The room fell silent momentarily before erupting into a flurry of activity as nearly half the guests stood up, their voices a mix of excitement and respect.
The Richardson brothers, Phillip and Curtis, were the undisputed elite of Stonebridge's high society. Young and exceptionally accomplished, they stood at a pinnacle many could only dream of reaching in a lifetime.
"What a coincidence," Phillip remarked as he approached the group.
His presence was both a surprise and a source of sudden anxiety. The topic of their recent conversation, his ex-fiancée, was not just any woman but one he had almost married. And there they were, discussing her before her current fiancé, Alfred, leaving them feeling unexpectedly guilty.
"Wow, Phillip, fancy seeing you here," someone tried to smooth over the situation, their tone overly pleasant.
Phillip responded casually, his gaze drifting to a buzz-cut man across the table. The man, speculating maliciously about a woman he barely knew, turned beet red under Phillip's piercing stare, managing a strained smile.
Feeling indifferent, Phillip asked, "Haven't seen you before. What's your name?"
Despite his calm tone, the buzz-cut man broke into a sweat, too nervous to reply. Someone else chimed in for him, "His name's Ernest, with the 'Er' from 'Ernest."
"That's a unique name. Are you related to the Adams of Adams Property Group?" Phillip inquired.
"He's my father," Ernest said.
Phillip nodded, turning his attention away.
Even without previous interactions, Alfred knew who Phillip was. The competitive nature inherent in many men, especially when faced with a predecessor who seemed superior in nearly every way, stirred within Alfred. Not willing to appear lesser, he quickly distanced himself from Tina, despite not loving her, to avoid giving Phillip any advantage.
Alfred cleared his throat and stood, extending his hand. "So, you're Mr. Richardson. I'm Alfred Lewis. You've probably heard of me."
"Indeed, Mr. Lewis," Phillip glanced at Alfred's recently occupied hand and responded coldly, "Sorry, I'm kind of a germ freak."
Caught off guard and slightly embarrassed, Alfred withdrew his hand, trying to maintain his composure. He offered, "Since we've run into each other, why not join us?" "No, thanks. I have other plans," Phillip declined quickly.
It'd been no more than two minutes since Phillip came and left, leaving the previous lively conversation at the table to quiet down.
Alfred stopped hugging the influencer, and Ernest's face turned pale. None of them dared to gossip about the secret of the Watson family again.
Phillip stepped outside, lighting a cigarette in the shadow of the restaurant's glowing lights. On the phone with his secretary, he mentioned, "I remember Adams Property Group has loans with us at Vector Vista."
Without waiting for a confirmation, he instructed, "Find a reason to call in half of those loans early."
That was uncharacteristic of Phillip,
who never let personal matters
influence his professional de 25.
The real estate sector was
struggling, and losing their loans
could mean financial ruin to
many
people. The move was nothing short
of aggressive.
Knowing better than to question Phillip's motives, the secretary agreed to take care of it first thing in the morning.
Phillip took a few more drags from his cigarette, his expression unreadable at night. After a moment, he decided, "I'm heading to Capital City tonight," his voice as definitive as his resolve.
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