“How dare the poor pauper siblings show up at such a prestigious event?” Alana whispered to Alondra.

“Exactly!” Alondra rolled her eyes. “They should be grateful that they can still afford the basic things in life ever since they got banished from the family. They shouldn’t even think to show up here,” she sneered.

“Perhaps they showed up for attention,” Alana snickered. “We both know Emmeline loves the limelight!”

“Mr. Ryker,” Emmeline smiled politely as she made her way toward Abel. “You’re here!” She was dressed in a smart white blouse and blue jeans, looking fresh and bright.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here,” Abel greeted in return, with a hint of surprise in his voice.

“Well, I must try to get hold of some business opportunities out there so I can make some money to pay back your generous loan,” Emmeline joked lightheartedly with a twinkle in her eye, stirring something in Abel. He knew the woman was flirting with him, but truthfully… he enjoyed it. The feisty woman certainly knew how to get his attention.

At this moment, someone made an announcement at the doorway. “The acting CEO of Adelmar Group has arrived!!”

“That’s right, it’s Benjamin York!”

“But who is he exactly? Why hasn’t he shown his face?”

Behind the swiveling glass door, a few security guards were spotted escorting Benjamin York into the room. The Rykers were the richest family conglomerate in all of Struyria, followed closely by Adelmar Group with Benjamin York at the Helm. Adelmar Group’s business had risen and grown meteorically in recent years with Benjamin York at the helm, so the Rykers could not afford to offend him either.

Benjamin York was a tall, slender man who exuded an androgynous vibe. He had a playful, cunning quality to him, like the sort of person who would speak in riddles just for fun. He smirked lightly as soon as he spotted Abel Ryker and walked toward him.

Abel extended an arm, ready to shake hands with this strange man who had the same name as Ms. Wonder Doctor’s assistant. Instead, Benjamin gently raised a palm toward Emmeline, motioning for her to place her hand in his. She looked a little shy, knowing that everyone’s eyes were on them, but she obliged the man eventually. He took her hand in his and bowed politely, planting a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

There were audible gasps in the hall as the crowd watched on in shock. How did Emmeline Louise win the respect of the CEO of Adelmar Group?

“There are only two things worthy of high praise in life – good liquor and beautiful women,” Benjamin smiled cheekily. “Please forgive my forwardness, Ms. Louise.”

“Do all men say the same thing in front of any beautiful woman? Yourself included, Mr. York.” Emmeline jested.

“I’m a little more honest than most of my kind,” Benjamin replied to Emmeline before finally turning toward Abel, extending his arm. “My apologies, Mr. Ryker. I could not help myself in the presence of a beautiful lady.”

“I understand,” Abel smiled plainly before clapping Benjamin on the shoulder, pulling him in. “But you should learn to wait for your turn, brother,” Abel whispered in his ear.

“I see,” Benjamin nodded, looking at Emmeline meaningfully.

“Mr. York!” The Lane family ambled over toward Benjamin, but Benjamin swiftly turned away to greet the Hackett family.

Alondra decided to drag Maxwell along with her a second time. Maxwell extended his hands from afar to catch Benjamin’s attention. To Alondra’s pleasure, Benjamin seemed to return his warm gesture as he walked toward Alondra and Maxwell with open arms. Louise Corporation means something to the Adelmar Group, at least! Alondra thought.

However, Maxwell’s hands were left unshaken as Benjamin sidestepped Alondra and Maxwell to approach the person standing behind them… Ethan Louise!

“Mr. Louise, how are you doing today?” Benjamin greeted Ethan warmly, extending his hand.

Ethan felt as if his brain had just short-circuited there and then. He turned around just to see if there was anyone else standing behind him, but there was nobody. Benjamin York was indeed talking to him!

Still in shock, Ethan quickly gathered himself and returned Benjamin’s handshake.

“Mr. York! It’s such a pleasure to meet you!” Ethan responded in earnest.

Benjamin pulled Ethan in closer. “I have a business proposal that I would like to discuss with you, Mr. Louise…” Benjamin began.

At this moment, Alondra wormed her way in between Benjamin and Ethan, splitting them apart. “Mr. York, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Mr. Louise has been dismissed from Louise Corporation…” Alondra informed Benjamin.

“Dismissed?” Benjamin’s face was colored with surprise.