Chapter_22
Chapter 22
Alondra tugged at her husband’s arm, her grip tight and insistent. “Don’t you dare…” she warned in a low, dangerous tone. Maxwell, his face betraying his reluctance, had no choice but to stay put beside her.
“How dare those pauper siblings show up at such a prestigious event?” Alana whispered to Alondra, her voice laced with venom.
“Exactly,” Alondra scoffed, rolling her eyes. “They should be grateful they can even afford the basics now that they’ve been banished from their family. They shouldn’t even think about showing up here.”
“Maybe they’re here for attention,” Alana snickered. “We both know Emmeline loves the limelight.”
Emmeline smiled politely as she approached Abel Ryker, who stood among the crowd. “Mr. Ryker,” she greeted him warmly. “You’re here!”
Abel raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her presence. “I didn’t think I’d see you here,” he replied, his voice betraying a hint of amusement.
Emmeline chuckled lightly, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Well, I have to get some business opportunities out there to pay back your generous loan,” she joked, adding a playful twinkle to her words. She knew she was flirting, and Abel, though aware of her intentions, found himself entertained by her boldness. The woman certainly knew how to catch his attention.
As the conversation continued, an announcement suddenly echoed across the room. “The acting CEO of Adelmar Group has arrived!!”
“That’s right, it’s Benjamin York!” someone murmured excitedly.
“But who is he exactly? Why hasn’t he shown his face?” came another voice.
A hush fell over the crowd as the glass door to the event room slid open. Several security guards escorted Benjamin York inside, making sure the area remained secure. Despite his relatively low profile, Benjamin was a figure of immense influence—Adelmar Group had skyrocketed in recent years under his leadership, and the Rykers, along with everyone else in the business world, could not afford to ignore him.
Benjamin, tall and slender, entered the room with an almost ethereal presence. His appearance was androgynous, and his playful, cunning demeanor gave him an air of mystery. His eyes scanned the room, and as soon as they landed on Abel Ryker, he smirked and began walking toward him.
Abel extended his arm, preparing to greet Benjamin with a handshake. However, Benjamin raised a hand to Emmeline instead, silently requesting that she place her hand in his. Emmeline hesitated, a touch of shyness creeping into her expression as she realized the eyes of the entire room were on them. But she quickly gathered herself and placed her hand in his.
Benjamin bowed slightly, planting a soft kiss on the back of her hand. Gasps filled the room at the sight, and whispers spread like wildfire. How did Emmeline Louise manage to earn the respect of someone as important as Benjamin York?
“There are only two things worthy of high praise in life,” Benjamin said with a cheeky grin. “Good liquor and beautiful women.” He winked at Emmeline. “Please forgive my forwardness, Ms. Louise.”
Emmeline raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Do all men say the same thing in front of any beautiful woman? Yourself included, Mr. York?”
Benjamin laughed softly. “I’m a little more honest than most of my kind,” he replied, his tone playful. He finally turned to Abel, extending his arm toward him. “My apologies, Mr. Ryker. I couldn’t help myself in the presence of such a beautiful lady.”
Abel smiled plainly but clapped Benjamin on the shoulder. “I understand,” he said. Then, in a quiet whisper meant only for Benjamin, he added, “But you should learn to wait for your turn, brother.”
Benjamin’s eyes flicked over to Emmeline, his gaze meaningful. “I see,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Before anything more could be said, the Lane family made their way over to Benjamin. However, he swiftly turned his attention to the Hackett family, cutting the conversation short.
Alondra, annoyed but undeterred, tried again, pulling Maxwell along with her. Maxwell extended his hand, eager to make a connection with the influential CEO. But instead of accepting the gesture, Benjamin sidestepped both Alondra and Maxwell, walking directly toward Ethan Louise, who was standing behind them.
“Mr. Louise,” Benjamin greeted Ethan warmly, extending his hand.
Ethan, taken completely off guard, froze for a moment. He quickly glanced over his shoulder to make sure Benjamin was indeed speaking to him, and, realizing there was no one else, he quickly composed himself and shook Benjamin’s hand.
“Mr. York! It’s such a pleasure to meet you!” Ethan said, his voice laced with sincerity, though his mind was racing from the shock.
Benjamin leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I have a business proposal that I would like to discuss with you, Mr. Louise…” he began, his tone full of promise.
Before Ethan could respond, Alondra squeezed her way between the two men, deliberately interrupting their conversation. “Mr. York,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Mr. Louise has been dismissed from Louise Corporation…”
Benjamin’s face shifted with surprise. “Dismissed?” he repeated, his brow furrowing slightly.
Alondra nodded smugly, savoring the moment. “Yes, he’s no longer with the company.”
Benjamin’s gaze remained fixed on Ethan for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. The crowd, sensing the tension, fell silent, waiting for Benjamin’s next move.
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