The Traps of Black Swan

In Lexus LS 500,

Leon who was watching the live telecast of the Mirage banquet frowned when he saw Rolls Royce Phantom halt in front of the entrance. 

There are limited Rolls Royces in the city of Mocon. He had a Rolls Royce Cullinan which he hardly uses. Jordan preferred customized Rolls Royce for Aaron due to safety features so it wasn't difficult for the media or Leon to know it was Aaron's car which he frequently used without the need to look at the number plate.

As much as he knew, Aaron would prefer to be in the hospital instead of wasting time in banquets or any type of gathering. It had been three years since Aaron became President but he never cared to attend even one.

His sixth sense was saying something going to happen but he couldn't keep a finger on it. "Dylan, is Aaron really attending the banquet?"

Dylan who was on the shotgun seat glanced at Leon before responding, "According to the information we obtained, he canceled his schedule of attending the banquet."

His lips slyly arced and turned around purposefully trying to divert Leon's attention, "He changed his schedule after meeting you. Was he planning to meet you at the banquet perhaps?"

As Dylan expected, a line appeared on Leon's forehead before he looked at his tab to know who was in the car. 

The driver alighted the car but stood straight without moving, two guards who were standing on the other side opened the shotgun and passenger seats door quickly.

The reporters continued to capture the pictures hurriedly afraid to miss any scene. Shawn stepped out of the shotgun seat before turning to his father and flashed him a faint smile stretching his hands to button his blazer.

Ditching the classic style, Shawn was in a white turtle neck knitted pullover paired with tortilla brown trousers and a long slim fit blazer. It was off style yet gave off a formal business suit look on his body.

The reporters and everyone realized it wasn't Aaron but the second son of Rivas and his family.

Karsen was in a classic dark brown suit, as soon as he slighted, he fondly patted Shawn's shoulder before going around the car. The driver finally moved and opened the backdoor when Karsen stood by the door. 

Karsen couldn't help smiling at his wife who puffed her cheeks in fake anger for seeing father and son taking away all the limelight without her. 

Megan slid her fingers on Karsen's palm and stepped out gracefully with a soft smile on her gorgeous face. Unlike how the socialite dazzled in the banquet with expensive gowns and jewelry, Megan had chosen a formal look.

She was donning a red knee-length simple A-line dress. It had a simple bow at the high neckline and short sleeves. Her hair was tied in a clean bun, with very light makeup to enhance her features.

Megan never failed to be a positively different huge crowd. She smiled when Shawn asked for her purse stretching his arm for her to hook her arm.

Karsen could only smile in resignation as they walked the red carpet. Holding her husband's hand and hooking her hand around her son's arm, Megan took away the attention which Shawn every time grabs but he didn't look any less. He was a heartthrob for being gentlemanly.

After posing for a few clicks for the pictures amidst the ear-piercing requests of the reporters, they finally heard the pour of questions at them.

"Chairman Rivas, are you happy with President Rivas taking your position, or do you favor your son taking the position?"

"Director Rivas, were you forced to be a director for being a younger son?"

"Madam Rivas, who would you like to favor more? Your son or President Rivas."

Those questions were unstoppable. The trio was used to such types of questions which were designed in such a way that they could create headlines immediately by talking negatively.

The trio waited until they heard a question to which they wouldn't mind responding, "Is it true President Rivas has a girlfriend?"

"Many of us witnessed President Rivas carrying a girl to his car. May we know who she is?"

"Is the family aware of President Rivas's interest in girls?"

Megan and Shawn smiled at the change of topic and Karsen fondly responded, "She is our daughter-in-law." He didn't bother mentioning the future.

Right after his voice sounded, the reporters started pouring more questions about the same but the trio flashed a faint smile and walked away.

Karsen's acceptance was enough to bring a small storm inside the socialite circle who had little dreams of impressing the Rivas family and Aaron Rivas. It also started a heated discussion among them. 

Is it Noami Fisher? Or a different girl? If different, who could it be?

Leon mumbled, throwing the ear pods away with the iPad, "Much like fiancee." Since Aaron had mentioned a girlfriend, he didn't assume Aaron was married but the world accepted as they heard.

Aaron Rivas is married.

Leon's voice was cold while ordering, "I want the details of Aaron Rivas's girlfriend."

Dylan: "..."

He would love to reveal it as 'She is none other than Ava Kelly' and see Leon erupt like a volcano. Anyway, he nodded, hiding his real emotions, "I will put men on work."

He will just report what Leon's men were able to fetch about Ava Kelly. He would never put his effort to help Leon in any way. 

On the long way, Leon didn't bother to look at the telecast but closed his eyes and seemed like he was relaxing. 

Whereas his mind was actually thinking about two things. One, if Ava Kelly is with Aaron Rivas, is she going to play him in the banquet hall? He was worried because no personal security is allowed inside the hotel other than assistant or secretary excluding family members. 

Two, will his men carry out the plan and take the life of the Surgeon General? 

Or is he going to face another failure?

Opening his eyes, he turned to the silent beauty next to him. Holding her hand, he got the attention of Eliza who was taken aback.

"Please avoid alcohol tonight." His gentle voice sounded.

Not only Eliza, Dylan and the Driver felt their hair rise at his voice. It just doesn't suit Leon's personality so how sincere he might be but all they feel was fakeness in it.

Eliza nodded her head in affirmation. Seeing his gaze turn deep, she quickly worded, "I will take only fruit juice or water."

Satisfied with the response he heard, he placed her hand back on her lap without hurting her and closed his eyes.

Eliza slowly breathed out as she clenched and unclenched her fingers which were totally fine. She is well aware of the bone-crushing pain he gives by gripping her hand.

She hopes nothing goes wrong at the party and she reaches home safe and sound without riling up Leon.

--- 

At Rivas hospital, 

Aarvi was speechless when she got a short video of Karsen calling her daughter-in-law in front of reporters.

It was more like Karsen was announcing to the world that Aaron is married. 

'Won't Elder Rivas scold them for it?' She thought without knowing Jordan had long been accepted her but he wasn't voicing it.

'Like parents, like children.' She thought with a pout thinking just as Aaron calling her wife, Shawn calling her sister-in-law, Karsen, Megan and Connor are no different. 

She looked at Aaron to scold him but a lovely smile crept up on her face witnessing Lara opening her mouth wide for the next spoon of her dinner and Aaron fed her heedfully.

It was indeed a heartwarming sight that melted her instantly.