The luxurious golden hall exuded the taste of the wealthy, with crystal chandeliers, European floor lamps, handmade tapestries from the Middle East… and cabinets filled with expensive red wines. Vintage European oil paintings adorned the walls, showcasing the beauty of nude figures under natural sunlight, embodying strength and elegance.
The phonograph continued to play, its music flowing like a summer symphony. A middle-aged man danced slowly with a seductive woman in his arms, savoring the rhythm of the music with closed eyes. His hand grazed the woman’s ample hips, expressing a mix of elegance and sensuality.
Upon Sam’s arrival, he witnessed this intricate scene of elegance and sensuality, his handsome face retaining a subtle smile tinged with disdain. The butler, Brody, respectfully bowed to Sam at the entrance, “Master Sam, you’re here.”
“Mhmm.”
“Do you want me to announce your arrival?”
Sam gestured for him not to, speaking gently, “The boss is rarely in such high spirits. There’s no rush for my matters. It’s fine to finish watching this waltz.”
Brody chuckled softly, acknowledging Sam’s refined and considerate nature, understanding why his boss valued him so much. It had only been three years since he joined, yet he was already the second in command of the Gang of Tigers.
As the final note of the female singer on the phonograph faded, the dancing middle-aged man showed signs of fatigue. He panted as he led his partner through the ending motion. Seeing this, Brody quickly sent over a towel and a glass of revitalizing red wine.
“Boss, Sam is here.”
The dancing man’s eyes lit up at the news, “Oh? You mean that kid is here. Where is he? Why didn’t you invite him in?”
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel from the tray, then tossed it back and reached for a goblet.
Fearing the boss would blame him for neglecting Sam, Brody hurried to explain, “No, I already invited Sam earlier. He said you were enjoying yourself, so I shouldn’t disturb you. He’s waiting outside.”
“Oh, this kid… too polite and considerate. Go bring him in, it’s hot outside.”
“Understood.”
Shortly after, Brody led Sam into the hall. Sam followed calmly, catching sight of the middle-aged man sitting casually on the sofa with his legs crossed.
He appeared to be around fifty years old, of average build, dressed in a traditional suit with black trousers and polished leather shoes. His slightly receding white hair was combed back, highlighting his dignified forehead and adding a touch of nobility to his face.
Sitting on the man’s thigh was a young woman in a red sundress, engaging in carefree banter and laughter. Sam, unfazed by the scene, walked directly to the middle-aged man and greeted with a smile, “Mr. Gilliam.”
Upon hearing Sam’s voice, Declan Gilliam stopped his flirtatious exchange with the woman, turned his head to see the outstanding young man before him, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
“You’re too polite, Sam. I am a lifelong friend of your father, so you can consider me half of a father figure to you. Next time you visit, don’t hesitate to disturb me. Don’t just stand at the door waiting like a fool.”
The man spoke, pushing away the woman sitting on his lap and picking up another glass of wine instead, gesturing for Brody to hand it to Sam.
“Try this wine I just brought back from the Fustroydor winery,” he said.
“Well, I’ll drink to that,” Sam responded.
Sam elegantly lifted the glass, swirling it slowly, his gaze almost mesmerized by the blood-like color.
“Tasting wine starts with observing its color, then savoring its aroma, and sipping its taste. This wine has a pure and vibrant color, a bittersweet wine aroma with hints of pine, laurel, and cherry.”
“This should be a 2005 Travesen Winery Cabernet Sauvignon,” he continued.
“Red wine pairs with red meat, Mr. Gilliam might consider pairing it with garlic-rubbed steak to enhance the wine’s flavor, but… a fine wine with a beautiful woman makes up for this lack,” he added.
His words provoked a hearty laugh from Declan, who instinctively tightened his hold around the beauty in his arms.
She was his latest favorite, rumored to be a young lady from a prestigious Jostrana family who sought refuge here after causing trouble back home.
They fell in love at first sight at a party and shared a dance.
She soon became Mr. Gilliam’s best companion, displacing his previous partner and even getting a multi-million-dollar mansion.
This woman was none other than Camilla, who had fled abroad after offending Cheyenne and Kelvin in Jostrana.
No wonder Benson’s people couldn’t find her; who would have thought that the noble Camilla from the Callahan family, who almost became a princess, would lower her status to become a middle-aged man’s lover.
Today, Camilla saw Sam for the first time and was completely captivated by this man in a white suit at first sight.
She had seen men with long hair before, but they were either too effeminate or simply unattractive.
This man, however, seemed to exude elegance naturally. His soft, flowing hair complemented a face more delicate and handsome than most women’s, adding a touch of mystery and grace that made her irresistibly drawn to him.
Yet, despite his seemingly gentle smile, Sam was inherently cold to the core, known for his cleanliness and perfectionism.
The last man to make Camilla’s heart flutter was Kelvin, but he turned out to be too cruel, causing her to lose face and leave her homeland.
Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but swoon over handsome Sam, who surpassed Kelvin in looks.
While seated on Declan’s lap, her eyes fixated on Sam, and she feigned a soft, lingering voice to ask in his ears, “Master Declan, who is this gentleman…”
Sam despised women, especially those vulgar and shameless like Camilla, so he had no intention of responding to her.
His silence spoke volumes, the best response he could offer.
Declan observed it all, initially feeling a bit uncomfortable but ultimately pleased with Sam’s reaction.
Not arrogant, not fond of smoking or drinking, humble and gentle in nature, reliable and meticulous in his work, without needing any supervision.
Such a person seemed almost too perfect to be true.
If he had any flaw, it would be that his obsession with cleanliness was too much!