Chương 127: Chapter 126 – Pleasure is my Business

Anita Hardscrabble looked over at her husband barely able to contain her growing excitement.

"Oh, Jethro, I am just so proud of you!" she gushed.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before Mr. Blackwood realized he couldn't function without you by his side." Jethro patted her hand gently.

"I wouldn't go that far dear," he said, before turning his gaze back out the window. He could feel anxiety flies fluttering around in his stomach. This would make it all official, he would officially be known to all the other executives as the Executive Director of Research and Development. They would have no choice but to treat him with the respect he so rightly deserved.

His lips curled into a small smile as he thought of how hurt and humiliated Elios must have been when the invitation to attend this prestigious function was never extended. He had officially been reduced to nobody status and he had no intention of letting the POS forget it.

"Jethro?" Anita asked.

"What if he doesn't like me?" she asked worriedly.

"Worse, what if she doesn't like me?"

"Anita," he began, picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips.

"There is no way either of them could do anything but fall in love with you. I mean look at you sweetheart, you are breathtaking in that gown, you have an impeccable lineage, you hold yourself with such grace and finesse…" he paused, sighing, "every man there will want you and every woman will wish they were you."

"Sweetheart, I appreciate the flattery, but you have no idea how much swing Mrs. Viola Blackwood has. She can make or break us in the social circuit. We don't want to end up blacklisted before we ever listed, now do we?" she asked, eyeing her husband nervously.

"Mordak may have the power in the business world, but his wife calls the shots in the social elite circles," she sighed.

"From what I understand it doesn't take much to be shunned, one misstep or misspoken word could destroy everything." Jethro frowned, his initial confidence wavering.

"I know, I know," he admitted.

"Viola can be... particular. Anita, sweetheart, working yourself up like this is only going to make you seem desperate and needy," he said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly.

"There is one thing I know for certain, if you seem desperate or too eager, they will eat you alive."

"I know you're right Jethro, but…" Anita said, pulling her hand back. She began fidgeting with the clasp of her purse nervously.

"I've been practicing my small talk in the mirror. I've read all the society magazines. I even memorized the names of her favorite charities just to be ready for tonight." Jethro chuckled, squeezing her hand.

"You're overthinking it, darling. Just be yourself. Be elegant, be witty, and for God's sake, don't mention the..." he trailed off, "you know... the incident with the swans." Anita's eyes widened.

"Jethro! You didn't!"

"I didn't!" Jethro protested.

"But I heard Marcy did, and Viola hasn't spoken to her since." He paused, glancing out the window, then returning his gaze to his wife.

"Then today, Reginald's office was emptied out." Anita shuddered.

"This is going to be a disaster. I just know it."

"Well, there is no turning back now my love. We're here," he said as the car pulled up.

"Just relax, you look great!" he said, kissing her on the cheek as the doorman opened the transport vehicle's door. Jethro got out first then reached a hand for his wife. He still, even after ten years of marriage, could not understand why she married him, she was way out of his league, always had been. He admired her form as she stepped out, her long shapely legs, catching the attention of more than one pair of eyes. The cut of her dress hugged every curve just right.

The dress somehow merged sexuality with modesty, leaving just enough for the imagination to ponder. He took his wife's delicate hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm, giving it a gentle reassuring pat.

"Ready?" he whispered, so only she could hear. She nodded discreetly as the two headed for the double doors of Mordak's estate. The entrance hall was a symphony of opulence and indulgence. No expense had been spared. Towering marble columns framed a vast space, the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and unspoken power. A massive crystal chandelier cast a dazzling light on the polished floors, reflecting the hushed conversations and furtive glances of the assembled guests.

Jethro's heart began to beat quickly as he noticed the stares of admiration his wife was getting as they entered the great hall. As long as they simply look, there will be no problem. He reassured himself. Certainly, no one would make a play for his wife here, the risk of scandal would just be too great. Jethro watched Anita closely. He could see her awe, mixing with a healthy dose of apprehension. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming, a testament to Mordak's wealth and influence.

He could see her eyes taking in all the subtle details – the priceless artwork adorning the walls, the impeccably dressed servers gliding through the crowd, the knowing smiles exchanged between the "top dogs" of Mordak's organization. This wasn't just a party; it was a carefully orchestrated display of power and status. Jethro, sensing her unease, squeezed her arm reassuringly.

"Just remember what we talked about," he murmured.

"Be yourself, be charming, and avoid the swans," he said, giving her a wry smile. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As they moved further into the hall, a figure detached itself from the crowd and approached them with a practiced smile. It was Wentworth, looking even more disgruntled than usual.

"Jethro," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"So glad you could make it, it took you long enough. I had stopped by your office before I headed here, Elios said you had left quite a while ago," he said.

"Well, you know how women are. Never ready when they should be," he said, motioning to his wife.

"This is my lovely wife, Anita."

"Darling, this is Doctor Wentworth," he said, smiling at her cautiously. She nodded politely before looking at the Doctor.

"So nice to finally meet you Doctor Wentworth, Jethro has told me so much about you."

"I see why you keep her hidden, Jethro. She is stunning," he said, eying her up and down.

"Please call me Franklin," he said, extending a hand to her. She took his hand expecting him to shake it, instead he brought it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, making Jethro's jaw tighten.

"Well dear, I think it's time we go seek out our host, don't you? It would be rather rude to not thank him for his hospitality," he said, smiling cautiously at her. Anita looked at Jethro then back at Franklin.

"If you will excuse us, Doctor, but my husband is right, we should seek out Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood and thank them for their generous invitation to attend this evening's event. Have you seen them by chance?"

"You might want to check the veranda, I know Mordak likes to have cocktails out there before dinner," Franklin said.

"Maybe a cocktail is what you need Jethro, loosen you up a little bit. Maybe let that stick fall out of your ass," he said, leaning towards him so he wouldn't be overheard. Jethro took a step back, putting on his best smile.

"I'll take that under advisement, Franklin," he said, before gently taking his wife's arm and leading her away.

"I can't stand that arrogant son of a bitch," Jethro said softly enough that the chamber music that filled the room hid his anger, but loud enough for his wife to hear.

"I didn't like the way he looked at you," he hissed.

"Stay away from him," he whispered through his fake smile.

"I mean it, Anita, he's bad news."

"Nothing for you to worry about Jethro," she said softly, leaning closer to her husband. She put on a warm smile as she walked through what could only be described as the who's who of the society pages.

"I can handle men like him. I've been doing it my whole life." She said, nodding politely to a woman she recognized but could not place.

"It's not you I don't trust," he said, before stopping and gently turning towards his wife. He leaned in and placed a kiss firmly on her cheek then whispered, "Anita, just stay away from him, we don't need any trouble tonight and if I see him look at you like that again… I may have to take his eyes with me when we leave," he said, pulling back and giving his wife a knowing smile. Anita rolled her eyes at him.

"Okay, there they are," Jethro motioned to the couple standing on the veranda enjoying the warm breeze as it blew up from the lush gardens. The smell of honeysuckle and lavender was unmistakable, while the hint of roses wandered in after them, as if making an entrance. Jethro and Anita stopped at the small bar that had been set up off to the side.

"What'll be folks?" The bartender asked as he wiped down a glass.

"White wine for the lady, whiskey on the rocks for myself," Jethro said, glancing over at his boss and his wife.

"Should I get them a drink?" he asked Anita.

"If you are referring to the Blackwoods, sir, I wouldn't. Mr. Blackwood finds it terribly tacky to bring him alcohol that he is paying for," The bartender said while pouring the whiskey over the ice cubes he had already placed in the cup.

"He won't say anything outright, he will wait until you are out of earshot, but it's your choice." Jethro looked from the bartender to his wife, then at Mordak and his wife, unsure of what he should do.

"Will that be all, sir?" the bartender asked, pulling Jethro from his silent deliberations. Jethro looked at Anita who nodded.

"Yes, thank you, that will be all," he replied, picking the drinks up off the bar and handing the glass of wine to his wife.

"Thank you dear," she said, raising the glass to her lips gracefully. She sipped the wine, a pleased smile lighting her eyes.

"Oh, that is good," she whispered to her husband.

"I have no doubt, only the best served around here," he smiled, taking a sip of his whiskey, feeling the pleasant burn as it made its way down.

"Shall we?" Anita asked, motioning to the Blackwood's.

"Absolutely, my love," he said, placing his free hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward.

"Good evening, Mr. Blackwood," Jethro said, waiting for Blackwood to turn. Mordak turned and gave Jethro a hearty smile.

"Jethro! So glad you could make it," he said, before his gaze turned to Anita.

"And if I am not mistaken, this lovely lady must be your wife, Anita?" he said, smiling warmly at Anita who extended her hand gracefully to him.

"It's a true honor sir," she said, with a warmness that could melt butter.

"To meet the man who has saved us all from the brink of armageddon."

"Just doing my job Anita, it's what I was elected to do, and I take my job very seriously," he said, smiling widely at her praise.

"I could have prevented the whole thing if that election hadn't been stolen from me. I would have made sure that virus stayed out of the country… you know with the illegals who were just flooding in under the previous regime… I have done such a good job since I regained my rightful position, that they decided to just forgo elections all together. Keep me at the wheel so to speak… so I can continue to fix things."

"Don't get him started," a female voice called out from behind Mordak.

"Hi there, I am Viola Blackwood, the woman quite literally behind the man," she said, stepping forward.

"You must be Jethro and Anita Hardscrabble. So, glad to finally be able to put faces to the names."

"Sir, Madame, dinner should be served momentarily," a young man in a tuxedo said as he emerged from the crowd.

"Thank you, Jeffers. Please inform our guests," Viola said warmly, then turned to Jethro and Anita.

"Well, that's our cue to take our seats, this way please," she said, taking the lead.

"Jethro if you wouldn't mind falling back, I'd like to discuss something with you before we join the others, it will only take a moment," he said, before calling out to his wife.

"Vi, got some business with Jethro, be there shortly."

"Just make sure you are there before everyone else is seated, if you wouldn't mind, dear," Viola said, blowing him a little kiss.

"Looks like us girls are on our own," Viola said, slipping her arm through Anita's and guiding her to the door.