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Chapter 268 Drinks and dinner

Pairs strolled together through the grand corridors of the hotel. Keith, as usual, walked alongside Kevin on his other hand, a little pup dozing off, while Robert and his wife Yelena held hands. Arya and her husband followed suit, as did Ken and Zaria, and Benny alongside Stuart. Keyara found herself accompanying Viana, each of them admiring the lavishness of the hotel with wide-eyed wonder.

The opulence of the surroundings seemed to captivate the group, the gleaming chandeliers and the sophisticated ambiance eliciting a sense of awe from everyone present. They exchanged subtle glances, sharing silent marvel at the grandeur of the setting, perhaps feeling a bit out of place amidst the luxurious surroundings. Nonetheless, they carried themselves with a sense of grace, blending seamlessly into the refined atmosphere of the high-class establishment.

As they marveled at the grandeur around them, murmurs and hushed conversations floated between the members of the party. Keith leaned closer to Kevin, whispering, "I wonder who owns this place."

Kevin nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the lavish surroundings. "Probably someone who uses hundred-dollar bills as napkins."

They approached the reception desk, where a gracious attendant greeted them warmly. "Good evening, may I assist you?" The attendant\'s demeanor exuded professionalism as they awaited Keyara\'s response as she was at the front. 

"Good evening," Keyara greeted the attendant with a polite smile. "We\'re here for the dinner event. We were invited by Kyle Shina, the head of the Merchant Association Headquarters in the city."

The attendant nodded, checking the guest list. "Ah, yes, Ms. Keyara. You\'re expected. Please proceed to Ballroom A on the third floor. Enjoy your evening," the attendant said courteously, indicating the way.

They eventually reached their destination—a spacious hall dominated by a single, expansive table positioned at its center.

As they entered the grand hall, Julie, a poised and welcoming figure, approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome, everyone. I\'m Julie, assisting Mr. Shina tonight. Please, follow me to your designated seats."

Kevin observed a woman dressed in a sleek black blouse complemented by a matching coat, paired with a form-fitting black skirt that reached just below her knees. Her mid-sized heels added a touch of sophistication to her attire. Her hair, a striking shade of teal, was neatly styled into a sleek ponytail, while her teal-colored eyes peeked out from behind a pair of unassuming glasses. With fair, rosy cheeks and a complexion resembling porcelain, she exuded an air of professionalism. Delicate golden earrings adorned her ears, adding a subtle hint of elegance to her overall appearance.

As the group settled in, Julie gracefully guided them to their respective seats in pairs, ensuring everyone found their place at the long, ornate table. Keyara found herself seated nearest to the head chair at one end, and at the other end sat Robert, the arrangement leaving just enough chairs for the twelve individuals, including Kyle Shina, who had yet to make an appearance.

The table exuded an air of refinement, adorned with fine linens and polished silverware, each place setting meticulously arranged. The guests exchanged curious glances, anticipation lingering in the air as they awaited the arrival of the esteemed director.

Julie, exuding grace and composure, offered a comforting smile to the assembled guests. "Mr. Shina will be with you shortly. Please, make yourselves comfortable and indulge in these exquisite drinks. They\'ve been handpicked by our chef for this special occasion."

As she spoke, three waiters entered the room, each displaying their expertise in their own way. One rolled in a small, elegantly adorned trolley carrying an assortment of glasses and bottles of fine liquor, while the other two moved with professional poise, carefully placing the trolley to the side of the room. The two waiters efficiently began pouring drinks, expertly filling glasses with the selected beverages for the guests to savor.

Julie, with a refined air, approached the guests as the waiters poured the beverages. "Allow me to introduce you to our selections for the evening," she began, her tone tinged with a subtle air of sophistication.

She gestured gracefully towards the bottles. "This exquisite red wine," she indicated the first bottle, "is our limited edition \'Aurora Eclat.\' It\'s a blend of rich Merlot and Aurora crimson grapes, meticulously nurtured in the fertile soil of the southern vineyards, resulting in its deep crimson hue and robust flavor profile with hints of blackberry and oak."

Julie moved on to the next bottle, her gestures elegant and deliberate. "This white wine," she continued, "is our \'Lumière de Lune.\' Crafted from handpicked Chardonnay and lunarshine grapes, harvested under the moonlight of our high-altitude vineyards, it boasts a crisp acidity and delicate floral notes, evoking the essence of the ethereal night."

She concluded with a flourish, indicating the last bottle. "And lastly, for those who prefer a refined aperitif, we have the \'Stellar Ambrosia,\' a bespoke blend of artisanal spirits, carefully distilled from rare botanicals found in the farthest reaches of our kingdom. Its smooth and complex flavor profile offers a celestial experience, capturing the essence of distant constellations."

The guests listened intently, their senses engaged by the vivid descriptions that whisked them into a world of refined sophistication. Kevin, the first to reach for the wine, held the glass with the finesse of a connoisseur. Swirling the wine within the crystal, he brought it close, inhaling its aroma. A flicker of surprise danced across his face, mirrored by the reactions of the others. As they all took their initial sips, a shared astonishment seemed to fill the air, expressions shifting from curiosity to delight.

Unbeknownst to them, the wine wasn\'t merely flavorful; it carried a subtle essence that seemed to invigorate their spirits and nourish their inner energy, resonating deep within their bodies.

"Remarkable," Stuart remarked, astonishment lacing his voice. He noticed a surprising effect as the lingering discomfort from his earlier encounter with the shadowcrest lupins began to ease. The wounds seemed to knit together, the pain gradually subsiding—a startling and unexpected relief that left him in awe of the wine\'s remarkable properties.

While Kevin and Stuart displayed visible surprise, the rest of the guests maintained composed expressions, relishing the delightful wine with serene smiles. Engaged in conversation, they savored the flavor, appreciating the enchanting taste that hinted at unexpected benefits. They had barely finished their first glasses when the hall\'s door swung open once more, revealing a new arrival, this time not a waiter but a man.

The gentleman, in his forties, bore a confident countenance, devoid of a beard yet exuding a robust masculinity. His smile was captivating as he strode into the room, his gaze resting upon his esteemed guests.

With an air of authority tinged with warmth, the man who had just entered was none other than Director Kyle Shina. His presence commanded attention, exuding both affability and a subtle power that resonated within the room.

"Good evening, everyone," Kyle greeted them warmly, his smile genuine and welcoming. His eyes sparkled with a hint of curiosity as he scanned the group, acknowledging each guest individually.

Keyara, positioned closest to the head of the table, stood with graceful poise, a gesture of utmost respect. "Director Shina, I extend my gratitude for the invitation extended to me and my companions," she conveyed with a courteous nod, setting an example for the others, who promptly rose in acknowledgment, mirroring her display of respect. 

Kyle\'s smile widened, and he motioned for everyone to resume their seats. "Please, do make yourselves comfortable. I hope you\'ve been enjoying the evening so far," he said, his voice carrying an inviting tone.

Kyle, with a congenial air, began to move down the length of the table, his gaze resting on each guest as he made his way toward the head seat. He engaged in brief but warm exchanges, acknowledging each person with a nod or a brief smile, displaying genuine interest in their presence.

"Thank you all for joining me tonight. It\'s a pleasure to have you here," Kyle expressed warmly, his voice carrying a charismatic charm that put everyone at ease. 

He reached the head seat, pulling out the chair and gracefully taking his place, his demeanor a blend of approachability and authority. 

Keyara, with a gracious smile, introduced the person seated next to her. "This is Viana, my grandmother." She said, gesturing toward her companion. "She\'s an esteemed member of our group, known for her expertise in herbal studies and cultivation techniques."

Viana nodded politely, acknowledging the introduction with a warm smile.

Keyara then proceeded to introduce each member of their party, showcasing their unique talents and contributions. "This is Robert," she began, nodding toward the gentleman beside Viana. "He\'s our strategist and a skilled combatant, adept at navigating challenging situations."

Robert offered a nod, his expression a blend of humility and confidence.

Keyara continued, introducing each member in turn, highlighting their strengths and contributions to the group. Each individual received a warm acknowledgment from Director Shina, who listened attentively, displaying genuine interest in their diverse expertise.