Chapter 1200

“Ned is the CEO of Hawking Technologies, and he just arrived from Murida. I heard he’s acquired several tech companies there in recent years. He’s quite impressive,” Rowan explained.

This Ned Sowle remained rather mysterious. Little information was readily available, and Rowan had only recently learned from event organizers that he was the CEO of Hawking Technologies. Rowan hoped Skylar, having been in Murida, might have heard something about him.

However, Skylar had been entirely focused on finding Joe and hadn't paid attention to other matters. Sadly, their friends knew Joe, missing for three years, was gone—truly gone. Skylar, it seemed, was the only one who still believed he was alive.

“I didn’t hear about him in Murida, but I have since returning. I heard he’ll be at tonight’s gala,” Skylar said, realizing Ned was the CEO of Hawking Technologies.

Rowan nodded. “Yes, many are here tonight just to meet him, hoping to collaborate.”

“Skylar, look, Aiken’s here,” Caleb said, pointing as he approached.

She saw Aiken, already surrounded by a crowd. He seemed momentarily surprised to see her, clearly not expecting her at the gala. Spotting Caleb and Rowan, he quickly understood she was likely a companion. With Ned’s presence confirmed, Aiken’s expression subtly shifted, though he remained composed.

“Aiken never attends events like this. Why today? It’s quite lively,” Caleb remarked.

Rowan replied seriously, “Your Uncle John probably wouldn’t want you getting too close to the Parkinsons. You should stop calling him by his first name.”

Although Aiken was…