chapter 36 Confession at class reunion
Words : 1945
Updated : Dec 2nd, 2024
Indeed!
There was no free lunch!
The items presented by Blake to Maxwell today were valued at tens of thousands. Even if it was due to Levi's condition, it seemed a bit too much.
Were you suggesting Maxwell to take care of Levi?
Hospital wouldn't be that bad nowadays? Was it not capable of treating cancer at such an early stage?
Maxwell nodded slightly, "As you said if I can assist you, I'll try my best."
"The new shopping center by Blake Group is set to open next month. I'd like to extend an invitation to Master Clarkson and Mrs. Tipton for the grand opening. I wonder if Master Clarkson would be interested."
Maxwell was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated this kind of event, so he pondered, "I should be able to attend. As for my sister, I'll inquire."
What the heck!
Nora was his sister!
Upon receiving this information, Blake's heart rate became erratic.
Fortunately, he did not suffer from any heart condition. Otherwise, he would have found himself in the ICU due to sheer excitement.
Blake's lips quivered as he spoke again,
"It would be wonderful if Master Clarkson could attend. As for Mrs. Tipton, kindly convey my message as if she is unable to make it, it's perfectly fine, it doesn't matter."
"Understood." Maxwell nodded and turned to leave.
Blake remained motionless for several minutes. His mouth twitched for a while before he burst into laughter and said, "Haha."
The saleswoman nearby looked alarmed and inquired, "Mr. Carlyle, Mr. Carlyle, are you alright?"
"Nothing, haha, I'm perfectly fine!"
"Today is my lucky day!"
"Join me in celebrating!"
After uttering those words, Blake ushered the saleswoman into a fitting room. He locked the door and commenced his actions.
While engaged in his actions, his mind was preoccupied. The timepiece selected by Master Clarkson was cheap. Later would try to add another luxurious bag for him!
Upon departing from the shopping complex, Maxwell's mobile device rang. Xavier was on the line.
"Master Clarkson, the Summer Palace Lord has arrived. I will pick up you now."
"No need, I am near the hotel. I can go by myself."
Maxwell proceeded directly to the Hubo Grand Hotel after keeping his phone. It happened that the wine gathering, where Maxwell and the former Xelooe Palace dignitaries convened was set on the same day. Even if Victor had not insisted on him and Abigail today, Maxwell would have contrived a reason to venture out independently.
The Larson family sisters were already waiting at the door. Upon seeing Maxwell approaching, they quickly greeted him, "Master Clarkson, this way, please. We are on the top floor and will take the dedicated elevator."
Xavier's efforts were significant, as he had reserved the entire revolving restaurant at the top of the Hubo Grand Hotel.
Inside the revolving restaurant, Xavier, Colin, and all the former members of Xelooe Palace had gathered and were conversing around Nora.
Over the past decade, Nora had largely ignored the affairs of Xelooe Palace. The palace had crumbled under various pressures. Both Xavier and Colin longed for the days when the palace was flourishing.
Upon Maxwell's arrival, Xavier took the lead and everyone swiftly saluted.
"Hello, Palace Lord!"
Seeing the group of people kneeling before him in the dimly lit room, Maxwell felt a bit uneasy momentarily, yet a sense of pride also welled up within him.
He brandished a deadly sword upon waking, and he lay inebriated in the lap of a beautiful woman.
The sensation of wielding power!
He clasped his hands and declared, "Get up."
"Yes, Palace Lord."
Nora stood and gestured Maxwell to the prime seat. She proclaimed, "Today marks a significant milestone for Xelooe Palace! Henceforth, Palace Lord Clarkson will have full authority over Xelooe Palace! Every decision within these walls will rest with Palace Lord Clarkson! I trust that under his guidance, we shall see the resurgence of Xelooe Palace!"
"Revive Xelooe Palace!"
"Revive Xelooe Palace!"
The words reverberated across the hall.
Observing Nora's resolute posture, Maxwell couldn't help but ponder, this was the true essence of my elder sister! Why did she choose Miles and transform into a poised, elegant young lady? Could it be... love?
Upon Nora's conclusion, Maxwell rose as well. Offering words of encouragement, he officially commenced the banquet.
The attendees were all loyal to Xelooe Palace. With the anticipation of its revival, their hearts were filled with joy and the hall's ambiance grew livelier.
As the new Palace Lord, Maxwell received frequent toasts.
He wasn't reserved. Downing glasses until they were empty, he lost count of how many he had consumed.
Yet, despite the alcohol. Maxwell's eyes remained sharp, his mind clear. Engaging in conversation at the table, he quickly discerned the unique traits of the palace's inhabitants, committing them to memory.
Nora's eyes sparkled with delight, her demeanor exuding satisfaction.
Maxwell's conduct at the table showcased his aptitude as a distinguished Palace Lord.
In a familiar setting, Nora would have embraced him, proudly declaring, "You truly live up to being my sister's junior brother. You've done her proud."
…
Maxwell was jubilant at the banquet, while Abigail's gathering was underwhelming.
Initially resembling a typical class reunion, the event brought together university peers for conversation and a meal.
Midway through, Stella abruptly took a call, and Levi made an unexpected entrance.
"Master Carlyle has arrived!" Stella announced cheerfully, "Let me introduce him. This is Levi, my direct superior. What a coincidence, I never imagined Master Carlyle would be dining here too."
"Levi? The young master of Blake Group? What a privilege!"
"Stella, Master Carlyle is quite charming. Is he merely your boss? Don't be naive."
"Stop teasing! I am not worthy of Master Carlyle!" Stella glanced pointedly at Abigail, "If I had Abigail's qualities, the situation would be different. Master Carlyle, please take a seat now! Join us for a drink. Consider it as a favor to me."
As Stella spoke, she rose and offered Levi the seat next to Abigail.
Levi sat and greeted Abigail, "Mrs. Jerome, what a coincidence! You're here too."
Abigail sensed something amiss but still replied, "Hello, Levi."
"Abigail, you know Master Carlyle!" Stella feigned surprise, "What a day of chance! Master Carlyle, you're so mysterious to know our campus beauty! You should have another drink today, cheers."
Levi chuckled, "The other party is done, so drink as much as you like!"
Stella grinned widely, "Oh, Master Carlyle, you're so kind to me today!"
"Stella! Cut it out, Master Carlyle is helping Abigail out!"
"Yes, Stella! Just sit!"
Stella sighed, "Can you help me save some pride? Sigh... How wonderful it would be to be Master Carlyle's girlfriend! But I understand, apart from Abigail, no one here qualifies, right?"
"Yeah, yeah!"
"It's rare for you to say something so sensible!"
…
After Levi's arrival, he swiftly captured everyone's attention.
Abigail's unease grew as Levi not only initiated conversations with her during dinner but consistently steered the topics toward their relationship. The exchanges grew increasingly cryptic, leaving her so agitated that she contemplated an early exit.
As the meal progressed. Stella abruptly turned to Levi, remarking, "Master Carlyle, you always seem to be by the side of our school's beauty. Is Abigail of interest to you?"
This was the moment Levi had been anticipating, and a slight smile graced his lips.
"Mrs. Jerome and I share a longstanding connection. Truth be told, I have harbored affection for her."
With finesse, he presented an ornate box, unveiling it before Abigail.
"Abigail, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Within the box glistened a diamond-encrusted necklace, its gems as large as pigeon eggs, radiating a dazzling brilliance under the light.