Standing Before Love (Myra and Sean) novel Chapter 400

On the night of the banquet, Myra and Tony were dressed glamorously for the event—a sophisticated presentation was the best weapon on such occasions. The couple put on a solemn expression as they entered the venue. They knew that this invitation couldn’t be as simple as it seemed, so they had to be prepared to handle any situation seriously.

Tony stole a glance at Myra who was beside him; she was wearing a turquoise dress which brought out her bright complexion wonderfully, making her look more beautiful than ever.

Even though her waist wasn’t as slim as before, her current supple and full figure added a touch of womanly charm! The gown accentuated her elegant posture, and every move she made was filled with charisma befitting of a young mistress.

Myra was able to recognize Matthias in the midst of the huge crowd after seeing his photo beforehand. She asked Tony in a low voice, “Should we go to him?”

Tony was exchanging greetings with his fellow attendees, so he took a half-hearted glance in Matthias’ direction. When he saw the man in person, it felt like their subject of conversation for many days had finally come to life.

The couple weren’t far from Matthias, so the man was bound to notice them sooner or later. Moreover, a nobody like Matthias wasn’t worthy of Tony to initiate their greeting.

In actual fact, Matthias had felt Tony’s eyes on him for some time; he simply didn’t react to it. He’d heard that Tony had a unique way of handling things, so he was eager to have a go at him.

Nevertheless, Matthias was still waiting for the right time to make his move. After all, it was no laughing matter to be enemies with the Hart Family in Bradfort City.

Moreover, the Waltons had just been completely trampled on and ruined by the Harts not too long ago; the way Matthias simply picked a fight with the Hart Family considering their current power and influence proved just how ambitious the man was.

Thus, the two parties waited for one another in silence. Eventually, Matthias made his way to Tony; after all, the former was the host of the night, whereas the latter was a guest. Thus, it was basic etiquette for Matthias to take the initiative this time—he had already anticipated this to happen when he sent Tony an invitation.

Right now, things were going in Tony’s way; he faced the situation confidently and naturally, whereas Myra maintained an elegant composure by his side. Matthias observed the woman as he approached the couple since he already had a detailed understanding of Tony’s background. On the other hand, Matthias didn’t pay attention to Myra’s background; as a woman who had caught Tony’s interest, though, Matthias was quite interested in her abilities as well.

“Director Hart.” Matthias’ voice had an inexplicable charm to it. If only he put more effort in his articulation and tone, he could very well be a qualified TV announcer.

He was lean and had a clean and sculpted appearance; it made him appear scholarly and neat. No one would have guessed that Matthias was affiliated with shady business just by looking at him.

“Director Locke,” Tony returned his greeting politely. Next to him, Myra smiled courteously as well.

“Miss Stark,” Matthias’ eyes lingered on Myra for a while; a deep, incomprehensible look filled his gaze.

Matthias’ way of addressing Myra made the two feel a little uncomfortable—she was Tony’s fiancée, after all. Not only that, the blunt and unreserved look in his eyes as he stared at Myra was quite rude as well.

“Good evening, Director Locke.” Myra’s smile stiffened a little. She wasn’t fond of the way Matthias looked at her at all, for it seemed like he was sizing up a prey.

“Please excuse the lack of hospitality. I’m truly honored to have the two of you here tonight.” Matthias finally looked away from Myra; he turned to Tony and gestured to them politely as he spoke.

“You have quite a beautiful home, Director Locke.” Tony looked around casually. Matthias had quite a taste in furnishing and decoration, so Tony’s compliment wasn’t all empty praise.

“I just moved in not too long ago, so the decorations are simple. I heard that Miss Stark is more of an expert in this field.” Matthias wasn’t short of things to say; it seemed that he was quite well-prepared.

“You flatter me, Director Locke.” Myra’s expression was getting unnatural, for Matthias’ behavior and tone of speech was very disturbing to her.

“It’s good to be humble, but I’d still like some ideas from you, Miss Stark.” At this point, Matthias had completely ignored Tony; he continued the conversation with Myra alone, acting all boastful and arrogant.

Tony stepped closer to Myra without missing a beat and wrapped an arm around her. As he pulled her close, he stared at Matthias in an unfriendly manner.

“You’ve been quite active as of late; what are your plans, I wonder?” Tony asked him directly. Needless to say, he didn’t want to beat around the bush anymore.

“Naturally, I’m hoping that the Locke Group could collaborate with the Hart Group.” Matthias gave him a genuine smile. It seemed like he was truly interested for the two companies to work together.

“The Hart Group always welcomes new collaboration partners to grow our reach, but we place a huge priority on our partners’ capabilities. There’s no need for us to work with a company with no potential,” Tony replied, his words carrying a hidden meaning to it. Since Matthias wasn’t holding back with his words, Tony decided to attack him verbally before resorting to other measures.

“Of course—the Locke Group only collaborates with capable, leading companies as well.” The smile on Matthias’ face grew triumphant as he returned Tony’s eyes confidently.

Myra watched the two men from the side. Their behavior was similar to two lions who had trespassed on each other’s territories, both not backing down without a fight.

“Would you like some juice?” Just then, Tony looked to his side at Myra as he gave her a glass of juice. He wasn’t affected by Matthias’ words at all.

“Sure,” Myra was a little uncomfortable; she still wasn’t fond of being treated so dearly in public.