A/N Ok, so let me explain! I was gonna write Silent Princess, but then... so I listen to instrumental covers when writing, and I just heard this absolutely amazing cover, and I was just inspired! So I wrote this instead (Please don't kill me Robin)

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The Winter Gala is in full swing, with all of the rich and famous showing up to flaunt their wealth.

Among them is Anthony Ward, scientist and millionaire, chatting and shaking hands, ready to both forge new connections and strengthen old ones.

Not that he enjoys doing this, mind you, but in a world where money and status talk, some things are necessary.

Anthony is just finishing up his talk with Mr. Wyong, a big name in the oil industry when he notices a new face entering.

The man is tall, with wavy brown hair, sharp features, and a tailored black suit.

For all intents and purposes, the man looks confident, sure of himself and in being here.

Yet Anthony could see the man's eyes dart around and his stiff shoulders an easy giveaway that this is new to him.

Taking pity on the poor soul, Anthony excuses himself from the current conversation, and skillfully makes his way toward the man, making sure to grab two glasses of champagne along the way.

"You know, I've seen a lot of things in my travels," Anthony says, holding out one champagne, and the man startles, snapping his blue gaze towards him. "One of the most memorable was a kangaroo in the middle of Brazil. It had this lost look on its face that I've never seen mirrored on someone else, at least until you walked into the room."

The man chuckles, taking the offered glass. "Should I take offense that I've just been compared to a kangaroo?"

"To be fair, it was rather cute," Anthony says, shrugging. "Anthony Ward, a pleasure to meet you."

"And now I'm called cute. I'd prefer handsome, but I'll take what I can get," the man says, still smiling. "Stephen Agamotto, and please, the pleasure is all mine."

"Humble, aren't we?" Anthony laughs. "I must admit, I didn't expect to meet the youngest neurosurgeon to graduate from Columbia here, but I can't say I'm disappointed."

Stephen's eyebrows raise in surprise. "I didn't think you interested in the medical industry, Mr. Ward, though the praise is unnecessary."

Anthony smiles. "You made news, Dr. Agamotto, even I had to have heard about it." He was about to say more when the music dies down, and a red-haired woman walk on stage.

"Well, that's my queue," Anthony says, straightening his tie. "I'd like to talk to you again though, Dr. Agamotto." he hands Stephen a card. "Call my secretary, I'd love to pick your brains sometime."

Stephen inclines his head, smiling. "The feeling is mutual, Mr. Ward. I'll be sure to reach out soon."

Anthony inclines his head, then weaves through the crowds to get to the stage.

Yes, connections were important, but the opportunity to talk with a genius such as Stephen Agamotto is not something to miss.

And so, as Anthony steps onstage to the sound of thunderous applause, his eyes catch onto Stephen's, and the doctor lifts his glass with a smile, and Anthony came help but look forward to their next meeting.