Night fell once again over the glittering Terror Town, with its bright lights and vibrant nightlife. Andrew brought Chantelle to attend Freddie’s dinner party.
When they heard the couple was going to dine with the richest man in town, Patrick and Sofia were tempted to tag along.
Chantelle simply said, “Dad, Mom, are you sure you want to come? Something might happen later, and if it’s like last night, won’t you be scared?”
With that, Patrick and his wife immediately decided they would rather stay home and wait for Andrew and Chantelle to return.
Chantelle covered her mouth and giggled. Then, she happily headed out with Andrew.
When they arrived at the restaurant and Andrew identified himself, someone immediately escorted them inside with great respect.
“Honey, this place is incredible! I heard Freddie spent a fortune building this place in Terror Town specifically for entertaining VIP guests,” Chantelle said, leaning against Andrew while looking around in amazement.
Andrew nodded approvingly. “It really is a nice place. But with enough money, none of this is really a big deal. Many people think rich people must have their troubles, too, but it’s actually the opposite. People like Freddie really don’t have much to worry about.”
Soon, they entered a luxuriously decorated private dining room with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Dressed in a leather jacket, Freddie greeted them with a big smile. “Mr. Lloyd, you’re here! We were just waiting for you. Please, have a seat!”
Andrew smiled back. “Mr. Hawkins, you’re too kind!”
Chantelle sat beside him while Freddie took the head seat and introduced the other guests. They were all Terror Town’s elite, big shots from the business and political worlds.
Andrew listened politely and nodded in acknowledgment to each introduction.
“Mr. Lloyd, this last guest, I have to introduce to you personally,” Freddie said with a meaningful look.
Andrew glanced up and already knew who it was before he spoke.
Elijah, the so-called Prince of Terror Town, stepped into the room, and Andrew immediately caught sight of him. Beside him stood a distinguished middle-aged man with an air of wealth and authority.
Judging by his presence, Andrew figured he had to be either Elijah’s father or uncle.
Freddie smiled and announced, “Mr. Lloyd, this is a true legend in Terror Town. When it comes to influence here, his word carries even more weight than mine. This is Mr. Harold Knowles, chairman of the Knowles Corporation and head of the Knowles family.”
Andrew nodded. “Mr. Knowles Senior.”
Harold rose to his feet, gracious and composed, and said warmly, “Mr. Lloyd, I’ve long heard your name. You’re a powerful man from out of town, stepping into our little city. If we’ve fallen short in hospitality, I hope you, the King of Gabo Creek, can forgive us.”
Andrew smiled faintly. “No problem at all.”
Harold seemed harmless enough and quite dignified. To those who did not know better, it might appear he was genuinely complimenting Andrew and showing him respect.
However, Andrew could tell this man had one face in public and probably another in private. Freddie had not mentioned beforehand that the Knowles family would be attending, which was enough to show that tonight’s dinner would be anything but ordinary.
Freddie clapped his hands, and a series of exquisite dishes were immediately brought out. Among these upper-class people, drinking was an essential part of dining.
After a few rounds of drinks, Harold stood up with Elijah and approached Andrew. “Mr. Lloyd, Elijah has offended you greatly before. It was my fault for not keeping him in line. Tonight, let’s settle it with a drink and put the grudge to rest.”
His words were polished, every sentence carefully chosen, leaving no room for reproach.
Elijah raised his glass stiffly toward Andrew, his expression cold. “Mr. Lloyd, I apologize. I’m sorry.”
Andrew chuckled and set his glass down without drinking. He did not even bother to lift it.
Elijah froze, his face darkening as rage flickered in his eyes. “Andrew, what the hell is that supposed to mean?”