Page 24 of Taming the Elusive Billionaire

I climbed the stairs, and the announcer walked closer to the mic, “Attention, please, ladies and gentlemen, our host, Mr. Mason Blackwood, would like to say a few words.”

The hall went into a still silence as everyone turned toward me. I was glad I had finally gotten their attention.

I took the mic from the announcer and went to the middle of the stage, looking through the guests who had their eyes fixed on me except, of course, Ella and Lucy, the two ladies who had sworn to frustrate me at any given chance they got.

I couldn’t get the image of Lucy’s very voluptuous cleavage out of my mind. And that dress hugged her in all of the right places. I would really like to see it on the floor and see what she has hiding underneath.

I hit the mic firmly, and the two girls turned and stared at me. I scowled, and both glared, too. Ella raised her hand and began to scratch her nose with her middle finger directed at me.

I sighed, and looked back at Lucy, and found her smiling and shoving Ella slightly on the arm.

I cleared my throat and tore my gaze away from them back to the guests who gathered here because of me. I need to focus on something else, rather than the naked image of Lucy I have made in my mind. So, I looked around the room to see all these very important people awaiting what I had to say.

“First,” I raised the glass of champagne, which I had gotten on my way to the podium. “I appreciate everyone who came this evening, especially the Prime Minister, for gracing this annual event.” A clap erupted in the hall while all eyes moved to the Prime Minister, who nodded and waved his hand. A few seconds later, the clapping stopped, and I continued. “So far, it’s been nothing short of a privilege. Working with every one of you, the sacrifices you make, your vision, and your quest to push the Blackwood Business to where it is today, and for that, I say a big thank you to all of you.”

A second round of applause and the whistle went through the hall and soon died down too. This time my gaze made it back to Lucy, who was listening intently and clapping politely.

She caught my gaze this time and smirked at me a little. Those eyes, that mouth, and those breasts made me temporarily lose focus enough to make my dick start to harden. God, I wanted to fuck her so badly.

It was a good thing that I was standing behind the podium, because surely the audience would have seen the bulge in my suit pants.

I had to look away to refocus my thoughts.

“Of course, we haven’t stopped growing, we won’t stop growing, we won’t stop expanding, and just like our earlier mission, we won’t stop until we have made sure every city, every country, every region, hears about the name Blackwood, which was brought to the limelight not just by the might of one man, but the might of every one of you in this hall, and also the might of our great people of Evermore, it’s beautiful city, and it’s Government blessed with unimaginable wisdom from God.”

The audience clapped again, this time louder than earlier, followed by whistles and cheers.

“And like always, we ask, just like we have done over the years, if you think we should stop or no longer subscribe to the visions of the Blackwood Empire, step forward and lay your claims bare for everybody to see.”

The hall went into silence as each turned to one another while murmuring in hushed tones.

I looked around the room waiting to see if anyone would be stepping forward. I stopped at Lucy again as she was now turned around and talking to Ella.

Holy fuck, her ass looked amazing in that dress.

What the fuck has come over me” I thought to myself. Has it really been that long that all I can think about is my sister's best friend, who likely has an ulterior motive?

Forcing myself to stop staring at Lucy’s incredible ass, I looked away and continued to look around the room. After a few moments and nobody came forward, I smiled and raised my glass again. “No one, then let’s make a toast to the Family.” Everybody raised their glasses and paused, waiting for my command. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we shall strive forward for the growth of the Blackwood Empire. We will work hard with purity in mind and body, respect the laws, and stand with a strong vision to quell anything that stands in our parts. Long live the Blackwoods,” I shouted, raising my glass.

“Long live the Blackwoods.” Everybody shouted and drank their champagne.

I smiled and looked around at everyone in the room, happy with the turnout.

“Now,” I muttered, turning toward the band beside me. “Give the audience a perfect song to dance to. It's time to party and have fun.”

Claps erupted as I walked down the podium after giving the announcer the mic. I stopped to take in the sights of all the powerful people that stood before me, that have helped us get to where we are today. I could practically smell the wealth in this room, and it made me very happy. I continued down the steps, but not before waving at the guests.

Soon a dance song started, and the party picked up, while I began to shake the hands of those nearby.

“A lovely speech that was.” Adam, the General Head of Operations, said as he grabbed both hands enthusiastically.

“Thank you, Adam, you have also been a great help,” I muttered, smiling at him as I waved to the other guests.

I turned to the left and saw James talking with Elvis, head of Finance, in a hushed tone, and I began walking toward them.

“I believe you have something you will give me today, James?”

James was startled and turned around in fright when he heard my voice. He swallowed a lump and began to step back slightly while looking at Elvis to help him out, but no help was forthcoming.

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