The company’s headquarters, more commonly known as Evolab Biotechnology Campus, was a sprawling two-hectare property within the Industrial District of New Florence. It was home to the brain of the company’s operations in Europe and the Americas. The technologies it introduced to the post-war rebuilding helped civilizations thrive in lands devastated by humanity after it turned on biological warfare as means to annihilate enemy’s resources. At present, Evolab was a major supplier of medical devices and animal health products, but it was its contribution to the pharmaceutical industry that made it into the giant it was. 

The Campus boasted cutting edge technologies used for advanced research and development, best in class manufacturing facilities, and fully automated unmanned distribution warehouses. It showcased the organization’s commitment to seek new technology for the advancement of the industry and the betterment of the quality of human lives. A tour of these areas was organized by the event staff as part of the agenda that afternoon. Much like the noble houses of New Rome, companies like Evolab enjoyed showcasing its wealth to people who mattered. That afternoon it was the major stakeholders, investors, and distinguished guests.

Being an influential future leader, Luke was both an investor and a distinguished guest. He owned shares of the company within the allowable figures, not enough to put him on the board of directors. Besides, neither he nor any member of his immediate family was legally permitted to hold any position in a company, unless it was partly owned by the kingdom. In such cases, dividends and profits would not go into his account but instead into the kingdom’s treasury.

“Welcome to Evolab, your royal highness,” was the polite greeting of a blonde woman who appeared to be in her twenties just as he and two other uniformed men were ushered into the function hall. “My name is Merissa. Please follow me to your table.”

Unlike the straightforward businesslike impression of the lobby, hallways, and offices, the venue had subdued blue lighting and lounge music that suggested a sophistication indicative of a nobleman’s lucrative lifestyle. At the far end of the room was a stage with a massive screen as its backdrop. It presently showed muted footage about the company’s work, its happy employees, and its commitment to preserve the environment, among other things.

Luke politely declined the offer of assistance to find his seat. It was not his first time to attend such an event and usually he was seated with the highest ranked officers of the corporation. Besides, he just received a very brief message from Tobias, which had surprisingly made him feel a little relieved that he would not be playing the charming politician alone that afternoon. He had spotted familiar faces among the crowd, which included titled lords and ladies such as his uncle, businessmen, and more importantly the ambassador from the far east. 

All the more reason to turn his back to the polite usher and exit the hall. His decision to invite Rhiane might have been more beneficial than he thought. Two of his bodyguards, also dressed for the occasion, exchanged glances, but didn’t say a word. They followed him out and into the exit, ignoring the other sharply dressed guests as they politely greeted their crown prince. Luke nodded in acknowledgement, a purely instinctual gesture that he never even needed to think about. 
The automatic sliding doors of the main entrance opened for the small party of men. Luke took off his sunglasses when he entered the building earlier, regretted not putting it back on as the warm afternoon glow filled hilled his vision faster than his eyes could adjust. Then again, the brightness did help him find her. It wasn’t difficult. She stood out from the crowd of reporters and other newly arrived guests. The low angle of the sun in the horizon emitted the perfect wavelength that inspired her skin to glow. He noticed it the day before at the beach and had to force himself to look away. She wore an ensemble that was not something revolutionary, but she wore it so well that it felt like it was the first time he was seeing it on a woman. It wouldn’t be surprising if pencil skirts would be popular, especially in court, in the coming days.

Men and women from the media parted like the red sea as the other royal guards joined the two that was with Luke to form a protective barrier around the man. All of them led to the princess elect, who was saying something to one of the last oblivious reporters. Tobias was a tall and imposing figure by her side. Luke paid him no mind, though. 

“I’ll take it from here. Thank you, Dark Horse 3,” he said, nodding to his second cousin, unconsciously repeating the same words he said during the engagement ball. Then to the woman who allegedly came to support him, he allowed himself to smile. For the cameras, he thought.

“I’m glad you decided to come,” He offered his arm, but raised a brow at the stilettos. The warm smile remained on his lips, but the gears in his head were already turning. If not for the press, he would have already asked her whose idea was it to make her wear those tall, thin, heels, and why did she agree. He felt another argument coming, but it could wait until they were out of earshot. “Let’s go inside. The party is just about to start.”