CHAPTER 42: CHAPTER 42 UNSPOKEN UNDERSTANDING

"He wouldn’t think that way. I was the one who initiated this; it has nothing to do with you!" Mary declared, patting her chest. "Don’t worry. I..."

"Hey, why are you oversimplifying things?" I sighed. "An elder brother is akin to a father, and you hold a special place in your brother’s heart. Besides, we’ve known each other for less than a week and have already progressed this far, which is quite fast for most people. If your family were ordinary, it wouldn’t matter, as there would be nothing to gain. But the issue is, I’m a poor boy dating you, and in the eyes of others, I’m punching above my weight, harboring ulterior motives. Do you understand?"

"What’s the problem with that? I have friends who got married in the afternoon after a morning blind date. We are slow in comparison!"

I was at a loss for words. Were all modern women this open-minded?

"And, I’ve said it before, whether I’m worthy or not, it’s not for others to decide, it’s up to me!"

Her stubbornness was proving to be a challenge. I paused, gathering my thoughts before saying, "Mary, as a man, I can ignore everything, but I have to care about my self-esteem, right? At the moment, I’m a nobody, and being favored by you feels like I’ve used up all the good luck in my life. But I don’t want to be labeled a loser, do you understand?"

"You’re not a loser, you’re a hero in my heart!"

"Yes, in your heart, but what about in the eyes of others?"

My voice deepened, my gaze distant, yet intensely focused on her, "Give me some time, let me become stronger, not to match your brother, but at least to have enough confidence to stand before him."

"At that time, I will tell him myself, I want to be his brother-in-law! If he doesn’t agree, I’ll just whisk you away."

Perhaps moved by my earnestness, she looked at me with a touched expression. "Okay, I’ll listen to you." She was another innocent, unsuspecting girl.

With a gentle nod, I clasped her hand, reassuring her, "Rest easy. Even if your brother attempts to intervene, I will not hesitate to whisk you away."

My declaration seemed to have won her over completely, and she sealed her trust with a sweet, lingering kiss.

Ten minutes later, she wore a playful pout, complaining, "This is all your fault, my freshly applied lipstick is all smudged again!"

I smacked my lips, a hint of longing in my voice, "But the taste is simply divine!" She responded with a bashful swat.

As we made our way into the company, we maintained a careful distance. I suggested we treat it like a role-playing game, an idea she found quite amusing.

She took to her role with gusto, striding confidently through the office door, announcing, "Bro, I’m back!"

Edward had long given up on Mary’s habit of barging into his office unannounced. He looked at her, puzzled. "Why is your mouth so swollen?"

Mary froze, momentarily flustered. I stepped in, offering a plausible explanation, "Ah, the company’s food today was overly spicy. Look at me, my mouth is all swollen too!"

Edward accepted the explanation without question, while Mary shot me a look that clearly said: This is all your fault.

I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Edward then turned to me, "William, you’re looking particularly good today, very spirited and handsome."

I responded with a smile. "I can’t let Edward down, can I?"

Edward returned the smile, "You two sit for a bit. I’ll wrap up my work and then we’ll head out."

Twenty minutes later, I found myself climbing into a Bentley, a vehicle even more luxurious than a Range Rover, a testament to its status as a luxury car.

Soon, we arrived at the Sevan Grand Hotel.

I had just picked up Tatiana from this very location the previous night, and now I was back, this time as Edward’s friend attending a gathering.

The private room we were ushered into was one of the finest at the Sevan Grand Hotel; not just anyone with money could secure it. Only those with considerable wealth and a certain level of social standing could reserve it.

The room was spacious, its interior as opulent as a palace.

By the time we arrived, several guests had already gathered.

Among them, I recognized a few, like Rick Philipson, the CEO of Wallace company; Stanley Pearson, the CEO of Ambient food; Jerry Lambert of Stuart company; and the person I was most keen to network with, George Jefferson, the CEO of Marquesa Vines company!

Almost everyone present was a major player in Sevan’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.

"Sorry for being late, everyone!"

"Mr. Walker has arrived!"

"Walker, you’ve kept us waiting, you’ll have to drink extra today!"

George approached with a friendly smile, casually draping an arm over Edward’s shoulder. Tatiana was right, George was indeed closer to Edward than the others.

"George, you’re always trying to get me drunk," Edward laughed.

George simply chuckled, unperturbed.

"Eh, Edward, who’s this with you?"

"Let me introduce you. This is William, a good friend of mine; he’s done me a great favor!"

"Oh?"

Edward’s words piqued George’s interest, and he extended his hand in greeting. "Pleasure to meet you, I’m George Jefferson from Marquesa Vines company, old classmates and good friends with Edward."

Old classmates? This was an unexpected revelation. Had he not mentioned it himself, I might never have known.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jefferson, I’m William, currently employed at Skylight Group."

I delivered my introduction with tact, merely stating my employment at Skylight Group, without revealing my position. In such a manner, he knew what I did, and it left a lot of room for his imagination.

After the handshake, Edward turned to George, his voice steady and sincere, "George, William’s a reliable chap. If it’s within your means, do look out for him."

At their stature, words carried weight and were seldom repeated. George acknowledged this with a nod and a warm smile, signaling his understanding.

"William," George began, a hint of camaraderie in his tone. "I’ve got a few years on you. If it doesn’t bother you, feel free to call me George, just as Edward does."

In response, I was quick to interject, "No, Mr. Jefferson, that would be far too informal! I’ll address you as Jefferson."

His courtesy towards me was a favor to Edward, and it was only fitting that I reciprocate with respect. To address him by his first name, even if he didn’t voice any discomfort at the moment, might cause unease later once he discovered my true standing.

"Let’s agree on that then," George responded, his laughter hearty and genuine. "In that case, I’ll call you William."

Seeing George’s affable demeanor, I found myself at ease.

Following behind the two, a glass of wine in hand, I listened as Edward introduced me to various individuals. I seized the opportunity to gather their contact information.