“Alright, I’m going to New York.”
After hanging up the phone, Leo returned to the dining table.
The ever-observant Duke Gawain asked, “Dear friend, what happened?”
“Three Dukes, I have some matters to attend to. I won’t be going to Paris; instead, I need to head to New York urgently and must leave now.”
The three of them stood up. Joseph gave Tassick a look.
Understanding the signal, Tassick took out a small black badge, the size of a baby’s palm, and handed it to Leo.
The badge featured a three-eyed crow on its front, with a lifelike 3D effect that made it appear almost alive.
“My dearest friend, this is our vampire clan’s summoning badge. If you need help, just drop a bit of blood on it, and we will come to your aid as quickly as possible,” Duke Joseph explained.
Leo accepted the badge, appreciating its potential usefulness.
Duke Deane continued, “Tassick will handle everything for you and arrange the quickest flight to New York. Farewell, my dear friend. The doors of the dark castle are always open for you.”
Before parting, the three Dukes each gave Leo a hug.
As the car disappeared beyond the castle gates, Duke Joseph sighed, “Deane, Gawain, do you think Leo is really gay?”
“I don’t think so,” Gawain shook his head, puzzled. “But why isn’t he interested in the three most beautiful women in the castle?”
“I know!” Deane’s voice caught their attention.
“This friend from Atraria must have a wife and is likely a devoted man like me,” Duke Deane said, looking into the distance with a deep and complex gaze.
If Leo had heard this, he would have given Deane a big thumbs up for his perceptive comment.
Before boarding the plane, Leo sent a message to Fire Rose with his flight details so she could arrange for someone to pick him up upon arrival.
Five hours later, at 1:30 PM, Leo’s private jet landed at Kennedy International Airport.
Leo had arrived at his destination: New York.
New York City is located on the southeastern coast of New York State and is the largest city and port in the United States. It is an international metropolis and one of the world’s largest economic centers. New York is the most populous city in the United States and a diverse city with residents from 97 countries and regions, speaking over 800 languages. It wields significant influence in commerce and finance.
New York’s financial district, led by Lower Manhattan and Wall Street, is known as the financial center of the world. Fifty-six Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in New York. The New York Stock Exchange is the second-largest stock exchange globally by market capitalization at $15 trillion until Nasdaq surpassed its trading volume in 1996.
Times Square in Manhattan’s Theater District is called “The Crossroads of the World” and is one of the world’s entertainment hubs. Manhattan’s Jade Quarter is the densest Atrarian community in the Western Hemisphere.
Following the crowd to the exit, Leo quickly spotted a sign with his name on it and walked over.
The man waiting for him was in his thirties with a distinctive slicked-back hairstyle that gave him a gang leader vibe.
Leo approached him, extended his hand, and smiled, “Hello, I’m Leo.”
“Mr. Bloomer, hello. I’m Alden Cabrera, here to pick you up,” Alden said politely.
After exchanging pleasantries, Alden led Leo to the parking area.
Once in the car, Alden drove Leo to his next destination.
Through the car window, Leo saw many iconic landmarks frequently featured in American movies.
During the drive, Alden shared stories about his life in New York and its local customs and culture, giving Leo a general understanding of the city.
As they entered Manhattan, Leo asked, “Mr. Cabrera, are you with WONDER?”
“Sort of, I’m an external member,” Alden replied with a wry smile, knowing how difficult it was to become a full-fledged WONDER employee.
The car gradually slowed down and then stopped.
“Mr. Bloomer, those waiting for you are in a small conference room on the sixth floor of this hotel. I have other tasks to attend to, so I won’t be going up with you,” Alden said as he retrieved Leo’s luggage from the trunk.
Leo took his luggage, thanked Alden, and entered the “Raxgas Hotel.”
After giving his name at the front desk, a staff member led him to the sixth-floor conference room.
The staff member knocked on the door. After hearing a “come in,” they gestured for Leo to enter. He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The conference room was spacious and bright. In the center was an oval conference table with three people seated around it-two men and one woman.
As Leo entered, one man and one woman stood up while the other man remained seated.
The standing man was around Leo’s age with determined eyes, short hair, chiseled features, and dressed in smart casual attire that made him look quite handsome.
The woman wore light makeup that made it hard for Leo to guess her age but she seemed under thirty. She had a well-proportioned figure, a round face, and shoulder-length hair that gave her a cute and sweet appearance-leaving a good first impression on Leo.