[attr="class","spiral"]“Perhaps. But that doesn’t explain why.”

His expression is uneasy because Fernando Silph does not falter. Mistakes happen, yes, but something so basic is unbecoming. His apology is deeply seated between knitted eyebrows. He averts eye contact, following after her every step.

“I can’t fix a problem without knowing the cause.”

He dotes on her at the surface level.

“Why, Lulu?~”

[attr="class","spiral"]“Perhaps.”

The music comes to and end and so does their dance. He ponders on her words, unable to give her a fluent answer until they’re well apart, no longer touching.

“I rather be me.”

He smiles not for her but for those around them. “You’ll have to excuse me, I’ll be a moment. Do enjoy yourself until then. I’ll come find you afterwards.”

People merge once more as the evening comes to its climax.

[attr="class","spiral"]Fernando’s departure is not without purpose. The whole reason for tonight’s gathering becomes apparent when the spotlight falls on him. He stands front and center, microphone in hand, before addressing the crowd.

“Good evening…”

His speech is succinct considering the subject matter. He addresses the elephant in the room, that Devon is now owned by Silph Co. One or two self depreciating jokes later, he goes on to reassure them that nothing will change, mostly. Everyone will keep their jobs, their positions will remain the same, the only thing that differs is that they have another powerhouse to back them.

DAPHNE STONE is still the CEO and will be for the foreseeable future. This is true, in some respects, but the fact that he can force her hand puts most of the blame on her. Unless she goes and outs herself, but that has even more drastic repercussions.

To a Stone, what is more important? Their reputation or the legacy and well-being of those they’ve employed for the past few lifetimes?

None of this is known and remains kept in the airtight lock of Fernando’s own ambitions.

Thankfully for everyone’s time comes with a round of applause. He steps down shortly after, scouring the crowd for his date.

[attr="class","spiral"]It takes him a while to find her. Not because she’s difficult but because he gently combs through everyone that passes him. Exchanging remarks takes time and Fernando does a full sweep. Thoroughness goes beyond just work, it bleeds into everything.

“There you are.”

He takes his spot beside her, facing the opposite direction with his elbows against the counter.

“Hopefully that wasn’t too stuffy. I always hate big speeches like that.”

Another shot is ordered. This time he orders for himself. The strongest they have.

[attr="class","spiral"]“You think so? Truth be told, Devon isn’t meant to stand for much longer.”

He taps his glass against hers before throwing it back. Like always, he winces from the burn. The glass comes down with a resounding clink and he stomachs the aftermath with an expression of disgust.

“Greater Mauville Holdings was starting to make a move so I salvaged what was left. I owe it to them.”

Even now, even in the presence of someone he doubts will have an impact, he continues to build his narrative. The sociopath in him requires him to live up to the life he’s imagined. It makes lying all that much easier.

“Whatever. Things are going well.” Despite the start of the evening, Fernando seems almost bitter now. Burnt out, maybe? It’s a hard read but the difference is as clear as a waning moon. He turns to her, half-smile.

“Did you have fun?”

[attr="class","spiral"]“…”

Good, he thinks. At least one base is covered. That only leaves himself to attend to. In which he replies, “I have you, don’t I?” The smile is emboldened by the claim, confident, cocky.

"Thanks, Lulu.“