Chapter 256
In the Kentside Garden, Blake sat back in the golden silkwood chair in the hall, his expression grim and dark
His personal account information had been hacked, compromising not just his privacy but also crucial data related to the Andrews Group in Iverton.
This situation had forced Blake into a comer.
It was the first time in nearly thirty years that he had been compelled like this. Accustomed to his high status, he felt an intense sense of frustration
On the screen opposite him, a press conference from Riverview Hospital was being broadcast. He had no faith in the statements being made, those were just the official line meant for public consumption.
Unless…
Squeak!
The door opened.
Blake looked up to see a young man in a gray suit, tail and slender, entering the room. He exuded an air of sharpness and darkness, a result of long periods spent in the shadows.
Blake had four top aides. One of them, Rick, was gone, leaving three,
This young man was Pablo Russell
“Mr. Andrews, we have everything clarified. Pablo said, handing over a sleek black tablet
It was an exclusive electronic device from Andrews Technology, not available on the market.
Blake’s eyes narrowed as he took it, his fingers lightly swiping across the screen. As he flipped through the information, his eyes widened in shock. “Well” Blake couldn’t help but exclaim.
conference.
They had investigated Riverview Hospitals entire history, as well as the new drugs and research products announced in the press confe Pablo looked up at Blake. The medical technology at Riverview Hospital is even more advanced than what we’ve uncovered so far.
Pablo paused before adding, “It would be very difficult to eliminate them from the medical field now,”
Given the Andrews family’s current status and power, there was nothing they couldn’t handle, though the means might vary
A shadow of contemplation crossed Pablo’s deep, dark eyes. He had no qualms about destroying Riverview Hospital. After all, the Andrews family and Lea were in a life–or–death struggle.
Blake didn’t see any need to go out of his way for a young girl like Lea.
However, the decision of what to All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
to do
do was up to Blake. It wasn’t Pablo’s place to intervene. He was merely a compliant tool.
Outside, there was a commotion. Blake looked up and saw, through the floor–to–ceiling windows, Luxora car limousine driving through the gate and making its way across the garden.
The deep autumn sunlight had taken on a richer hue, reflecting off the golden leaves of the trees and making Blake’s eyes shine brightly. “Let’s go downstairs, Blake said, handing back the tablet, He adjusted his clothing, stood up, and a faint smile touched his lips as the lines around his eyes deepened.
He found himself somewhat reluctant to destroy Riverview Hospital now.
He wanted to see if it could truly advance medical technology and create new medical history.
If it did, extending life would be a
be a given.
Blake was turning cigley after the New Year. His doctor had assured him that he was in good health and could easily live to a hundred, but age had its toll, and he wasn’t as vigorous as before. No one would refuse a few more years of life,
Of course, Blake didn’t hold out much hope for Riverview Hospital.
Lea is a genius, but there are many geniuses in the world, and only a few achieve extraordinary success. Besides, Lea’s arrogant nature will only bring her more trouble and hinder her development. I’m just observing for now! With that thought Blake’a pasila kedadea Di
The car stopped in front of the building. Ray got out first, ready to open the door for Christian and Lea, but Alfred was already there, pulling the
door open
“Mr. Andrews, this way, Alfred said.
He extended a hand to assist Christian but first gave Lea a tender look, his eyes full of affection,
If Christian hadn’t been present, he would have taken Lea’s hand directly.
Ray was taken aback. Alfred has changed so much. He’s never been this respectful and attentive to his own grandpa. For Lea, he’s gone from a haughty young master to someone so compliant. No wonder Blake is so upset!
Ray instinctively glanced at Lea, and his sense of balance returned. “Well, a charming young girl like her could indeed enchant a young man like
Alfred‘
Lea exchanged a meaningful glance with Alfred. The two lovebirds shared a look full of affection.
Then, Lea helped Christian out of the car, and they made their way to the hall.
Alfred and Ray followed behind
Soon, the doors of the hall were pulled open to welcome them.
The mal
male and fo
female servants, dressed in formal attire, stood with an air of high–end propriety.
Unlike last time, this gathering was very formal, creating a noticeable distance between the host and guests.
“Mr. Berry, Miss Berry, welcome. Lunch is ready. Please follow me, one of the servants said
Christian’s face darkened instantly, ‘Is Blake trying to assert his authority? I knew it. He wouldn’t invite us here for anything good.”
Christian was tempted to turn and leave. He didn’t want to eat this meal and wasn’t inclined to show Blake any respect.
But his arm was tugged by Lea, who was holding onto him.
Christian turned and met Lea’s expectant eyes. Reluctantly, he acquiesced and headed towards the dining room.
As they entered the dining room, they saw Blake already seated at the head of the table, exuding an imposing aura with his formal attire and high status demeanor.
Christian’s lips twitched in irritation.
Last time
they dined here, there hadn’t been so many servants, and Blake hadn’t been so standoffish.
This time, it was clear Blake was t
was trying to put them in their place.
Fine, let’s see how this goes, Christian thought
Lea’s lips curved into a graceful smile as she greeted him. “Mr. Blake Andrews, hello. Her tone was sweet and respectful.
Blake was momentarily taken aback. If it weren’t for the recent events, he would have genuinely liked Lea
However, his expression quickly turned serious as he assessed Christian and Lea
Unlike
e their previous visit, this time Christian and Lea were dressed casually, even in home attire.
Lea wore a white, deep autumn long T–shirt with her long hair cascading behind her like a sea wave. With a natural, unadorned fice, her lips were red, her teeth white, and her skin radiant. She looked strikingly beautiful.
Their casual attire was a clear provocation, indicating that Christian and Lea weren’t particularly concerned about the formality of this gathering. They were here to show respect
Guided by the servants, the couple took their seats. Alfred pulled out a chair for Lea and sat beside her.
Today, he wore a white, relaxed shirt that lent him a casual air, perfectly complementing Lea. Setting aside their backgrounds, they looked like a golden couple, destined for each other.
Blake’s lips twitched. He knew it would be pointless to scold them, so he chose to ignore it.
“Let’s start serving the food, he instructed the servants.
“Yes, Mr. Andrews. The servant nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Before long, three or four servants carrying dishes entered the dining room. Leading them was a man in his fifties, dressed in a vintage white chef’s uniform, exuding an air of professional respect.
Blake looked at Christian and Lea. This is Samuel Zane, the son and chief disciple of Curtis, and also the heir to Royal Catering.”
“Mr. Berry, Miss Berry, it’s an honor for me to be invited by Mr. Andrews to cook this meal for you, Samuel said, his words polite but lacking any trace of respect.
It was clear to him that Blake’s intention in hosting this dinner was to assert dominance, and Samuel was prepared to follow suit.
Christian smelled the delicious aroma and involuntarily swallowed, but upon hearing his words, his appetite vanished,
“He’s clearly not inviting us out of genuine hospitality,‘ he thought.
Lea then turned to Blake and smiled lightly. “Mr. Andrews, you must really try this yourself.
“Curtis’s father was the royal chef. Samuel’s skills are even better than Curtis’s, and he oversees all of Royal Catering. In the culinary world, he is unrivaled. Very few people in Iverton have the fortune to taste his personally prepared dishes. If it weren’t for Mr. Andrews’s invitation, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy such a meal,” Lea said, picking up her fork and happily starting to eat.
Everyone but Alfred looked surprised
Christian paused, his irritation flaring up again
‘Blake’s showing off by bringing in this top chef. Is this supposed to impress us? But the food really does smell amazing, he thought, swallowing discreetly and keeping his face stern,
Curtis looked at Blake, bewildered. Lea’s praise pleased him, but it clearly wasn’t the reaction Blake had hoped for.
Blake scrutinized Lea
To him, she was just a genius young woman passionate about research with a bit of business acumen and adventurous spirit. He hadn’t expected her to know about Curtis or seem so well– informed.
Her calm enjoyment of the meal, her grace, was even a bit overshadowing to Blake.
Blake intended for this dinner and this chef to demonstrate the disparity between Lea and the Andrews family. But in her eyes, the chef was simply a culinary artist hired to create a fine meal for her
“This is infuriating!‘ he thought.
Christian, seeing Blake’s furious expression, couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction and began to eat. “Yes, it’s truly excellent. At my age, it’s my first time eating such delicious food. Blake, you’ve gone to such lengths and it’s greatly appreciated. We’ll make sure to enjoy every bit of it and honor your effort.”
Blake was taken aback
He shot a sharp glance at Curtis, signaling him to hurry up and finish serving the dishes before retreating,
Aside from him, everyone else enjoyed the meal with evident pleasure,
Lea took a bite of a vegetable, her long eyelashes lowering as a sharp glint appeared in her eyes.
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