The Traps of Black Swan

Martin could see Aarvi's serene gaze and feel her calm breathing. She was unfazed as though he was just air. The whole hall fell to pin-drop silence, anticipating like die-hard fans. Elder Harmon clutched the head of the cane, craving to slam that cane on Martin. 

There was another one who was angry and also curious how this was going to end. Leon sat with his back straightened and watched them intently.

Whereas Alex could guess the result of Martin's action. Martin would be swayed in his emotions if Aarvi gives him the same taste of his action. 

Since Martin saw no changes in her, he focused on making her swoon at him. He barely turned his head to the left showing the angle of his face that everyone says best. 

Aarvi saw his angular sharp jawline and spotless skin. However, her mind was picturing her husband. She was glad Aaron doesn't try to provoke or lure anybody with his alluring face. Else she would have followed him to pluck out any ladies who try to stick with him.

Martin gazed back at her black orbs and his eyes trailed down to her lips. It alternated trying to catch her every small change in reaction. 

Martin's low, deep voice could hypnotize one easily, "Bribing is reaching them and buying them like a horse that runs in a race." 

He didn't get to see any changes on her face till the end. Her eyes slightly widened. He waited for her to blush or fluster. 

But her hand moved and held the round hat she was wearing. She removed the cap in a way it covered her petite face. Martin carefully looked at why she was removing her cap. His eyes involuntarily shifted to her forehead when she was lowering her hand in slow motion.

His eyes traced the smooth texture of her skin under the very sheer layer of cream. Her brows weren't too thin, neither thick. The arc of them looked relaxing. Her fine natural lashes were long and curled. Her face barely tilted when she opened her eyes and her black orbs dazzled, capturing the light in the hall. Her cheeks had light pinkness highlighting her delicate features.

Martin unknowingly held his breath when his heart skipped a beat looking at her breathtaking smile as the cap lowered completely revealing her face.

But that smile suddenly changed to polite and he snapped back. Everything happened so quickly that he felt hypnotized. Aarvi indeed did that. If one covers the whole face, you will see what is shown. She should thank Aaron for removing all the scars before she woke up from the coma.

Martin saw her giving her cap to Elder Harmon. The latter who witnessed the whole thing in close-up was shocked, then his face turned red trying to hold his laughter. He took the cap and placed it on his head.

Martin gritted his teeth realizing he fell into his own trap. He straightened his back and caught Leon's lips titled as if he watched a funny scene. And Alex at the side was silently laughing.

Initially, Leon thought Aarvi might raise her voice like other men then saw her flawless acting. He just thought he wasn't the only one who falls into his dug pit while facing Aarvi. 

He again caught her smile but this time a crafty one while adjusting her hair after removing the hat. She took steps away as she stated, "If you are generous, why don't you come after a month without this agreement?"

She turned around, "If President Harmon fails to handle the situation in a month. Then if Mr. Parker comes with 18 billion, you all will agree to him. Don't you? Then is this agreement required?" She pointed to the file on the table and continued, "Or are you all ready to sign that paper and become his slaves? Will you let them take advantage of this pressure?"

It wasn't like Martin would give them money now. He would come after a month. So why should they sign a legal paper? Many shareholders pushed the file away from them, silently announcing they won't be signing it.

Martin knew commenting on anything now would be slapping on his face. He had thought about money rules and he successfully got hold of the situation. Seems like, smartness wins and she proved it.

Nevertheless, Martin's assistant interjected using words that would threaten their judgment, "We are giving you a word in the form agreement that we will save the company from the dire state."

Martin: "..."

He wanted to slap that man's mouth.

Aarvi questioned immediately so that shareholders don't start going another way. "Are you saying you aren't serious about the company crisis? Or are you threatening us to sign the agreements?"

The assistant couldn't believe she was so raw with her words instead of speaking like a professional.

Aarvi saw them speechless before she faced the shareholders. "In the meantime, you guys might get a better offer from somebody else. So are you going to sign the papers?"

'A better offer.' was a beautiful trap. The ones who had opened the file closed it back.

"I guess, it's better if we think carefully and decide."

"If Mr. Parker is so willing to help us, he could do it after a month."

Slowly, many voiced their opinion. Elder Harmon was satisfied with how she let them know the situation. Now, even if anybody tries to offer them anything, they would think twice.

Leon was amazed at how shareholders were speaking and watched Martin. The latter still had the chance. If the company still be in a crisis after a month, everyone would have to nod like dumb sheep in front of Martin.

Martin crossed his hands, 'Dad, your opposition wasn't Leon Harmon.' He thought. Martin spoke without making the shareholders think they weren't serious, "Alright, if that's how you like it. But…" He told everyone, "The offer wouldn't be the same." 

The shareholders understood he wouldn't fill in the losses. They were already thinking that if they made a bad decision, their attention shifted to Aarvi when she humored, "Mr. Parker, you are funny. If you take over the company, why would you let the company be at a loss?"

Martin: "..." His words made no effect after her words. Everyone was like puppets of Aarvi. Nodding to her words and dancing for her music.

Speaking at last, really had its advantages.