Chapter 205: Who’s Really Pulling the Strings

“Mr. Carl,” Yunice said politely from behind him. Carl had one hand tucked in the pocket of his slacks, the other holding a champagne glass. Surrounded by business elites, he was the picture of charm and eloquence. As he turned, the others naturally followed his gaze—and saw Yunice.

She wore a simple princess-cut gown; her delicate face was porcelain pale, sweet, and demure. She looked like a well-behaved girl, but the slender, pale curve of her neck sparked a flicker of something more suggestive in the minds of more than one man. In a crowd full of high-society fashion, her appearance stood out as uniquely understated.

“Mr. Carl,” Yunice said, “I have the answer to the question you asked last time. Can we talk for a moment?”

Then she added, “I won’t take up much of your time.”

Carl’s expression stiffened slightly. Why was Yunice being so formal with him now? It was rude of her to bring up business at a social event like this, but still, Carl set down his glass and gestured to a quieter corner. “This way.” The crowd respectfully stopped following.

At that same moment, Owen and Paul were also on their way to find Carl. Owen hadn’t originally planned to attend the Powell family’s banquet; he still hadn’t patched things up with Jackson, and swallowing his pride wasn’t easy. But when Paul mentioned that the Powell family was negotiating a business deal with Carl, Owen perked up. After all, Carl was his godfather. Back in the day, Carl and his father had been sworn brothers. If Owen could represent the Powell family in the deal, Carl would definitely do him the favor. And if that happened, Owen would be hailed as the hero—and with Carl as his powerful backer, the Powell family would surely reconsider breaking off Elsie and Paul’s engagement.

For Elior’s future, Owen had tried contacting Carl many times but always seemed to miss him. Finding him at Jackson’s hand-day banquet was his chance. But… (The following text appears to be corrupted and nonsensical and has been omitted.)

Wyatt didn’t flare up. Instead, he laughed, as if the whole thing was hilarious. His eyes gleamed with derision.

“Do you know why I’ve let you live this long?”

Paul froze, unease flickering in his eyes.

Wyatt’s grin turned dark. “Because you’re like a mutt who won’t stop barking but never dares to bite. Killing you would be a waste of my time.”