The Traps of Black Swan

Aarvi wasn't able to enjoy the main course of the dinner as much as she savored the starters Aaron brought for her. Aaron offered to take her out of the banquet hall so that she won't have one worry about somebody seeing her.

He knew she was prepared to face even if her identity reveals but seeing her losing appetite, he was helpless.

Karsen and Megan who were sitting together for dinner noticed them but didn't disturb them when Shawn asked them to cool down.

Shawn almost shoved his mobile screen to Aaron's face when he got a message from Dax, [Aeon Harmon might have fallen for Dum Dum.]

Aaron merely glanced at the screen before moving Shawn's hand away with a look of, 'I pity him. My Cupcake is mine.'

Shawn felt that's too overconfident of Aaron. To test if Aaron really didn't care about it or faking the indifference, he poked the girl who was cupping her face lost in the thoughts or probably hearing the other end.

Aarvi raised her brows in question and heard him say in a low voice that was enough to reach Aaron's ear, "Your little new ally, Aeon..."

Hearing him pause Aarvi again gave him a questioning look imagining herself a big question mark was popping on her head. If Aeon had left the banquet then her plan would have to change.

Shawn, who had expected his brother to fluster and stop him, was speechless seeing Aaron replace Aarvi's meal plate with a fruit platter in ever so calmness.

Aarvi followed Shawn's line of sight and looked at Aaron. The latter turned to her sensing her gaze and earned her sweet smile despite worries about the plans.

Shawn: "..."

'Why didn't I get the smile when I poked her?' He thought and looked at his forefinger. "This is all your fault." He muttered blaming his finger.

"Little Heart." He whined like a spoiled prince who was in need of attention and earned the smile he wanted. 

Imaginarily patting his back, "What will you do if a good-looking, well-mannered man falls in love with you and proposes to you or asks you out?" He probed.

Shawn peeped at Aaron thinking he might be curious to hear her but he really wasn't into the topic. Shrugging his shoulder Shawn looked at Aarvi.

Aarvi guessed Shawn or Dax doubting Aeon might have fallen for her because Shawn had taken Aeon's name. Anyway, her response was totally unrelated to the question, "I want Aaron." She meant she isn't responsible for other men falling for her, she has the man she wants.

Aaron's lips slyly curled up turning to his brother and girlfriend, he had expected such a response from the strong-headed Aarvi.

Shawn felt the smirk of Aaron was mocking him and his Little Heart looked at him which said, 'You are a dumb little prince to ask such question.'

Gritting his teeth, he showed the lettuce to his mouth from his salad plate and chewed loudly to annoy them. Aarvi had no intention to make him mad so she prolonged the hum catching the brothers' attention.

Aaron was sure she was going to say something to make Shawn happy and Aarvi did exactly the same, "I shouldn't be cruel when I get true love, right?"

Shawn grinned, flashing his white sparkling teeth as he nodded vigorously witnessing Aaron's indifference wavering. "Absolutely, My Little Heart has a soft heart too." He boosted her as he played along.

Aarvi gave a determined nod hiding her smile, "I will open a reverse harem of sexy handsome men and live my life to the fullest." She sounded certain.

Shawn almost hugged her before remembering she is Twyla, "That's like Little Heart. You are the best."

Despite knowing she was teasing him, Aaron let out a childish snort when Aarvi blinked at him with an innocent smile before she laughed with Shawn low-fiving with him.

Aarvi relaxed a little after talking with Shawn and teasing Aaron. Now she waited for the commotion to begin behind her.

At Leon's table, Leon had grabbed the second decanter of red wine when the manager rushed up to Leon in panic. He was responsible for handling the issues at the banquet so he hoped he wouldn't disappoint Morris and Rivas Industries presidents.

He politely spoke, trying to take the wine decanter from his hands, "President Harmon, why don't you take it slowly? Drinking so fast isn't healthy. Shall we arrange some food for you and Madam? Please let us know if you want anything else, I will try my best to arrange it for you."

The manager had goosebumps when he met Leon's brooding gaze of burning red eyes. He was getting the feeling Leon was going grab his neck and slam his head on the table.

Leon's mind slightly cleared looking at the unknown man. He remembered he wasn't in the house but in the banquet hall. Wherever he had planned anything waiting for a result, he always stayed in-home or office hence when things were going south, everything just went out of his mind.

Remembering he had forced Eliza to drink so many times, he regretted everything, 'Why did I have to plan today?' 

He wasn't drunk and knew well his wife wasn't sober anymore which was a big red alarm sign that he should leave from there soon.

But he couldn't just show as he was forcing her to drink. He changed in an instant making the manager gulp nervously.

Leon flashed an amiable smile to the manager as he left the decanter for him to hold. Turning to Eliza, he spoke like an indulgent husband, steading Eliza on her chair, "Ellie, let's end your game here, please. I accept I lost and you won. Alright?" 

The nearest table guest sighed with the manager and waiters excluding one. That waiter was about to report to Aarvi when another waiter placed a glass of warm water saying, "Sir, the warm water you asked for."

Leon frowned because he hadn't asked for warm water. Soon he caught the sight of letters written on tissue beneath the water glass. He was about to read it, the drunk lady's demanding voice slurred, "Where is my drink?"

Eliza shrugged Leon's arms and looked up through her half-opened eyes. Witnessing so many men around and Leon, her eyes widened in horror. She jerked right and left as though somebody was going to hit her.

The ones who thought Eliza was spoiled, became curious looking at her frightened like a drenched cat. Leon was about to hold her, she slid off from the chair and lurked under the table. Covering the white table cloth back, she buried her face between knees and hugged her legs tight.

Dylan who was tired of stopping Leon for a long time could only sigh. He noticed Leon ignoring everything about Susan Parkinson as his image was at terrible risk.

Leon awkwardly laughed and apologized to the watchers "I am sorry, please continue your dinner. My wife... is a little shy."

All could feel he was making it up but it only made them think Leon was trying to keep Eliza's image clean and clear.

Leon stood up moving the chair back and squatted down, he pretended to be whispering but his voice was audible to the people nearby, "Darling, nobody will think wrongly of you. Please come out, I will take you home."

'Such a gentleman.' Many thought and some silently hoped they should get a husband like him.