Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
That day, as Kayden stepped out of the hotel, he bumped into someone-or rather, a group of people.
The sight before him made him stop in his tracks, stunned. It wasn’t just Kayden-the entire hotel was abuzz with murmurs. The once-quiet lobby turned into a hub of whispers and excitement, brimming with curiosity.
And who wouldn’t be shocked?
Lined up neatly on both sides of the hotel entrance were over a hundred men in black suits. Their expressions were stern, their gazes sharp. Each one stood tall and proud, exuding an air of authority. Although dressed in modern attire, their posture and bearing resembled royal guards from ancient times.
But what truly grabbed everyone’s attention wasn’t the people-it was the row of luxury cars parked behind them. A parade of Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Maybachs gleamed in the sunlight. Maseratis, Porsches, and Mercedes seemed utterly lackluster in comparison to these million-dollar vehicles.
A few women pointed at the cars and the men, whispering carefully amongst themselves.
“Whose entourage is this? It’s so overwhelming! Could it be the John family? Last month, the John family pulled a similar stunt, blocking an entire city street with over a hundred Bentleys.”
“The John family? Impossible. Don’t you recognize that old man over there?”
“Who is it?”
“That’s Billy, the Scott family’s butler!”
“What? The Scott family? So all these people are from the Scott family? No wonder they look so dignified, so extraordinary! It’s the Scott family!”
Their discussion grew more excited as they realized the truth. Hearing the name “Scott family” was like stumbling upon the most explosive piece of news.
After all, the Scott family’s status in Vernon was shrouded in mystery. How could it not spark shock and awe?
“But why are the Scott family members here?”
“Can’t you tell? With such a display, they’re either here to cause trouble or waiting for someone!”
“Who could it be? Someone staying in this hotel? I’ve been on duty these past few days. I did see a few important-looking guests-just yesterday, someone came in wearing a suit and carrying a large leather briefcase. Could it be him?”
“Did you see that girl over there? She’s so enviable! Born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Not like us, struggling from the bottom and hoping for a stroke of luck to change our fate.”
As the crowd gossiped in amazement, a young girl suddenly called out cheerfully, “Kayden!”
She skipped forward, heading straight for him.
Kayden frowned slightly and asked coldly, “What now? Another spectacle? What do you want this time?”
Ann grinned sheepishly. “Come back with me! Everyone at home is waiting for you. Without you, the engagement banquet can’t happen!”
“Yes, young master! Please come back!” Billy stepped forward, bowing deeply to Kayden.
Kayden glanced at Billy with disdain, then at Ann, and finally swept his gaze across the line of black-suited men. Wherever his eyes landed, the men straightened further and shouted in unison, “Young Master Kayden!”
“Let’s go,” Kayden replied nonchalantly, striding forward without a backward glance.
Billy froze for a moment, stunned. Turning to Ann, he asked in disbelief, “Miss, what did the young master say?”
“He said, ‘Let’s go!'” Ann exclaimed joyfully. She skipped ahead, beaming at Billy. “See? I told you my brother would come back with me! Now do you believe me?”
In truth, Kayden’s decision to return wasn’t because of their repeated invitations. He wanted to see Stephanie.
Unable to contact her, Kayden figured she might appear at the Scott family estate.
—
The Scott Family
At the Scott family estate, the atmosphere was lively yet tense. As one of the most prominent families, today was a special occasion, and relatives from far and wide had gathered.
Of course, those who attended were all individuals of notable status. Even if they weren’t particularly famous in Seclela, they were certainly big names in their respective provinces.
While the scene appeared festive, it was pure torment for the Scott family members.
In the grand hall, everyone sat in silence, dressed impeccably but fidgeting like ants on a hot pan. Faces were heavy with worry, and sighs broke the stillness from time to time.
Vicente paced back and forth, unable to sit still. His frustration was evident as he barked, “The relatives will be here any moment, and Dad still refuses to come out! Are we supposed to let them laugh at us?”
He turned to a servant and snapped, “Go! Get my father out here again!”
The servant hesitated, his face full of helplessness. “Young Master, the master said he won’t attend unless Young Master Kayden returns.”
“Ridiculous!” Vicente, already on edge, erupted in anger. His fury made him seem like a raging beast, ready to devour the servant on the spot.
“When I tell you to do something, you do it! What’s with all the excuses?”
The servant trembled, his face pale, but before he could speak, Edgar rose from his chair and intervened.
“Enough! Why take it out on a servant?” Edgar waved the man away. “You can leave.”
The servant quickly scurried out, relieved.
Vicente turned to Edgar, his brows furrowed. “You know as well as I do that many relatives are already here. If Dad doesn’t show up, how will the Whitley family perceive us? They’ll think we’re arrogant and disrespectful!”
Edgar chuckled calmly. “Don’t worry. Ann and Billy have gone to fetch Kayden. Let’s just wait.”
Before Vicente could respond, Brodie stood up and asked, “Uncle Edgar, do you really think Ann can convince Kayden? Honestly, I’d rather he didn’t come. If he does, I’ll be even more anxious.”
“Agreed!” Neve nodded in support. “If he shows up, who knows what kind of trouble he’ll stir? If he turns the house upside down, I’d rather he stay away.”
“Exactly! I don’t understand what Father is thinking. If Kayden causes a scene in front of all our relatives, our family’s reputation will be ruined!” Dalton added with a sneer.
“So what do you suggest?” Vicente asked, his face clouded with worry.
Dalton smirked coldly. “If Dad won’t come, we’ll handle it ourselves. The engagement banquet must go on. We can’t keep our relatives waiting for nothing.”
“Of course not!”