Madam Luxton
Lately, the names Nina and Elysium Couture have taken the entire fashion industry by storm. After her graduation, Nina was selected as one of the lead designers of Elysium Couture, a position second only to the head designer.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Nina’s rapid ascent within the company initially sparked rumors among the employees and netizens. Some even questioned if she had climbed the ranks by sleeping her way up.
In rebuttal, Nina shut their mouths by letting her designs speak for themselves.
Releasing two back-to-back successful collections, she quickly silenced the ideologues, that questioned her worth.
The enormous success of these two shows was a testament to Nina’s talent and hard work, proving that she had earned her place among the elite designers.
As the CEO of Elysium Couture and a designer himself, Victor was greatly impressed by Nina’s talent. He considered himself fortunate to have recognized her potential and brought her into the company before someone else poached her.
Nina’s rise to prominence was undeniable. Celebrities and influencers all sought out Nina, this dark horse who had suddenly emerged and was worthy of earning everyone’s recognition and respect.
Soon, her name frequently graced the pages of major fashion outlets, giving her a rapid rise to fame and success.
—
The Luxton Corporation had been eagerly anticipating its 50th-anniversary celebration. The banquet was scheduled to take place at the Imperial Hotel, known for its grandeur.
The anniversary banquet was set for 7 in the evening and was a significant event for both the Luxton family and their employees.
Having been a dominant force in the business world for three consecutive generations, everyone attached great importance to this grand occasion.
However, a shadow loomed over the celebration as William, the chairman of the Luxton Empire, was unable to attend. Because his illness had relapsed, he needed immediate treatment in country D, due to which Lilian also had to accompany him.
With their absence, the responsibility of leading the banquet now fell on the shoulders of Jayden and Nina.
That’s right.
Ever since Nina had entered EC, William had been satisfied with her achievements.
Though Nina may not have been the ideal choice for Jayden, as long as she brought honor and glory to their family, William was willing to overlook her shameful background.
At the Meadow Residence.
Feeling nervous, Nina sat on the couch, awaiting Jayden’s arrival.
She was acutely aware of the significance of tonight’s event, where she would be introduced as the mistress of the Luxton Empire.
Mentally preparing herself for the role she needed to play, she couldn’t help but recall how she had landed in this predicament.
Given that they were in a contract marriage, she did not understand why Jayden wanted to introduce her to the world as his wife since they would eventually divorce.
However, Jayden told her not to question him and simply follow his arrangements.
Clad in a black-trimmed, embroidered velvet blazer and black pants, Jayden entered the living room with purposeful strides.
Upon seeing him, Nina immediately rose to her feet, allowing Jayden to take in her stunning appearance.
She was donned in a silver-gray off-shoulder mermaid gown that made her look like the main character of the evening. Her hair was elegantly swept up in a messy bun, highlighting the graceful curve of her neck.
Satisfied with her appearance, Jayden extended his hand to her and said, “Let’s go.” Nina placed her hand in his, and together they made their way to the venue.
—
As the Luxton Corporation’s 50th-anniversary celebration was an event of great significance, the PR department invited several major media houses to cover it.
The room was abuzz with chatter, and the guests were eagerly anticipating the evening’s proceedings.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted from behind, followed by an abrupt silence that swept through the room.
All eyes turned towards the red carpet as the host on stage announced the CEO’s arrival. The atmosphere grew energetic as the crowd witnessed the couple’s entrance, accompanied by several elites from the company.
Jayden, as always, exuded an elegant and subtly cold aura, his demeanor marked by humility and an indescribable tranquility.
The woman beside him was equally elegant and poised. The two of them made a striking couple, and their synergy was undeniable.
As they entered, the room buzzed with whispers. Most of the attendees tried to discern Nina’s identity, while those who already knew felt sour in their hearts.
Jayden and Nina were seated at the main table, which was at the forefront of the banquet venue, along with the elites of the business world.
As one of Jayden’s business partners, Stefan was also in attendance, and accompanying him was his sister, Nora.
William had hoped for his son, Liam, to attend the event, but Liam had declined the invitation.
In the past, when he had announced that he did not want to be involved with the Luxtons, he really meant it.
The opening ceremony of the anniversary celebration commenced, and it was followed by a speech from the company’s Vice President. He eloquently summarized Luxton Corporation’s main achievements of the year and expressed his optimistic outlook for the year ahead.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew even more exuberant with performances and entertainment.
With a respectful gesture, the emcee then handed Jayden a microphone. “Mr. Luxton, please say a few words to the crowd.”
In the eyes of many, Jayden was akin to a god-like figure, especially in the business world. He was immensely influential, though he maintained a low profile.
Jayden accepted the microphone, but instead of taking the stage, he simply stood up from his seat.
The entire hall fell into a hushed silence, waiting for his words. Jayden’s deep, calm, and resonant voice filled the venue, capturing the attention of all those present.
“As it is the Luxton Corporation’s 50th anniversary, on behalf of the chairman, I thank everyone for bringing The Luxton Corporation to this scale. This achievement is for the dedication and hard work you all put in.”
As he continued, Jayden paused to take a glass of wine from a passing waiter. With the wineglass in hand, he raised it. “I hope everyone can maintain this momentum and strive for even greater success. To mark this special occasion, I’ve allocated a portion of the company’s profits as a token of our appreciation. I also look forward to the day when your achievements exceed my expectations.”
With his words, Jayden proposed a toast to the hardworking individuals who had contributed to the Luxton Corporation’s continued success, while instilling motivation and ambition in their hearts.
The crowd responded to Jayden’s toast with enthusiastic applause and cheers. His ability to inspire and motivate those in attendance was evident in the heated atmosphere that enveloped the room.
Keith, Jayden’s step-brother, was among the attendees at the celebration. However, he was seated at a different table with other members of the Luxton family, far from the main table where Jayden and Nina were seated.
As he watched Jayden at the center of the crowd, hatred welled up inside him, causing him to tighten his grip on his glass.
After his speech, various business magnates and influential individuals approached Jayden to offer their congratulations and engage in conversations. Though a man of few words, his presence exuded authority, making each person feel valued and respected.
Amidst the festivities, Nina remained seated, her poise and grace drawing the attention of many. People continuously sought opportunities to strike up a conversation with her.
At the same time, many people were secretly waiting to see Nina make a fool of herself.
Standing at the top of the pyramid, Jayden Luxton controlled the economic lifeline of the country. Hence, it was demeaning to watch him with a woman of unknown origins and just a pretty face.
However, Nina proved them all wrong.
As the madam of the Luxton empire, she carried herself with elegance and dignity. Her performance throughout the event only added to her charm, impressing those who had underestimated her.
Her ability to handle the situation with ease and sophistication did not go unnoticed by those present.
—
The celebration banquet continued in full swing.
At that moment, a waiter approached Nina and bowed respectfully. “Madam, CEO Luxton asked me to inform you that he’s waiting for you in room number 1109 on the 11th floor.”
Puzzled, Nina surveyed her surroundings to find that there was indeed no sign of Jayden in the banquet hall. “Did he tell you why he’s asking me to go upstairs?” she asked.
The waiter shook his head. “I’m sorry Madam. We’re only supposed to follow the orders and not ask questions.” Nina rose from her seat and nodded at him understandingly. “Alright, lead the way.”
Before leaving, Nina informed Nora about her affairs and left the banquet hall.
As she followed the waiter, Nina tried to reach Jayden on his cell phone, but the latter’s phone remained unreachable.
Nina felt slightly uneasy as she followed the waiter to the 11th floor. She couldn’t help but wonder why Jayden had asked her to meet him in a private room during the middle of this important celebration.
As they reached room number 1109, the waiter opened the door for Nina, bowing respectfully once again before leaving her to enter the room on her own.
In her high stilettos, Nina walked inside and scanned the room to see if Jayden was inside.
Suddenly, the door clicked shut behind her.
Panicking, Nina rushed to the door, her fingertips trembling as she tried to turn the handle. “Hello? Is anyone there?” she called out, her voice echoing in the opulent room. She pounded on the door with her fists, desperately hoping someone would hear her.
But all she received in return was chilling silence.
Taking a deep breath, Nina reached for her phone, her trembling hands fumbling with the device.
But before she could dial any number, an object suddenly soared through the air, aimed directly at her cell phone.
With a startled gasp, she watched as the object struck her device, sending it skidding across the room.
“Don’t even bother trying,” a voice, dripping with hostility, sent chills down her spine. Nina turned toward the source of the voice, and her eyes flew wide with terror, as her breath caught in her throat.