(Myra’s POV)
"You, see over there ... that place, it’s the Crown Opulence," Yelena spoke as a magnificent and marvelous edifice ca into my peripheral vision. I was awestruck by how gigantic and spectacular the architecture seed. The Quintuplet mirror towers stood erect, making a concave pentagon like shape. Or you could say, it looked like a Queen’s crown, hence the na, the Crown Opulence.
"Ohhh ...... my heavens. What in the divine world is this piece of infrastructure? I bet my life that there are about fifty stories in each tower. Ohhh~ ...... how I so wished that I had my sketchbook with right now. It looks so damn cool," Wendy exclaid.
Yelena smirked and said, "To be precise, it’s seventy, each .... And~ ... do you see the topmost floor ...." She pointed.
"Umhmmm~ Although it’s hurting my neck and isn’t clear, I can see a little bit. Hehh~," Wendy remarked.
"There are glass bridges connecting the towers with each other. And each one has its own penthouse suite, from which one can see all over Esteria," Yelena explained like a guide.
"Holy Sh~ ... cow ... How much does it even cost to stay a night there, huhh? Ten thousand dollars? No, ... hundred thousand dollars? Maybe, worth a fortune?" Wendy was astonished. I know how fascinated she gets when she sees sothing like this. Maybe it’s the artist inside her that gets curious. Or maybe she is just into luxurious stuff.
"For so people, yes, it can be worth an arm and a leg, or their entire fortune. But for the elite class, multimillionaire, billionaire types, who can splurge without a care, that’s not the case. It is just pocket change for them," I stated my opinion.
Of course, people like us, the middle inco family ones, don’t even dream of going to such an upscale place. Let alone staying there, that too in one of the penthouse suites.
And to be very honest, I don’t really want to. Being filthy rich and all is good, but a plutocrat status cos with a cost of having too many enemies who are constantly after your blood and their life is filled with constant stress and pressure. After all, what happened to in Kimberg is an example of this.
A nobody like was caught up with the foes of Everests, just because I was Nora’s best friend.
I never want anyone to experience anything like what I did then, NEVER. And I don’t wish it to happen with anyone else, not even to my worst enemies. I don’t want such a life for or my family mbers. A harmonious, peaceful life is what I desire. That’s why I was so determined to leave everything behind and co to Esteria for a fresh start. And, whatever might happen today, I WON’T RELENT on this one.
I reminded myself of what I, my parents, and my sister have been through and it fortified my resolve even more.
The car ca to a halt as Yelena spoke, "Here we are, ladies."
Steadying my breath, I followed Yel and Wends out of the vehicle.
The entrance was grand. The sweeping staircase leading towards the venue was exquisitely adorned with a lavish, deep ocean blue carpet embellished with white floral motifs. An abundance of ivory colored roses and lush green foliage gracefully ornanted the banister on either side.
The place was abuzz with paparazzi and dia personnel, clicking shots after shots of celebrities and influential figures as they posed for the caras.
"Ohhh my goshhhh ... my goodness. I might sound like a broken record today but this is WOW! ... Isn’t that ... Britney Taylor, the A list actress from Hollywood? Whoa! ..... And there, there .... it is Caleb Hawthorne, the movie star, right?" I could clearly see Wendy gushing over celebrities as she pointed them out one after another. Her eyes were making hearts.
But one thing was clear to now. This is no ordinary, regular seminar. And .... whatever Yelena told earlier was absolutely spot on.
Eventually, I thought she was just exaggerating but this doesn’t look like a simple university seminar to , by any ans. And I am glad, it is this way. Because with such a densely populated place, I won’t be found out. I must say, I should thank Fabian. He has really done an exceptional job.
"My~ ra ... Myra, what’s gotten you so dazed?" Yelena snapped her fingers at , bringing back from my thoughts.
"Uhhh~ .... Nothing. I was thinking how lavish and well presented the exterior is. Fabian has really worked hard and it is paying off," I stated.
"Fabian? What’s this got to do with him, huhh?" Yelena was confused by my words as I saw her brows knitting together a little bit.
"Ohhh~, I forgot to tell you this. Yesterday .... he told that he has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing and managing this year’s seminar. So, all this, he has organized. I guess that’s why he has been so busy lately. Though I didn’t ntion to him about the invitation I got," I told her and Wendy.
"Ohhh, really, Prof. Stephens really has great taste," Wendy chid while smirking. "How did he even manage to get so many celebs in a single place makes awestruck. So don’t even attend the award function or any other events."
"Ahaaa~ ... enough with his talk ...... now let’s go inside and surprise him," Yelena got excited and was heading to the main carpet but I held her hand, catching her by surprise. She asked, "What is it?"
"Can we enter from the side door, please? I don’t feel comfortable with so many people staring. The eye blinding flashes are too much for to handle," I told them truthfully. The caras were really a bother to . I don’t want even a picture of to be there in the open. I want to attend this event quietly and return ho and go on with my regular life. I don’t want to be seen.
I could clearly perceive the disappointnt in Yelena and Wendy’s eyes, but they both eventually agreed to my request.
"This way, then," Yelena muttered and strode toward another direction. On the side door entrance, four bulky, well suited n, wearing black aviator shades and security earpieces, were checking the invitations. As we approached them, one of them uttered, his voice heavy, "Ma’am, please show us your formal invitations."
I took out mine, and Yelena followed suit as we showed it to them. He confird it and stepped aside to give us way, saying, "Please, enjoy your ti at the event."
I nodded and we headed inside.
As soon as we stepped in, my jaw dropped at the grandiose and palatial interior of the site. The venue was glowing with massive crystal chandeliers, accompanied by brightly lit small lights, illuminating the place, giving it a warm, inviting atmosphere. The polished, reflective marble flooring was enhancing the grandeur of the space as well.
The guests, all wearing the latest fashions from head to toe, were arriving one by one from the main gate. A very fancy looking orchestra was staged in the corner, playing a llifluous piece of music. At the center of the place, another stage was set up, which I perceived was for introductions and speeches.
My phone buzzed in my hand, as I saw Prof. Mitchell’s na on the display screen. I excused myself and stepped aside to take the call, "Hello, Prof. Mitchell. I am at the place."
"Okay, good. Now, co and et at the fountain area. I have soone I need to introduce you to," he said and without waiting for my reply, ended the call.
I walked back and told the girls, "Prof. Mitchell is calling for . I need to go there."
"Ohkiez ... but when that devil releases you, give a call, ummhmm~," Yelena mumbled as she picked up a champagne glass offered by the waiting staff.
Wendy picked up a nonalcoholic drink. Seeing this, Yelena comnted, "Are you afraid of your sister or what? Don’t worry, you are a grown woman now. She won’t say anything."
"Nahhh, nahh~ it isn’t like that," Wendy clicked her tongue and said, "I don’t want to get drunk and make a scene, really. I don’t have much alcohol tolerance. I want to enjoy the day to the fullest, eat fancy food, and gush over the celebs .... Co on, co on ... let’s go over there, sis Yel." I could tell Wendy was really excited to be here. I am glad she could attend. She hardly gets out of the Red Stone vicinity. It would be a good experience for her.
I shook my head and walked towards the place Oswald Mitchell had instructed to co. I didn’t want to admit it but I could feel several eyes on as I tried to walk as elegantly as possible in my tallic strappy pumps. The foreign stares were making nervous as hell, but I didn’t let it show on my face. With my chin raised, I feigned confidence.
At a far end, I saw Prof. Mitchell mingling with so guests. He was wearing a coffee-colored, three-piece suit, and he looked quite young today, unlike his usual attire, where he always wore grey. It made him look older than his age.
I walked straight to him and called out, "Prof. Mitchell, I am here."
He, at once, turned around and I clearly saw his eyes dilating. My appearance dumbfounded him.
"Miss. I am sorry, but who are you?" he questioned.
To Be Continued . . . . . . .
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