Chapter 9 Deception and Chantelle

• “I am proud of you, son,” Douglas was saying. He swallowed his fourth glass of champagne. “Lurane will be the happiest woman tonight.” He patted my shoulder. We were alone now after he successfully introduced me to a dozen of his business partners. One of them was Noel Greer who I am pretty sure Douglas is not fond of. The tension between them, while he introduced him, was high. Noel Greer is the rival of every elite businessman. He went head to head with the highest bidders and trumped them more often than not. Luckily, our paths have never crossed. He had the classic, handsome sharp Grecian features. He left almost as soon as the introductions were over.
• “Thank you,” I said. The wine in my hand bubbled. I have barely taken anything since I arrived, the thought of downing another wine was nauseating. Lurane was pissed enough time have smelled the alcohol on my breath, she will probably lose her mind if I lose any more of my senses to wine.
• “You have made the right choice, son.” Douglas patted my shoulder again this time there was something menacing in his voice and gaze. “No one else would have taken Simone’s rogue son under his wings as I have done. You know what they say? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and people think you might be like Simone.” There was a glint in his eyes that put me on the edge. He looked like he was going to say something else when a shrill voice thankfully interrupted.