It was 8 in the morning when Charlton arrived at the end of the street which serves as entrance to the people joining the event. He noticed that the line was already very long. There were also many curious on-lookers who were not yet in line taking peeks to the inside from the metal barricade.
Not wanting to announce his presence, he did not go down from his carriage and just instructed Jack to have the guards open the barricade so that they can enter.
While inside the carriage, he rechecked the list he will giving Ben for priority access. There were about 15 out of the 20 noble families which he particularly invited that confirmed their attendance. He did not expect to be turned down by the other 5, but then again, the event was open to the public, so it's not surprising.
Thankfully, despite that, Serena's family sent a confirmation. He was so looking forward to seeing her. Plus, he did not have to worry that she and Geoffrey might encounter each other in the event. Yes, he ensured that Geoffrey would decline his invitation by the fact that the event was too open.
He smirked thinking of the small victory he's feeling, then he shook his head. He was being childish. Geoffrey and Serena meeting was a normal occurrence whether he likes it, which he definitely does not. He wants to rush everything so that he could already profess that he and Serena loves each other. However, he was aware that he was not yet strong enough. Doing that would only give them a tragic ending.
--
"Charlton, the event hasn't started yet, and I already believe that it would be a tremendous success. I still worry about the sales we will have though. The cars are not exactly cheap, and some are inconvenient given the weather at times." Ben said, very nervous. The investment for the company was huge, and all of his life's savings were at stake.
Charlton chuckled, "Don't worry. I am very sure that by the end of the day, we would have at least sold half of the units we have in stock." Though he projected that they will be able to sell more units than they have in stock, he kept that to himself, not wanting to jinx it.
--
Serena was annoyed. She prepared herself early, wanting to attend the opening ceremony in the morning, but her parents said that it would be better to arrive at around 2 in the afternoon.
Anyway, they arrived in their ducal mansion in the capital yesterday for the event today. What use was there to arrive early when they have no plans of heading there early?
She never thought that she would be experiencing this. Living in the dormitory gave her independence and freedom but living with her parents… ah. To be 19 again.
She took a deep breath as she entered her room again. Ah, summer is a bad time. She can't wait for school to start again.
--
After the opening ceremony, if Charlton was not a sensation before, then he would instantly be. Although Benz-motors was not only his own everyone attached his name to it. Especially so with the photo of him on the newspaper sitting on the driver's seat.
Anyway, the event was then opened, and people flocked to the cars on display. Sounds of engine started to fill the place and some people got to experience riding one.
At the same time, there was a section where a seminar on driving was being held. He noticed that people were trying to learn quickly. The place was very lively, and his lips tilted up.
He wanted to roam around but Ben called him as some of the guests he invited started arriving. Thus, he went to the store itself where the guests he invited were guided. He did not have to entertain them himself, but he needed to build rapport.
--
Serena and her family arrived at about 2:30 in the afternoon. Not going down their carriage, the guards opened the barricade to let them in.
Once inside the store itself, they were finally able to look at all the fanfare happening on the street. Simoun and Leonard's eyes widened like they were in a candy shop. Serena wanted to roll her eyes. If they went earlier, then they would have started enjoying all these at an earlier time.
Anyway, she looked around and was finally able to spot Charlton who was talking with some other guests. Gods, wasn't her man impressive? He's like a CEO, wait, better than a CEO.
Charlton who has noticed them arriving was still speaking with Earl Johann Remington. Not wanting to appear rude, he let him finish talking first before excusing himself as he told him that duke Simoun Maxwell has arrived.
The Earl promptly nodded in agreement and even went with him to welcome the duke and his family.
"Uncle Simoun, Auntie Celine, welcome, and thank you for accepting my invitation. Leonard, Lady Serena. It's been a while." He greeted while trying hard not to smile too much and lose focus as he saw Serena pretend to put her hair behind her ear, the sunlight making the ring he gave her glint.
"Thank you for inviting us too. I was reluctant to accept at first given the publicity, but I would say that I'm glad to be here now. The cars outside are amazing. Congratulations. Your parents must be proud." Simoun answered.
"If you would not dislike it, I can show you the different models. We have stocks inside, so we won't have to join the people outside." Charlton offered.
Simoun chuckled, "No need. I actually want to join the people outside this once. I want to drive one myself."
"Then, let me help you with that. I already learned how to drive one, so I can show you how." Charlton offered, trying to impress without sounding boastful. What? Simoun was to be his father-in-law, though he doesn't know that yet.
Simoun who has been tempted finally agreed.
--
TBC