Kiss Me Not

Brione arrived at the dinner party just in time. It was held at the mansion of the new CEO itself. According to Mitch, Derek Cyrus grew up abroad and had just decided to permanently stay in their country recently when he purchased the number one network and entertainment company in their country. He had a private life and there were few details known about him and mostly it was about how he made his name in the business world.

There were only a few selected guests and most of them were prominent people from the business world. Her brother was also invited but did not attend because he believed that Brione could adequately represent him and also because Noah wanted to spend time with Gavin and talk to him about the matter at hand.

There were only a few media personnel for the exclusive interview and photoshoot for the cover of the new chairman and president of Cooper Network and Entertainment.

The camera was focused on her the moment she arrived at the entrance. Brione paused for it, and as usual, she gave them all her best smiles. She was wearing a long, high neck, sparkly feather, luxury bling yellow evening dress that enveloped her curvy body perfectly.

She was obviously the star of the night and the acting CEO and Vice Chairman immediately greeted her and led her towards the new Chairman and CEO of Cooper Network and Entertainment Group, Derek Cyrus. Loli proudly introduced Brione to the new owner of their Group.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet our greatest star, Brione Yu, in person," Derek commented. Brione politely raised her hand for a handshake and she was startled when Derek kissed her knuckles instead.

She had an awkward smile on her face when he finally released her hand, but the camera captured that intimate gesture from him. She only hoped that her possessive husband would not give much attention to it if he found out about it later.

"You look so much better in person, our Star. No wonder you're an international sensation. I'm charmed," Derek complimented 

"Thank you," she replied before she turned at Vice Chairman Loli and whispered, "I won't take long madame Loli. I will leave as soon as I finish singing."

"The night is just starting, you have to stay with us, even if it's only for a while longer. I also need a lot of things to discuss with you," Loli whispered back, frowning. 

Brione already knew what it was all about. Loli would definitely scold her about her sudden arrival with Gavin Wu since Mitch and Berry had already confirmed their relationship. Mitch informed her that Loli scolded them nonstop for almost half an hour because they did not give the head office any heads up about it.

Brione pouted her lips and mumbled, "Gavin is a good man and I bet my fans will cheer for him. Don't you also cheer for us?" followed by a wink as she hugged the old woman's arms. Loli was more like an aunt to her already so she was very comfortable around her.

Soon Brione joined them at the table with Derek for a great dinner.

"So you are now in a relationship with that news Anchor who came back from the dead?" Derek nonchalantly asked. 

She looked at Derek with her genuine smile as she said, "Yes Sir. He is now my fiance."

"Hmm, won't that affect your career?" Derek asked once again then he looked at Loli and continued to bombard her with his questions as he asked, "Will not that affect the company in any way? Did you do a thorough check on that Gavin Wu? Everything in his background? I want to make sure that he is not someone who will pull down our Star that's shining brightly right now."

Brione looked at Loli, who just smiled at the new chairman as she told him that she would do a thorough check-up which made brine frowned. She did not like how Derek seemed to look down at Gavin.

"I'm sure that you will not find anything displeasing about my man so don't bother to look at it. If you are all not pleased with how I am working in your company then we can always terminate the contract anytime."

She looked at Loli and said, "You know me well Madame. I strictly emphasize that I don't want the company meddling with my personal affairs. I believe I clearly signed the contract emphasizing this condition."

Loli forced a smile because of the tension brewing at their table. She looked at Brione and replied, "of course Brione. We don't mean any harm. I'm sure that our CEO here just wants to make sure that you're in good hands."

Derek cleared his throat before he opened his mouth to speak, "I apologize if I offended you in any way. I didn't mean to be rude but just like what Loli said I'm just worried since you are our greatest gem Brione. If you will have a man then he should be the best because someone like you deserves only the best."

Brione gave him a reassuring smile as she retorted, "Don't worry Mr. Chairman. I assure you that there's no other man who will suit me best. Gavin alone is my perfect match."

"Then I hope you are right. But please just call me Derek, I will feel offended if you won't," Derek requested with a smile which Brione nodded in acknowledgment.

The music changed and some of the guests stood up to dance in the center area.

"Can I have one dance from our biggest Star?" Derek suddenly asked Brione. She was about to reject him but she felt Loli's hand squeezing her knee under the table and with her expression alone she could tell how Loli was begging her to accept it.

"Alright, just for one dance," Brione answered. Derek offered his hand to her and she intentionally handed him her left hand just to show him her engagement ring brimming brightly around her finger. She stood up and heard Derek say, "This is a very nice ring. I guess your fiance gave it to you."

"Yes he did and I love it," Brione answered. She did not know why but she was feeling something off with Derek. She was not comfortable around him at all. She felt him pull her closer to him, his arm wrapped around her waist as they began to sway with the music.

"How long have you known Gavin?" Derek asked, making Brione lift her brow as she answered, "I'm sorry but I believe I am not obliged to answer your personal question since I intend to maintain a professional relationship with men."

"Is that so? Why? Is your Gavin possessive? Does he not trust you? I hope that you won't take this negatively but I just wanted to get close with you. I want us to have a harmonious relationship, Brione. Let me be honest, okay? I like you. If you only knew how excited I was in taking over this company. It's all because of you."

Brione's eyes widened in disbelief as she reiterated, "I beg your pardon? I believe I had clearly said that I am already engaged with the man I love and that man is Gavin Wu."

"Yeah, but you two are not married yet so… technically speaking, you're still single."