Everyone's eyes were on him as he stepped onto the stage, but Jude didn't flinch—he was used to being the center of attention. After all, it's not every day you see someone wearing a mask.
His mask was a silver Persian design, custom-made with detailed patterns. Jude could already see the surprised and curious looks from the crowd who were seeing him for the first time.
Besides the mask, Jude looked sharp. He wore a perfectly tailored royal blue suit, and his silver cufflinks caught the light and sparkled, showing they were real. His strong build was clear, and his black hair was slicked back neatly, not a single strand out of place.
It annoyed him a little that no one could see his face behind the mask. Were his looks as impressive as the rest of him? The women wondered, hoping so, while the men were simply curious.
Everyone had questions in their minds.
But even at that, the mask didn't depreciate the fascination the ladies had with Jude. If anything, it made him look more appealing and enigmatic to them and each of them wanted to be that lucky lady that caught his attention.
"Thank you, mother," Jude kissed his mother on both cheeks before she stepped away from the podium with a huge smile on her face. She was so proud of him.
Uncountable camera flashes went off as Jude readied to give his speech. He hardly made public appearances unless it was necessary, so the reporters used this opportunity to capture the mysterious CEO of the Sterling Group.
"Good evening everyone," Jude said into the mic, and all the ladies in the room swooned instantly.
Holy mother of God, He had a rich baritone that caught everyone by surprise. Jude's deep voice had a kind of soul-shaking sexiness that made the young women in the room wet in the pants already - even the married ones could hardly keep their eyes off him.
His deep resonant voice was just so attractive, masculine, respectable, and dominant, and unknown to Jude, he made himself a target already to the opposite sex. Hence, when he continued with his speech, they listened with rapt attention knowing that they would give anything in the world to hear him speak over and over again.
"I warmly welcome you all on the occasion of our company anniversary and to all the esteemed personalities who have taken their time out to attend this ceremony tonight. On tonight's occasion, I would like to say a few words.
"Companies are like families. We build them with all our heart, putting our blood and sweat into them with solely one purpose to fulfill, that is to make them grow and flourish. In a family, we take care of each other's well-being and make sure that everything functions smoothly. Similarly, we all are a family. Here, we all take care of each other, take care of the responsibilities we have so that we all, together can make our dream come true.
"The dream of taking our company to the list of the best companies in the country, the dream of making it a company which is known for its quality products, quality services, and commitment towards work. Today, on this fortunate day of us completing one more successful year, I, Jude Sterling, am feeling extremely proud to say that we are constantly getting closer to our bigger dreams as we make the smaller ones true, one by one.
"In all these years which have passed, we have seen it all – success and failures, highs and lows, celebrations and crises, everything. But one thing which we never did was 'give up. This go-getter attitude, our faith in each other, and our commitment to the company are the factors that have brought us where we are. I would never have been able to picture this successful journey without you people. My employees have always been my strength and backbone of the company.
"But today is a day to enjoy, it's a day to celebrate our dedication, our passion towards our work, and the vision of perfection in everything we have been assigned. It's a day I owe to all of you. So let's turn our party mode on and party like no one is watching. Let all your targets, files, deals, and every other tension be on your side for these few hours, and congratulate yourself and each other for having been able to achieve so much. This is your day; our day and we will make it memorable forever.
"Before I conclude, I want to say that the road ahead will be challenging, as unpredictability will continue to rule, but I will continue to motivate you all to strengthen your capabilities to understand yourself in a better way.
"Last but not the least, I have to thank my mother for the immense pillar of support she has been. Thank you for standing behind me and helping me in fighting against all the odds, thick and thin, travel and travails. I have no words to express my gratitude for your relentless support. Your contribution is worth more than diamonds to me. " Jude honored his mother who stood at the side nodding her head in acknowledgment. All of this wouldn't have been possible without her bravery and determination.
He turned to the audience once more and said, "Thank you for your attention and please enjoy the Thirtieth-anniversary celebration of our company, "
As soon as Jude was done with his speech, the crowd roared its approval with thundering applause and a standing ovation as his image flashed up on the giant screen. However, it was at that same moment that the gossip among the socialites began.
"Isn't he so amazing?" One of the ladies mewled, clapping enthusiastically.
"Yeah, it would be so much more amazing if we could see what he looks like," The second lady joined in the conversation, a champagne flute in her grip while her eyes stayed occupied on Jude who was making his way down the stage. With the intensity of her gaze on Jude, it was obvious that she had undressed him mentally.
"I wonder why he hides his face though?" asked the first lady.
"Isn't it obvious?" The third lady came out of nowhere, joining the conversation and the both of them stared at her with curiosity.
"You know?" They asked at the same time.
The last one gave them a knowing smile and said, "Who doesn't know the story?"
At once, the other two stepped closer and the first one asked in a whisper, "You know?"
She gestured at the both of them to come closer, "I know it all," She said.
"Then, tell us," The second one pleaded. She was so curious to know about Jude the suspense was killing her.
"Fine," She said and one should see the way their faces lit up like Christmas.
Looking around for people watching them and finding none, the lady beckoned them to come a lot closer and began,
"It started in that fire years ago…."