Chapter 32

Robert took a deep breath and sighed. "My father suddenly gave me all of this," he said, "so I can only assume he thinks highly of me. Carlos, do you have anything to add to the points I made earlier in the meeting?"

Carlos nodded slightly. "I won't question anything Mr. Zabinski has said. I will follow your lead."

Robert glanced at the clock on the office wall. "Well, it's almost the end of break time. We have other arrangements this afternoon, so let's go."

Carlos's eyes showed noticeable relief as he looked at Robert.

Over the past two days, Robert had been busy with various Zabinski family matters, dealing with unfamiliar tasks. He handled everything carefully, but still went to bed around 3:00 a.m. every night. He felt he had too little time each day, with new challenges constantly arising, leaving little time for study and preparation.

Every day, Carlos followed Robert, observing his progress.

One morning, Carlos placed an invitation on Robert's desk. "Mr. Zabinski, this is an invitation from the Hoffman family of Lofbury. It's Mr. Hoffman's birthday party, and they've invited you to Lofbury. Their motorcade is waiting."

After delivering the message, Carlos paused, leaving the decision to Robert.

Robert, having already heard about the party from Carlos, had made up his mind. He nodded. "Let's not trouble the Hoffman family. Carlos, arrange a driver for me. I have dinner with the cultural tourism department at noon; you should go there."

"Noted," Carlos replied, nodding and stepping back.

Ten minutes later, a Maybach pulled up in front of the Grand Triumphant Hotel. As Robert went downstairs, the driver, in a black suit and white gloves, was already waiting with the door open.

Lofbury was about an hour's drive from Yrinas. The Hoffman family held a similar position in Lofbury as the Zabinski family held in Yrinas. However, both cities were under Navarre's jurisdiction, and since Yrinas was Navarre's capital, the Zabinski family naturally held a higher status.

Many people from Navarre attended Stephen Hoffman's birthday party. Attendees included Kendrick of the Zabel Group, who had recently relocated to Yrinas, along with Marilyn, Naomi, and others.

The banquet was scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., with the Hoffman family setting up twenty-three tables in their manor to accommodate the powerful and influential guests.

When Robert arrived at the Hoffman manor, the banquet was about to begin.

He signaled the driver to stop, then walked toward the banquet hall. He had only taken a few steps when he heard a derisive voice.

"Naomi has no sense," the voice sneered. "Bringing this gold digger to other events is one thing, but Mr. Hoffman's birthday party? How could she bring this trash?"

Robert recognized the voice without seeing the speaker.

"Kendrick," Robert called out, turning to face him.

"Bad luck," Kendrick grumbled, looking at Robert with disgust. "What's an eyesore like you doing at Mr. Hoffman's party?"

Robert had formerly seemed naive, always appearing less impressive than Kendrick in terms of presence and attire. However, after his recent transformation, he had shed some of that naiveté, and now felt less vulnerable in Kendrick's presence.

Chapter 33

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