Chapter 263: The Heir Appears

“Something you need?” Sierra asked cautiously.

The guy shook his head. “No, nothing.”

Sierra didn’t think much of it and nodded politely before walking off. Jose stood there, his expression complicated. He’d come today intending to reveal his identity and invite Sierra to his brother’s birthday banquet. He had a bad feeling something was going to go down tonight. But when he actually saw Sierra, the words just wouldn’t come out. Because he knew—if he said anything, Johnathan wouldn’t let him off easily. Seeing the time, he didn’t dare delay any longer and quickly left.

Back home, Sierra had already spoken to Mateo and the others, asking them to stay alert and call her immediately if anything happened.

At Cloud Hotel—the most luxurious venue in the capital—the doors were closed to the public. Tonight, the entire place was reserved for one event: the birthday banquet of the Wynn family’s heir, Johnathan’s birthday. Though the venue could hold thousands, only a few dozen were allowed in. And every single one of those guests represented one of the most powerful forces in the country. Just receiving an invitation was already a sign of unimaginable influence.

Shane showed up after all, dragged there by his second uncle’s bribes and pressure. He wasn’t sure how the man had figured out he was showing unusual concern for Sierra. “When did I ever start protecting her?” he wondered. She was supposed to be just a test subject. And yet… here he was. Seeing the tight security at every turn, he let out a low laugh. “So this is what a centuries-old family looks like when it flexes.”

Jade, standing beside him, couldn’t hide the envy on his face. Only the Wynn family could pull off something like this, with such blatant disregard for subtlety.

Inside, the hall was already filling up. Shane scanned the room and recognized faces right away—Haynes, Treno, Radeon… all top-tier families. He couldn’t help but think of Johnathan. He’d already found out Johnathan had close ties with the Haynes and Treno families. Both had stepped in during the Maviston incident. “What the hell is his background? To get those people to move for him…”

Would Johnathan show up tonight?

Time passed. The guests had all arrived. But the birthday boy? Still missing. Quiet murmurs filled the room. Everyone knew exactly what this banquet meant. The Wynn family’s eldest grandson—everyone had heard of him, but no one had ever seen him. The fact that Mr. Wynn was publicly throwing such a lavish event made his importance clear. People began casting glances at Chase and his son. No one could guess what was going through their minds.

Mateo and the others huddled off to one side. They weren’t smiling, and their faces were tight with worry.

“You really think he’s going to show?”

“God, that old man… he knows Johnathan never celebrates his birthday, but he still pulls this stunt? And then he invites…”

Mateo glanced over at Chase and Jose. His expression soured.

Just then, the hall doors opened again. Every head turned toward the entrance. A tall figure stepped in beside the rarely seen Mr. Wynn. All eyes locked on that man.

Shane’s pupils contracted. There was disbelief in his eyes, followed by sudden clarity. Of course. No wonder the Haynes and Treno families listened to him. No wonder Johnathan dared go toe-to-toe with him. He was the Wynn family’s elusive eldest grandson. And yes—he definitely had the qualifications. “The Wynn family’s heir… Ha. That idiot Sierra—does she even know?” Shane’s gaze turned amused.

Jade, standing beside him, froze in shock. Thanks to his reckless nephew, he’d heard of Johnathan—but never in a million years had he guessed the man’s real identity. He suddenly turned toward Shane, warning, “Don’t you dare do anything stupid.”

“Relax, Uncle. I’m not suicidal.” Shane smirked as he spoke. That only made Jade even more nervous. “When this brat says he’s not looking for trouble… that’s exactly when he’s looking for trouble.”

Mateo and the others watched Johnathan carefully. He looked calm. Steady. They finally exhaled. As Johnathan walked in beside Mr. Wynn, he could feel the weight of every gaze in the room. He didn’t care. But when his eyes landed on Shane, his brow lifted slightly.