The Traps of Black Swan

Leon went around the car buttoning his blazer. Unlike every time he was carrying the loving husband image, he had a stoic expression on his face. 

He hadn't bothered to check on Aeon, Eliza, and Sean. He had sent his men to bring Eliza and got to know nobody was at Aeon's condo. Then they visited Aeon's villa and got to see none.

He realized Aarvi was a step ahead and cleaned up the traces of his family members. He didn't want to be a coward by skipping the party hence the only choice left for him was to attend the party.

When Leon reached the left back door, the reporters eagerly waited to see if Eliza was accompanying Leon. But the one to step out of the car was the old man.

Elder Harmon who hadn't appeared in front of the media for so many years stood holding his white cane. If looked closely, one could notice the surprise and amusement in the old man's eyes. 

Elder Harmon too couldn't believe Leon brought him out. He ignored Leon's hand and went ahead hence Leon pretended to be holding the old man by the shoulder. 

When they reached the reporters, Leon gave an apologetic smile before the rain of questions could start. "I hope you could consider my grandfather's health. Let's not agitate him."

Elder Harmon: "..."

He realized the purpose of his accompaniment with Leon. It was to avoid the media from throwing the dirt on Leon's face by picking up Eliza's topic. He was just a shield.

The reporters looked at each other and still tried to question but Leon walked ahead cleaning, getting rid of the reporters.

Elder Harmon was sure he wouldn't be attending the party as Leon achieved his motive. As he thought, a young man wearing a blazer that had the Morris logo, greeted them. "President Harmon, Chairman Harmon." Then he continued, "The room is ready and dinner is arranged inside."

Leon nodded as he took his hand away from the old man, "Take him to the room and make sure none disturbs my grandfather's rest."

The young man had a professional smile when he responded, "Sure, President Harmon." Then he looked at Elder Harmon and pointed towards the different elevator, "Chairman Harmon, this way please." 

Elder Harmon glanced at Leon. He wasn't in the mood to argue which would get him nothing so he walked away.

Leon put on a smile of polite businessman, prepared with numerous lies to sound as Eliza was ashamed to step out.

Another young man attended Leon and escorted him to the banquet hall after checking the invite card like it was done to all.

As soon as Leon stepped in, the huge banquet hall slowly fell silent. A few murmured about him while Karsen and Connor looked at each other. They were sure why Jordan wanted Leon to attend the banquet.

Shawn voluntarily took the responsibility of being the host and went to the high stand table where Leon stood nodding at the people who greeted him. Unfortunately, none bothered to mingle with him.

Shawn grabbed two drinks on the way and placed one in front of Leon, "Welcome, President Harmon." Against his cordial words, he used a mocking tone.

Leon smirked, waiting for what Shawn had to say. He knew Dax and Shawn were smart and ruthless when it came to protecting their loved ones. But their main drawback was they lacked in putting their intention in words hence they would affect less compared to how Aaron or Aarvi handles the situation.

"I see, you have walked yourself into the trap." Shawn sipped his white wine as he smirked. 

Even though he had followed Jordan's instructions, he had expected Leon to stay in his mansion, turning down the invitation. He couldn't believe Jordan's plan worked so smoothly.

Leon grabbed the stem of the flute and lifted it at Shawn, "Is big baby disappointed? How about I help you get a feeding bottle?" Leon sneered with a pleasant smile on his face.

Shawn didn't get irritated as Leon expected. He flashed a charming smirk, "I heard you grew up holding a feeding bottle."

Leon's face considerably darkened hearing Shawn. His clutch on the stem of the flute tremendously increased as he glared at Shawn.

Shawn felt Aarvi's way satisfying. Using the same words on Leon and seeing him annoyed was really pleasing. He felt like it's time he should learn how to handle these types of scums.

Shawn clinked his glass with Leon's as he continued. He had got news Leon was gathering Ava Kelly information which was almost erased except a few data.

"Are you planning to reveal anything about Ava Kelly?" Shawn shook his head in disappointment, "Why are you so eager to slap on your face?" He questioned.

Leon, who was still thinking of Shawn's previous comment, frowned hearing him. Then it flashed him about the Kelly international. If Aarvi merges Skylar with Kelly, her power would be double.

Nevertheless, he showed no reaction on his face, "We will see who is going to slap on their own face."

Shawn was about to retort, he felt a presence behind him that covered. "Shawn, Aunt Megan is calling you." Her pleasant voice vanished the detesting air between the men.

Leon's eyes shifted from Shawn to the lady next to him. He admitted to himself Shea Morris had her charms. 

Shawn nodded at Shea as he pointed towards Megan for Shea, "Let's go." However, he didn't notice Leon gritting his teeth when Shea showed him a middle finger before holding Shawn's arm and walking with him.

Leon saw Major Louis speaking with Shawn before his eyes shifted away and fell on Zain Kelly who just entered with a tall beauty next to him.

When Leon's eyes met Zain, he also noticed the woman's eyes sharpened on him like a predator ready to attack the prey. Their expressions soon relaxed to delight when Shea greeted the duo with a formal shoulder hug.

Leon understood one thing. Everyone wears a mask for their own reasons. No one is a protagonist, everyone is a villain in somebody's life.

If there is any protagonist, the cruel world would change them. 

He had found a protagonist who had a different kind of mask. A mask of happiness. And he made her a more vicious antagonist than anybody out there.

Leon started weighing his plans and waited to know who exactly wanted him to be at the party.

---- 

At the entrance of the hotel, 

When the Bugatti car halted, the reporters were snapping pictures so as not to miss out on any small movement of Dax Grant. 

Dax got off the car without a blazer on his shirt. Handing the key to the valet he went to the shotgun seat of the car carrying the solemn look. He opened the door for Tia and saw her still reluctant to attend the party.

Tia clutched the seat belt tight and pleadingly looked at Dax. She appeared like she was going to cry any moment, "Dax, it's been years, I haven't attended these kind parties. My sister will definitely be there. What if Dad attends the party? He will make a scene in front of all…" She again started yammering the same thing.