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Elias noticed Fredrick leaving the table and going over to Douglas, he did not look happy. It seems that Fredrick saw Douglas as the weak link, Elias could use that.
Esmeralda greeted him as he approached the table. "Mr. Payne."
Elias had to give it to her, she had the charming act down pat. He was sure that she knew his charm was an act as well, but Elias felt that his charm came more naturally to him whereas hers was just another part of business. "Ms. Steeley," he greeted back. "I just wanted to make sure I that I would get to say goodbye before you leave."
He assessed her as he talked, trying to get a glimpse into her personality. However, it was proving to be a difficult endeavor as Esmeralda gave nothing away. No odd habits or quirks, no change in emotion or in her voice. Damn, he thought. She's good.
Knowing he wasn't going to get anything out of her he said, "I'm afraid I have to go talk to my other guests before they take off as my brother left me to host alone." He beamed at her and shook her hand once more. "If you don't mind, tell your brothers it was a pleasure meeting you all."
He left and made his rounds at all the tables. The more people that left, the more relaxed he became. Normally Elias enjoyed these kind of events, but he wanted nothing more than to go to his apartment and down a bottle of whiskey.