Chapter 164
In the semi-underground wine cellar of Celtis Estate, glass cabinets lined the walls, each filled with an array of fine wines. At the black marble bar, Derek and Landon sat side-by-side, while Caleb wandered about like a tourist. It wasn't that he was unfamiliar with such sights; it was simply that Derek prized this cellar so highly that he rarely allowed anyone inside.
"You're not usually one to meddle," Landon remarked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. A knowing smirk played on his lips, his gaze amused. The online broadcast had created such a frenzy that ignoring it was impossible.
Hearing Landon's comment, Caleb sauntered to the bar with an air of indifference. His eyes met Landon's briefly, a flicker of mischief passing between them. "Aren't you the one who hates the spotlight more than anyone?" Caleb mused, dropping an ice cube into his drink. The soft clink echoed as he lazily swirled the glass. "So, what's with the sudden enthusiasm? You never get involved in domestic affairs. Aren't you worried that stepping in this time—especially with Brevard—might break a few rules?"
Derek leaned against the bar, his arm draped over the counter. His black shirt sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing slightly tanned skin, his slender fingers curled loosely around his glass. The amber liquor caught the warm overhead light, casting golden reflections against his knuckles. He suddenly tipped his head back, drained his drink in one gulp, and lazily glanced at Caleb. "There's a shipment at the dock tonight. You're in charge of escorting it."
Caleb blinked. "What the…"
Derek's behavior was clearly inexplicable. Beside him, Landon smirked, amusement quickly masked by a more serious expression. "That woman—she's from the Sinclair family, isn't she?"
Caleb raised an eyebrow, his tongue briefly tracing his lips as if sensing an intriguing scandal. His sharp gaze fixed on Derek. "Don't tell me you've actually taken a liking to Benjamin's granddaughter?"
They all knew why Derek had returned to Lyhaton—to end his engagement with that very woman. Yet, so much time had passed, and he hadn't mentioned it once. This naturally raised suspicion.
"To be fair, she is stunning—a match for you in that regard. But aside from that, I fail to see her worth," Caleb stated bluntly.
Landon nodded slowly. "With her skills? She wouldn't last a day in the Hopkins family, let alone gain anyone's approval. You know better than anyone that a woman standing by your side has to be able to survive on her own." A woman who couldn't stand on her own wasn't fit for Derek.
Despite their sharp assessments, Derek's expression remained unreadable, leaving the two men uncertain whether he was amused or annoyed. Then, in the stillness, he placed his glass on the bar with a quiet but deliberate thud. The subtle sound sent a flicker of unease through them.
Leaning back, he draped an arm over the barstool. His deep voice was steady, yet carried undeniable weight. "If she's willing, I can raise her to the top."
A simple statement, yet laced with an arrogance and dominance neither Landon nor Caleb could ignore. Derek's name alone signified absolute power, a position others could only dream of. Some people were born into wealth and privilege, their lives untouched by the need for love. Derek had always been one of them. Yet now, he was willing to change that for a woman.