Chapter 7
Payson
When we made it downstairs, a limo was waiting for both of us, compliments of Jay.
We pull up in front of The Stone Pearl, known as the most luxurious hotel in the south for five years in a row.
During this hour, it’s even more spectacular, and I’m taken aback by the mere beauty of it that I don’t even realize the driver is kindly holding out his hand to help us out of the car.
I can tell Cora is as mesmerized as I am by it, but I don’t fail to notice the way she clutches her purse.
Though I may attend several parties throughout the year, they are all for the company.
A way for me to mingle with potential clients.
This hotel is the most formal of them all.
Entering the building, we both gasp at the enormous stone wall standing in the center of the lobby. As I walk closer to it, I notice the thin layer of water flowing down the wall itself. The stones glisten beneath the water, reflecting the ember lighting of the chandeliers above.
“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” a deep voice says beside me. I nod.
“It’s beautiful. The way the water reflects the light from the chandelier, causing a shimmer similar to diamonds…
I’ve never seen anything like it,” I say, looking over to see the one and only Griffith Hartley standing beside me.
Except, judging by his demeanor, he wasn’t talking about the fountain.
His eyes are glued to the beautiful brunette who came here with me tonight.
“Would you like me to introduce you?” My tone is amused, yet polite.
My question seems to snap him back to reality. I’ve heard he is intimidating and mostly quiet. I can tell. Before he gets a chance to answer, Jay’s voice booms through the speakers.
“If everyone could find their place. There are a few things I would like to announce.”
“Excuse me,” Griffith says before disappearing into the crowded room. I find my way to a table near the back, signaling for Cora to join me. Elaine follows behind her, both women taking their place beside me.
“I saw you talking to Griffith,” Elaine whispers to me. “What did he have to say?”
Elaine is the company’s go-to girl. She has worked as Jay’s assistant for years and knows everything there is to know about the company.
“Pretty sure he never heard a word of what I was saying. He was more enthralled by a certain brunette who came with me.” I giggle. Elaine’s eyes widen in excitement.
“You know he has a slightly younger brother,” she says, nudging my shoulder.
“He is said to be quite the catch.” She looks around the room, obviously looking for him.
“There,” she says, pointing. “Standing next to Griffith.” Before I get a chance to look, our conversation is quickly cut off by Jay’s announcement.
“I would like to take a moment to thank Mr. Griffith Hartley and the rest of the Hartley family for hosting the annual end-of-the-year party.”
People start clapping, but Jay silences them with a wave of his hand.
“It’s also been confirmed that Hartley Enterprises will be partnering with Reith Entertainment on the upcoming remodel of The Sable Siren. Ledgar Hartley will be overseeing the entire process as the CO-CEO of Hartley Enterprises.”
The crowded room erupts in cheers.
“It has also been said that my granddaughter will be joining Reith Entertainment as the Interior Designer for this remodel. I want to clarify that this is, in fact, true. She will be joining my business partner and I with overseeing this process.”
“That smile of his is a panty dropper for sure,” Elaine whispers. I pretend to gag, enlisting a similar reaction from Cora, who looks as if she’s really fixing to be sick.
“Elaine, you do know Payson here is said granddaughter, right?” Cora says, gesturing to me before covering her mouth. I can’t help but laugh at the way Elaine seems not to be bothered by it. Of course, she knows.
“Adopted granddaughter, actually.”
Cora stands, excusing herself, and swiftly walks toward the women’s room. “You actually made her sick,” I tease. Elaine flicks her eyes at me, worry etched in them. We have heard the rumors. I’m sure we are both silently thinking the same thing. Cora’s pregnant.