Neo shut his eyes, and leaned back in the limo. He had gone through the file Mrs Chordis presented to him. No much damage was done to her finance. Even if there were damages, she was too rich to notice that. He thought to himself as the chauffeur drove out of the compound. He thought of different ways to help her as her financial advisor. It was said that rich people didn't know how to spend their money. That saying was certainly not for Mrs Chordis. She was meticulous according to the records.
"Who helped you with your records before I came into the picture?" he turned and asked. She was seated at the opposite end of the limo in her exquisite ball dress and shoulder length gloves that were soft as silk. She wore a light makeup that accentuated the whole look. She looked drop dead gorgeous.
"I took the records myself. I'm a little old now, sometimes I forget." she said and shrugged.
"How much do you intend to spend in this gala."
"Nothing less than a hundred thousand bucks. The children needs to be acknowledged." she smiled and picked up her phone.
"Children?" he asked, a little confused.
"Yes. It's a fundraising event for the town's schools. Gala is just a cover-up. I like cover ups."
"Why are you going then?"
"Because of the children. They need the money more than I do. What's your opinion?" she asked and stared pointedly at him. He shifted on his seat and smiled.
"I can't say anything related to this."
"You're the financial advisor. Don't you think your opinion is needed?" she raised a brow and tipped her head.
"Mrs Chordis. You're capable of donating hundred thousand bucks to this kids. Do what you have to do. My job will start immediately after this gala."
"Fundraiser." she corrected
"Yes. Fundraiser." he repeated. "How long does it take to get there?" he asked and collected the box of chocolate cake she offered. "Thank you."
"Maybe twenty. By the way, the tux looks really good on you." she commented and grabbed a bite from the cake.
"You made me look this way. Never would have thought you had good taste in men's wear." he said. She looked offended and scoffed.
"Whatever. Nadia will be at this fundraiser." she said and eyed Neo.
"I'm way older than your daughter Mrs Chordis. Don't let your mind wander."
"How old are you?" she cleaned her mouth with a napkin and tossed the napkin into a small trash box by her side.
"Didn't you get that from my file."
"I want to hear from you. Paperworks lie sometimes." she said
"I'm twenty-eight." he said and adjusted his tie.
"Nadia will be twenty-one next month."
"Oh really?!" he marveled. He never knew she was that young. That amazed him the more. Nadia was an interesting person who was curious about solving the world problems; most especially problems revolving around children.
"She's such a blessing."k
"Indeed. Why didn't she follow us?" he asked eagerly.
"She said something about completing her research and send it over to her partner. She'll come a little late."
"What if she doesn't come at all?"
"Then I'll be left to donate more. For the both of us."
"That makes sense." he nodded.
"Are you single?"
"Are you always this inquisitive?"
"Only around the people I like." she shrugged and picked another chocolate cake.
"If I don't answer you, will you touch my paycheck?"
"Never." she placed her hand on her chest and laughed. "I'm not that kind of person. As long as you do your work well; I'll pay you in full. The conversation is just a topping. I like to know my employees well."
"Ohh." he exclaimed and dust off the cake crumbs from his palm. "Thank you for the cake."
"No biggie." she said. Neo squinted at the giant billboard up front and read what was written on it.
"THE CHORDIS GOLDEN JUBILEE. Is there anything in this town that doesn't revolve around your family?" he asked while she stared at her phone.
"I'm afraid not Neo. I'm sure Nathan paid a fortune to get that up there." she said without looking at him.
"Being rich makes life easier you know. I've always whispered that to Nadia. Maybe that's why she turned out this way."
"She doesn't have to worry about money. You and Nathan made sure of that."
"Nathan is very strict when it comes to Nadia. As much as he wants her to bask in his riches, he thought her to value what she has and not be wasteful. Oh how I love my man." she said dreamily and continued with her phone.
"I can only imagine. Nadia is really lucky to have you both. When do we get there?"
"Are you always this impatient? It's pissing me off." she frowned and dropped her phone.
"I just don't like sitting for long. Besides, it's more than twenty minutes already." he checked his gold watch and lifted his head to her.
"The road is terrible thanks to the Mayor."
"You could do something about it. Community service."
"You're my financial advisor not my right hand man. Besides, the mayor doesn't like the Chordis. He's always bitter when we donate a huge amount. 'you all are always trying to show your money' he'd always say. Always. The audacity of that pauper." she hissed.
"I can only imagine. I had a terrible experience when driving a while ago." he said.
"We'll be there soon. I promise."
Neo stretched his leg and threw his hands at the back of his head. Mrs Chordis was a conversationist. Very lovely to be around.
"Can you increase the speed." she said to the chauffeur. He nodded.
"Tell me, what brought you to our town?"
"Greener pasture. My house got burnt in New texas." he lied. She didn't need to know the truth about him. Especially what brought him there.
"Goodness gracious." she gasped. "Sorry about that. If it makes you feel better, our first house got burnt too. You'd be fine." she said and nodded.
"It didn't make me feel better but thank you for sharing." he smiled and looked out the window. The breeze smelt fresh and healthy. "What does it feel like being the richest woman in town?"
"Feel like? We worked for it dear. We're not just the richest in this town. Our name rings a bell in the whole of America." she bragged.
"I can only imagine." he pulled his head back and admired the view from afar.
"We're here." she said and sneezed.
"Seriously?" he raised a brow.
"A sneeze is nothing compared to what I have in store for today. Nadia will be here to take care of me. Do not worry."
"I'm not worried. I'm just concerned." he said and waited for the chauffeur to stop before stepping out. He stretched out his hand for Mrs Chordis to use.
"Thank you boy." she said and grabbed his hand, using it as a support to get out of the limo.
"Stay close by." she whispered and walked off to greet a set of friends.
∞∞
Neo observed the room from where he sat. The way people acted to please others higher than them. It was all a facade. The same people that cursed the Chordis hovered around her like a swarm of flies.
"Mrs Chordis is such a vibe." someone said beside him. He nodded. He wasn't ready to start a conversation with anyone. Mrs Chordis was the reason he was here, there was no reason entertaining conversations with the locals of this town. Those slys.
"Tell me something, how does it feel working for her. I heard she's not that bad after all."
"No comment." he said and looked away. Mrs Chordis was dancing with a set of elite women. She was too occupied to see the way they stared at her
"Come on! Stop playing hard to understand." the person nudged him and smiled, shining her thirty-two.
"What's your deal?" he turned and frowned. It was the nosy gardener that lived nextdoor to old Ezekiel. What's she doing here? She stretched her hand for an handshake and withdrew it when he ignored her, and stared back at the dancing Mrs Chordis. She looked perfect being the center of attention. He assumed Nadia got that from her. They didn't have to try to attract attention to themselves.
"I've not had a chance to talk to you since you came to town. I just want to be friends with you."
"I don't do friends. Kindly leave me alone." he said and shifted on his chair. He hated women with courage like this. She leaned closer, breathing on his neck.
"We could be more than friends." she whispered and giggled.
"Find somewhere else to sit. Or better still make friends with your towns people." he said politely. She grumbled and reluctantly stood to leave.
"It was nice talking to you, even though I did most of the talking." she said and disappeared into the crowd. Neo took deep hagged