella waved back.
"Do you know him?" Charlotte whispered.
"I haven't seen him before," she answered in a low tone, shaking her head.
"I saw you up there a while ago and I must say you did a pretty good job," the man said.
"Thank you... Sir?" Bella answered.
"You can call me James," he said, stretching his hand for a shake. "James Stone. Just call me James."
Bella shook him. "Nice to meet you, James. I am..."
"Bella Smith." He chuckled nervously. "I heard that you were up there."
Bella nodded. "I guess you did."
"She must be your friend." He pointed at Charlotte, still holding onto Bella's hand with his right hand.
Bella pulled her hand away. "My best friend actually."
He nodded. "Nice to meet you..."
"Charlotte. My name is Charlotte. Nice to meet you too."
He nodded but said nothing. Silence lingered between them. Charlotte nudged Bella slightly.
"Say something," she whispered.
"What am I supposed to say?" Bella whispered back.
"Anything. I think he is nervous," Charlotte whispered again. "He's been fiddling with his glasses."
"Are you here for the summit?" Bella asked.
Charlotte stared at her and then burst into laughter. She tried to hold herself back from laughing out loud.
Why would Bella ask that question? Of course, he is here for the summit, or why is he at the welcoming party?
"I don't know what to ask," Bella whispered.
"I bet you don't," Charlotte whispered back.
The man stared at Bella for a few seconds and then nodded quickly.
"Yes, I am."
Bella smiled. "I am sorry for the question. I don't want the silence to linger on."
He nodded, adjusting his glasses again. "T-that is not a problem."
Silence lingered on again. "I will be over there," Charlotte whispered.
"You are not leaving me here," Bella whispered, holding Charlotte's dress slightly.
They both waited for James to say something but he did not. He kept fiddling with his glasses.
Why is he very nervous? Bella wondered. It wasn't obvious when he first came.
Charlotte decided to break the silence. "James, do you own a fashion school? Or do you own a fashion company? Or maybe you work with a fashion firm?"
James adjusted his glasses again. "I work in a fashion firm. I am the product manager."
"That is so nice," Charlotte said. "Or what do you think, Bella?"
Bella nodded quickly. "Oh, yes. It is. I own a fashion school and my friend here owns a fashion company. What company do you work with, James?"
"Mylóre," James answered.
Bella and Charlotte stared at themselves. Mylóre? The popular fashion company everyone wants to work with?
"You do not mean the Mylóre Fashion House, do you?" Charlotte asked.
James nodded with a smile. "There is only one Mylóre. I work with one of its branches."
He has stopped adjusting his glasses now and feels more confident talking about where he works.
"Wow," Bella muttered.
They went on to talk about Mylóre Fashion House. By the time their conversation ended, Bella was super proud of James.
Although he is a shy person and gets nervous most times, he is confident of what he can do and pitches his work so well.
"It's nice talking to you, James," Bella stretched her hand to him.
"It's nice talking to you too, Bella." James shook her hand. "And you too, Charlotte," he said as he stretched his hands to Charlotte.
Charlotte shook his hand too. After exchanging a few more words, he left.
Charlotte looked at Bella who would not stop looking at James.
"You like him, don't you?" Charlotte asked.
Bella gave no reply and she had to tap her.
"What did you say?" Bella asked.
"Why are you staring at James like that?"
Bella shook her head. "I am not staring at James."
"Who are you staring at then?"
"Look." Bella nudged her. "The man over there. Look 45° to your right."
Charlotte looked in the direction Bella had told her. She saw a few men standing and chatting.
"There are many men over there. Which of them are you talking about?" She asked.
"Not those men. Look at the one standing alone."
Charlotte turned slightly, her eyes catching sight of a young man standing alone.
"That?" She asked.