Clare’s handsome face held a faint smile, “Alright.”
The entire banquet hall was resplendent, filled with the scent of perfume and the sight of beautiful people. Various industry leaders mingled among the crowd.
The President, dressed in a gray suit, stood amidst the throng, receiving greetings from guests with a beaming smile.
“Congratulations, Mr. President.”
“To have found such an outstanding son-not only handsome but also exceptionally capable.”
“He will surely lead Aettosa to greater heights.”
“Absolutely!”
Listening to the compliments, the President was overjoyed.
He occasionally glanced toward the second floor where Franklin was. The banquet was about to begin, but Franklin had yet to appear.
Damn it!
Was the boy still causing trouble?
What was there to fuss about? Did he really think he could ignore the authority of a President?
He signaled to his assistant, who immediately understood and quietly headed upstairs.
Few guests noticed the insignificant assistant.
In the reception room on the second floor, a tall man stood by the window. Even his back exuded a stern aura.
The President’s assistant knocked gently. Jasper opened the door and glanced at him, saying indifferently, “Master Franklin doesn’t want to come out.”
The assistant merely smiled. His tone towards Franklin carried a hint of disrespect. After all, Franklin was just an illegitimate child found by the President. Without the President’s favor, could he even dream of becoming the heir?
Moreover, there were many illegitimate children. Today he was favored; who knew about tomorrow?
He knew many of the President’s secrets, including the number of illegitimate children.
So he didn’t show any intention of currying favor with the future President.
Besides, many illegitimate children were eager to become President.
Whether Franklin could succeed depended on his ability and luck.
“The banquet is full of guests, and it was organized for Master Franklin. If he doesn’t attend, it would be his loss and a blow to the President’s reputation. These guests could be his future subordinates. Master Franklin… are you really not going?”
The assistant spoke flatteringly, adept at reading people, especially the President.
Franklin turned, his cold gaze falling on the assistant. “Continue.”
The assistant thought, “I’ve said so much already. Why isn’t Franklin playing by the rules?”
“Master Franklin… if you don’t go down now, how will these future subordinates be loyal to Mr. Mcguire? You are the future President; all factions are watching. I heard that the eldest son… is coming back.”
Franklin’s expression tightened slightly, his handsome features revealing no emotion. “The eldest son?”
His mother had been the President’s legitimate wife, but this powerful man had countless women and illegitimate children.
After his mother died in depression, he was driven out by this man.
He always thought he was the first child; all others were born later. But it turned out this man had mistresses and children even before him.
How ridiculous.
Such trash was his biological father.
How ironic.
“Yes… the eldest son has power and money, and the President likes him.” The assistant cautiously glanced at Franklin. “When he returns, Master Franklin will understand. The President has many excellent sons. Only by holding absolute power can one have a say and dominate. So, Master Franklin, will you go down?”
“How could I miss such a grand banquet?” Franklin smiled slightly and glanced at Jasper. Jasper immediately took a black suit from a nearby rack and handed it to Franklin.
The man slowly put on the suit jacket and buttoned it meticulously.
Tall and handsome in his black suit, he exuded an imposing presence.
The assistant stepped aside at the door. “Master Franklin, please.”
In the downstairs hall, maids in uniforms bustled about while guests mingled and chatted.
“Why hasn’t Master Franklin come down yet?”
“I heard he has some issues with the President. After all, he’s the legitimate wife’s son, and everyone knows how she died.”
“Ah, she was such a stunning beauty back then! What a pity.”
As they whispered, someone exclaimed, “Master Franklin is here!”
Everyone turned to look at the staircase where a tall figure descended slowly, followed by Jasper and the assistant.
In his black suit, Franklin’s features were strikingly handsome, almost like a masterpiece by God.
But what stood out most was his aura-noble, cold, commanding respect and awe.
Many socialites blushed and cast admiring glances at Franklin.
“Mr. Maskelyne is indeed as handsome as they say.”
“Yes, but we probably don’t stand a chance. I heard he went on a date with Lara recently!”
“Really? Lara? Ah! I’m so heartbroken. We can’t compete.”
Several young ladies in a corner sighed in disappointment.
The President’s son was not only handsome but also wealthy and powerful.
And yet Lara had won his favor!
How could they not be upset?
Seeing Franklin descend, Lara’s carefully made-up eyes gleamed with determination.
Donald watched Lara’s expression with displeasure and spoke up again.
“Lara, I’ve told you many times; Franklin is married. His wife is a beautiful lady and your uncle’s disciple. You’re making it difficult for me to face Miss Andrews. Do you understand?”
“Daddy, I’m your daughter. You’ve always loved me. Why won’t you support me now that I want an excellent boyfriend? Do you still love me?”
Lara looked at Donald defiantly. “Mr. Maskelyne is so outstanding; only someone as excellent as me deserves him.”
Donald’s face darkened further at her stubbornness. He suppressed his anger and gave her some face in this setting.
But his voice was cold and angry.
“I warn you one last time: stop this nonsense. Franklin is married. Do you want to be a homewrecker? Do you think I’ll allow that? Being a homewrecker is disgraceful. Where are your morals? Lara, did all your education go to waste?”
“Daddy, how can you say that?” Lara looked at Donald in shock. “I’m your daughter. Instead of helping me, you’re siding with an outsider? Is Sylvia really that great?”
She was furious inside. Why should she miss out on such an outstanding man as Franklin?
Donald felt Lara was beyond help. “I’ll say it again: Franklin is married to Sylvia legally. This has nothing to do with how outstanding he is.”
Lara felt uncomfortable but knew Donald’s temper-he was firm in his decisions.
As Donald’s adopted daughter, Lara cherished her position as the daughter of an oil tycoon.
After all, not every descendant of the Fox family could be chosen by Donald.
She forced a smile and clung to Donald’s arm playfully. “Daddy, don’t worry; I won’t have silly thoughts anymore. If you find any excellent young men, please keep an eye out for me.”
“You’re my only daughter; who else would I care for?” Donald softened seeing her change her mind.
They weren’t biologically related, so there was always some distance in their relationship.
Donald sighed, thinking of that woman from years ago. If she had given him children, why would he need to adopt?
If he had a biological daughter, she would be the best daughter in the world.
Not like Lara, who lacked propriety.
He envied those around him who brought their biological daughters to social events and felt silently pained for a moment.
Seeing Franklin finally come down, the President was overjoyed but didn’t show it outwardly.
He addressed everyone loudly.
“Hello everyone! Thank you for coming to this banquet at my humble abode. As you know, I have been without children for years since my wife passed away early. I never remarried and thought I’d be alone forever until my lost son was found! He was adopted by a prominent family in H RovirsaLarro and grew up to be outstanding. It’s my great fortune! Thank heavens! This is my son Franklin!”
“As everyone knows, H Rovirsa’s SouthStar Airlines is excellent; it’s my son’s enterprise along with Maskelyne Group. Heaven has blessed us! The family that adopted him also bears the name Maskelyne-what a coincidence!”