According to Ran’s intel, Dawson’s assistant, Jamie, was practically a saint. He was known for his calm temperament and willingness to talk about anything. Even if someone said something out of line, Jamie rarely took offense. So why had he gotten upset over just one sentence?
“Mr. Faulkner will be here shortly. Mr. Hale, please continue,” Jamie said, his voice noticeably tighter now. He was usually a master of social grace, yet cold sweat had begun to form on his back. What had he said that offended Jamie? He looked to Autumn for help, but she only seemed more distant and unapproachable. Well, she was the woman Dawson had personally shielded from drinks. There was no way he could afford to offend someone like her.
Just as Rowan’s embarrassment peaked, a ripple of excitement spread through the grand hall. He heard someone exclaim, “The CEO of the Westgate Group is here!” The CEO of the Westgate Group was famously elusive, so almost everyone, including Damien, turned their heads out of curiosity.
Just then, the Magnolia Hall charity dinner host stepped into view—Joanne, the eldest daughter of the Pearson family and now the head of the household. The grand old mansion, Magnolia Hall, was the private residence of the Pearson family, one of Havermout’s most prominent and long-established old-money dynasties. Only a family of their stature could host a charity dinner that drew such distinguished guests. Joanne, the 35-year-old matriarch of the Pearsons, radiated elegance in a sage green gown adorned with delicate hand embroidery. The dress’s sleek, modern silhouette accentuated her tall, slender frame, making her authority as the family’s leader unmistakable. Two assistants accompanied her. Following behind them were the three celebrated scions of Havenmoor’s elite—Dawson, Robin, and Rica.
Dawson, the guest of honor for the evening, had strikingly sculpted features that immediately caught the eye. Standing nearly six-and-a-half feet tall, his commanding presence and usually expressionless face gave him an air of nobility and gravitas that hushed the entire hall the moment he arrived. Robin and Jaco were undeniably handsome and usually stood out in any crowd. However, standing beside Dawson, they seemed to fade into the background. Everyone in the room was completely captivated by him.
“I thought the CEO of the Westgate Group would be in his 40s or 50s, but he’s only in his 20s! He’s so young!”
“And yet he’s already expanded into markets across several continents. His competence is undeniable. Plus, he’s incredibly handsome. Coming from Clerotia’s elite, he has it all. There’s literally nothing in his background, appearance, or skill set that could be considered a weakness.”
To cement him, I even considered trying to make a good impression or maybe finding a chance to talk to him later. But I was clearly overthinking it. Without Ms. Pearson’s presence and guidance, I’d probably just end up tongue-tied.
“I know exactly what you mean. I couldn’t even make eye contact. If I got any closer, I wouldn’t know what to say.”
Dumien, Jayden, and Barry already knew the CEO was Dawson and were aware of his connection to Damien. None of them commented much on it. What took Bay off guard, though, was running into his cousin, Rico. Fuco had always taken advantage of being a few years older, bullying Harry throughout their childhood. Whenever Barry made a mistake, Rico would twist the situation, pretending to be the saintly older brother. He’d cry dramatically, “Please don’t punish Barry! I’m not blaming him at all. It’ll break my heart! I’ll protect my little brother! No one else is allowed to near him!” He’d wail that with tears in his eyes.
Barry had an unusually mature demeanor from a young age, and he had Rico to thank for that; because of him, Barry learned far too early just how cruel people could be. The experience left scars on his young mind.
The moment Emilia saw Dawson, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Learning that he was the CEO of WriteGenap made her all the more eager to meet him. Damien was already incredibly accomplished, but also impressively reserved. Eindia subtly straightened her posture. Then she noticed the sudden tension around her. She glanced at Damien. His expression was colder than usual. There was a sharpness to it now, a clear hostility aimed directly at Dawson. Instinctively, Emilia took a small step back and turned to ask Jayden. Jayden glanced at Damien, then whispered, “Dawson is Damien’s brother.” Emilu was stunned.