Chapter 150: When They Finally Meet
“Forget it. There’s no point thinking about it now. We have a banquet tonight. Let’s just hope Hector can behave himself for once. In a few days, the Light Loc Hotel will be back in my hands.” Caesar was already adjusting his tie.
Mario returned to his senses, turned to Caesar, and after a moment, stepped forward to help, deftly weaving the tie around his collar and knotting it.
Taking advantage of Caesar’s lingering gaze, he looked up and smiled slightly. “May you get your wish.”
Before they could separate, Caesar grabbed Mario’s hand. “From the day I met you, nothing in this world has mattered more. My wish is simple: you. I just want you to be happy. Whatever you want to do, go for it.”
Mario gently pushed him away. “I am happy. With you by my side, I truly am.”
That evening, Typhoon Corp.’s homecoming banquet was underway. To support the couple, Wendy and Chase arrived early. The venue was nearly empty.
“You’re here so early!” Caesar smiled, taking Wendy’s hand and placing a soft kiss on the back of it. “Thank you.”
A textbook example of Western etiquette. Caesar, having spent considerable time abroad, performed the gesture naturally. Besides, Wendy was one of his dearest friends.
For Wendy, tonight was also a celebration. Without her, there would be no Caesar as he was today.
“Hector is watching,” Chase whispered in her ear.
After Chase left the Meyer Mansion that day, the incident at the Light Loc Hotel occurred. Hector had been caught off guard, and Caesar had seized the hotel. Losing such valuable property left Hector furious.
He had likely already discovered Wendy and Chase’s connection. Seeing them together, therefore, was no surprise. Still, his gaze was far from friendly.
“Let him stare,” Wendy flicked her long hair. “A beauty like me deserves to be looked at.”
Living in the eye of the storm, she was accustomed to scrutiny and no longer cared.
For such an occasion, the Harrison family would certainly send a representative. Now that Henry had resumed his position as CEO of Moses Group and changed his name to Alfred, he would clearly not be attending.
Everyone assumed their only option was Larry, until…
“Fabien!”
Wendy and Chase had found a quiet corner to sit. Their secretaries stood nearby. The banquet had not yet begun; there was time to relax before the formal mingling.
But the moment Fabien entered with Millie, Wendy’s hand froze. She hadn’t expected them to appear together, especially at an event like this. Almost instinctively, she glanced at Mario. He, too, had noticed the pair. His hand slowly clenched.
As vice president of Typhoon Corp. and Caesar’s partner, he had to greet them, regardless of who they were.
“If you look closely, you can still see the resemblance between Fabien and Mario,” Chase commented. “It’s subtle, but genetically, there’s definitely a blood relation.”
Melody, usually quiet, spoke up, perhaps because Sammy was also present. “That’s true. Their height, bone structure… There are similarities. But all of that’s hidden beneath the surface. Most people wouldn’t notice unless they were really looking. It’s not a big risk.”
Wendy wasn’t worried Fabien might recognize Mario. If Mario had chosen to return, he had clearly considered how to handle such a meeting. What worried her was the Harrison family’s remaining power.
Caesar led Mario over. “Mr. Fabien, Madam Millie, thank you for coming.”
“Young and accomplished, Mr. Caesar. We old folks are just here to make up the numbers. And this must be Mr. Peter of Typhoon Corp. Your reputation precedes you. It’s a pleasure at last to meet you.”
Mario looked down at the hand Fabien extended. Just as Caesar was about to intervene, Mario lifted his hand and replied, “Nice to meet you.”
Mario had spent years abroad, repeatedly imagining this meeting. Would he lose control? But he was doing just fine. At least in front of them, he hadn’t shown a single crack.
“Please, enjoy yourselves.” Caesar took Mario’s hand and led him away.
“Are you okay?” Caesar asked, a trace of concern in his voice.
Mario shook his head. “I’m fine. They didn’t recognize me.”
“You don’t look like Fabien anyway,” Caesar said. “Or the old man. Hardly anyone would guess. Go hang out with Wendy for a bit. There are still a few more people arriving. I’ll handle them. You take a breather.”
“Alright.” Mario truly needed a moment to compose himself.
He walked over to Wendy and the others, pulled out a chair, and sat down. A flute of champagne sat on the table. He picked it up and drained it in one gulp.