Frank realized it was Tidus Simmons upon a closer look and said evenly, "Nothing. Some blind fool was trying to slander me for breaking his vase and got these thugs to attack me.""What, really?!' Tidus was furious.Framing the man who saved his father's life?! This would not stand!Wheeling on Dee and his goons, Tidus barked, "Who are you people? Attacking a man in broad daylight?!""This has nothing to do with you!" Dee bellowed, completely dismissive toward Tidus. "Get out of here, or we'll beat you up too!""What…" Tidus could choke as the thug snapped at him—his father was the Chief of General Affairs.Turning to his bodyguard behind him, he growled, "Mr. Flux."Wes Flux nodded and suddenly leapt straight toward Dee.Dee's goons tried to stop him but were sent flying as soon as they touched him!At the same time, Wes kept advancing as he punched and kicked, instantly flooring every one of Dee's goons."Holy shit…" Dee was left gaping, surprised that Wes was even more vic
Zeb was left seeing stars from Tidus' slap.He was certainly fuming, but he had to hold his tongue as he glanced at Wes, who stood right beside Tidus.Dee was actually furious too. "What?! You tricked me! Sir, he lied to me!""Shut it." Tidus shot Dee a glare, and he promptly kept quiet.Zeb then stammered, "It's all my fault… It's just a misunderstanding, so let's just forget about it.""Forget about it?" Tidus asked icily. "After you slandered my friend? Apologize!""What?" Zeb was stunned. "Me, apologize?!"He was the heir of a rich family and owned a company! It made no sense for him to apologize to some gigolo!"Do you have something to say about that?" Tidus barked.At the same time, Wes started to walk toward Zeb.Zeb was left gritting his teeth—it was certainly going to be either an apology or a painful beating!"N-Nothing," he said, bracing himself as he walked up to Frank and muttered unhappily, "S-Sorry."Frank chuckled coolly. "What was that?""Don't push it, F
Frank smiled but refused. "I'll pass. I shouldn't ask for help since it's my gramps."Tidus was stunned. "Gramps? As in your grandfather?"He never knew Frank had a grandfather!"He's my ex-wife's grandfather," Frank explained. "I owe him a lot, and I'll be attending his birthday even though his granddaughter already divorced me.""I see…" Tidus nodded. "You're certainly a grateful man, Mr. Lawrence! But to tell the truth, there really isn't much to get here. However, there's quite the collection in my family residence. My dad is passionate about antiques himself, so everything's genuine—you can pick a couple as you like."Frank was actually surprised that Tidus was that generous, not to mention that it was more ideal to have solid recommendations than foraging around blindly."Well, thank you very much," Frank said.Tidus smiled. "Come on now, Mr. Lawrence—you saved my father's life. A couple of antiques is nothing in comparison. We can head over together now if you like."And
Frank shook his head. "There's still some time before that, so they haven't decided on a place.""Really?" Gerald exclaimed. "In that case, why not choose Riverton Hotel? It's a place of high standards—Mr. Lane would definitely like it."Riverton Hotel was a go-to venue for guests from out of town and large-scale banquets.While there usually was a two-month waiting list for everything, it was unnecessary if Gerald pulled some strings.Frank sighed. "Maybe next time, Mr. Simmons. I'm not in charge anyway—it's the Lane family.""Oh… Sure."They made more small talk with Tidus all the way until the evening, when Frank excused himself.After sending off Frank, Gerald quickly called Vicky. "Ms. Turnbull, were you aware that Frank is celebrating his grandfather's birthday?""What? I didn't even know he had a grandfather," Vicky replied, perplexed."Oh, I mean Henry Lane, his ex-grandfather in-law, not his actual grandfather.""Oh!" Vicky exclaimed in understanding—Frank was always
The Chief of General Affairs' secretary smiled when he saw Helen. "It's alright, Ms. Lane. I'm Aron Lynch, and your reputation precedes you, Ms. Lane. It's an honor to finally meet you."Caught by surprise, Helen smiled awkwardly.Was she that famous already, that the Chief of General Affairs' secretary had actually heard of her?"Oh, let's not keep Mr. Lynch standing. Come on in—we can talk inside," Cindy said just then.Helen nodded repeatedly as she came to her senses as well. "Yeah, that's right. Do come in, Mr. Lynch."Aron shook his head. "That's unnecessary. I'm just here on the Chief of General Affairs' behalf.""I see… And what are Mr. Simmons' orders?" Helen asked gingerly.Aron laughed. "Calm down, Miss Lane. Mr. Simmons heard that it's your grandfather's birthday. Since it's a day to celebrate, he arranged for Riverton Hotel's premier banquet hall for your use—all expenses covered, of course.""What?!" The Lanes were bewildered, while Helen quickly said, "Please d
Looking around at everyone confidently, Helen snapped, "So? What are we spacing around for? Send out invitations to everyone already—tell them that Grandfather's birthday will be celebrated at Riverton Hotel!"-Henry's birthday banquet was held a few days late. The staff was especially enthusiastic thanks to Gerald, who spared no expense and asked only for the best, and his arrangements.Helen wore a black dress with a slit that kept her legs vaguely visible, as she stood at the hallway to greet guests.Even those who were usually lukewarm toward the Lanes were now taking them seriously, since not just anyone got to book a hall at Riverton Hotel.A balding middle-aged man strode toward Helen with a present in hand. "You really play your cards close to the chest, Ms. Lane. Could've told me sooner that you're throwing a real party here.""Thank you, Mr. Voor, but it's all courtesy of Gerald Simmons." Helen smiled, letting slip of her family's connection with the Chief of General A
Helen stammered, "I…I'm really happy you could come."She wanted to clear the air after her misunderstanding with Frank before but did not know where to start.Frank did not glance at her twice, however, and turned as he headed inside the hall.Zeb chuckled by the entrance just then. "Hey, what present did you bring?"Frank shot him a look. "Do I have to tell you?"Zeb laughed coldly. "Haha! Just worried you can't afford anything for Mr. Lane's eightieth birthday. Should I lend you some money?"Frank glanced at the present box he was holding and could tell it was another vase from its size.He chuckled. "What, you bought another vase? Watch out and don't trip over yourself this time.""Fuck off…" Zeb snapped, though he was tightening his grip around his present.Frank sneered as he entered the banquet hall.Henry was at the host table, his eyes closed to rest after some small talk with a group of bigwigs.He would rather not be a part of such a grand celebration but had no c
Gina quickly pulled Zeb to sit beside him, "You're finally here, Mr. Larkin. Come, sit."Cindy and Peter also promptly served him drinks and cigarettes, a privilege Frank never had.Gina turned to Henry right then. "It's all thanks to Mr. Larkin that we can celebrate your birthday here. You should appreciate him more.""And you can shove it," Henry snorted impatiently. "I never asked for this—the way I see it, it would have been far better if there wasn't a party at all.""Oh, would you stop it? We'd be the ones seen in a bad light if we didn't do anything," Gina lectured.Frank was frowning in turn.He knew a thing or two about Riverton Hotel, and he doubted Zeb had the authority to pull strings."Did he really book this hall?" he asked suspiciously."Who else would have, if not him? You?" Peter shot back."The Chief of General Affairs' secretary came to visit us personally. What, are you jealous?" Cindy joined in."The Chief of General Affairs' secretary? Do you have his na