English Version: Sands & Sparrow

38

The flash of the cameras lit up in Aveline's eyes as she stood near the screen, watching Margo surrounded by gleaming lights.

Margo rarely grants interviews; whenever she decides to make a public appearance, everyone seizes the opportunity. Reporters, news anchors, business columnists, and foreign media were all seated, eagerly awaiting her words. Margo took her seat, a translator beside her — not that she needed one; she was fluent in all languages. But Margo would always be the powerful figure they knew; everything served the eternal Queen. She lived a life where laying a red carpet on her every path seemed within the realm of possibility. To Aveline, everything about the beautiful immortal seemed possible.

However, Aveline's color of hope slowly faded. How could she possibly approach Margo in a place teeming with influential figures? "Next time I'll talk to her," she considered. But a voice inside her whispered the opposite. If she let this moment pass, the next day might bring changes; her hope and courage could vanish. It was now or never. Aveline took a deep breath to clear her mind, sighed, and decided to serve the guests.

"Miss Sinclair, will there be changes as your country is facing major challenges in politics and turmoil with neighboring countries?" an American journalist asked. His companion was taking pictures, while another was recording a video.

"If we don't see the reforms that we're expecting, if we don't witness true deregulation, I think the markets will face some setbacks. You're seeing a slowdown in our economy into the first quarter; we're projected to grow probably less than 2 percent. A lot of this is because people are just waiting to see," Margo replied eloquently, leaving the reporter satisfied with her answer.

"Follow-up question, Miss Sinclair. What about partnerships with other companies that could lead in the future?"

"There is certainly an opportunity for us, given the solidarity we have within our business and our strong balance sheet, to participate in that consolidation. We recently acquired a company in Amsterdam; we expect to follow up on that with additional acquisitions moving forward. So, our growth strategy is predicated upon tremendous growth."

The clicking noises of the camera accompanied Margo's words. She remained undisturbed by the flashing lights, and every sound of the shutters was like raindrops falling on a roof.

Meanwhile...

"James! Inform the press there will be a 10-minute break. The interview must end in 2 minutes," the director demanded, adjusting the camera for a better angle.

"Yes, sir!" James nodded in response.

The assistant relayed the message to the media. With the remaining questions swiftly answered, the crew escorted Margo to her room. Some audience members rose from their seats, eager for a glimpse of the illustrious CEO, but were thwarted by the vigilant bodyguards.

Aveline's heartbeat thundered, each pulse echoing in her chest like a drum, overwhelming her senses like the relentless ticking of a clock. Margo's entourage approached in her direction. Aveline bowed her head, using the tray laden with wine bottles as a shield to conceal her face.

The bodyguard opened the door to a waiting room designated for Margo Sinclair's relaxation. The walls were adorned with a picture of Mount Everest and a Renaissance painting, crafting a serene ambiance. A small, black wooden coffee table laden with magazines stood across the room, atop a red carpet that sprawled across the floor. A flatscreen television, displaying mundane commercials, hung in one corner.

"We will have a ten-minute break, Miss Sinclair. I'll arrange for some refreshments. Please, enjoy your stay," the assistant director informed her before exiting the room.