Chapter 4: A request
1179 Words
The paparazzi turned their cameras towards the door, everyone anticipating the grand entrance of The Edwards Family. The guest had already been notified about their arrival, and they were very excited to see them.
For some of them, it was the first time they would be seeing any member of The Edwards Family, while for some of them, Romeo Edwards was their major interest.
Benjamin Chen and Natalia Chen stood at their feet to welcome them. They were the happiest in the room as it would open room for collaboration.
After some minutes, Edmund Edwards made his way in, the old man in the family. He looked old, but he was still standing straight, looking hale and healthy.
Then Gerald Edwards and Roland Edwards, Edmund's sons, walked in behind the old man, completely stealing the spotlight.
They all waited for another minute but no one came. No Romeo Edwards or Kian Edwards.
The young folks were utterly disappointed!
They were hoping to catch a glimpse of Romeo Edwards' face, but he didn't show up.
Ariana Chen, who was completely unaware of how prominent they were, quietly sipped her drink, watching everyone give them maximum attention.
Natalia Chen pulled Eloise forward after adjusting her dress. They waited until they had settled at the table that had been reserved for them.
Several people came to greet them, not excluding Duan Liu. He was more honored to have Edmund Edwards make an appearance at his party. Duan Liu sat down with them after the warm greetings.
"I apologize for showing up late. I will take a shot as punishment," Edmund Edwards said.
Without waiting for anyone's objection, he gulped down the wine. He poured himself another cup again and raised it, "I raise this toast to the celebrant, Duan Liu."
Edmund Edwards said with a warm and genuine smile, pulling everyone to raise their cups as well.
"To the celebrant!"
They all chorused and gulped down the wine in a go.
Across the hall, Ariana Chen didn't toast but poked absentmindedly at the untouched cake as she barely understood what was going on.
The party returned to normal, some dropped their gifts and left while more guests poured in.
The arrival of Edmund Edwards had brought the presence of more prominent figures into the party.
"Grandpa Edwards," Benjamin Chen said the moment he got to their table, sounding like he had known him for ages.
Edmund Edwards lifted his chin, his gaze landing on Benjamin, whom he didn't recognize.
Gerald Edwards, Romeo's father, recognized him and quickly said, "Benjamin Chen, you once admired his daughter. I can't remember her name."
Gerald Edwards understood Benjamin Chen's motive, but he wouldn't be the one to speak up first. He was more than interested in seeing how Benjamin Chen was going to break the information to his father.
Edmund Edwards took a closer look at Benjamin and smiled, "I almost didn't recognize you, have a seat and drink with me."
Benjamin quickly pulled out of the chair, almost too eager, and sat beside Edmund.
Roland Edwards, Edmund's last son, simply watched without saying anything. He could see through everyone, they were all trying to curry favor with the old man.
No one dared to approach Romeo Edwards directly, they wanted to go through Edmund Edwards because he wouldn't refuse as long as it was beneficial.
It was an opportunity to climb the social ladder faster.
Benjamin Chen, Duan Liu and Edmund Edwards chatted heartily while the event went on.
Natalia, on the other hand, was disappointed. She had hoped Romeo would attend the party , so she could present her daughter, Eloise. Now, she could only rely on her husband, Benjamin Chen.
Ariana Chen smirked, as she finally found a show to feast her eyes on. She wanted to see what her parents were up to. She could see the look of disappointment on Natalia's face, and she almost laughed.
Seeing there was nothing to watch for now, Ariana Chen left the hall for the restroom. She had consumed too much wine, and she was certain the restroom would become her friend till they returned home.
Ariana Chen finished up quickly, not willing to miss any show. As she rushed out of the restroom, she bumped into Edmund Edwards, a sharp gasp escaped her lips as the old man nearly tumbled over.
Ariana Chen quickly assisted him while he waved her off, "Don't bother, I can manage."
Still, Ariana wasn't convinced. She walked him to the male's restroom before heading back.
Edmund Edwards smiled softly, as he watched Ariana's retreating figure, but he could only smile. He didn't know the daughter of whom she was, but he liked her.
Ariana bumped into Benjamin Chen on her way back to the hall. His sudden appearance startled her that she almost thought he was there to strangle her.
Without saying anything to her, he walked past her but not without a glare that carried a heavy, desperate warning.
Ariana Chen simply shrugged her shoulders and left while Benjamin Chen waited till the old man was done.
Edmund Edwards walked out of the restroom and Benjamin Chen was there to help him.
Edmund Edwards sighed softly before muttering, "Let's find somewhere to talk."
Benjamin's face lit up in excitement, he was almost losing his mind when he couldn't bring up the conversation he had been willing to discuss with Edmund Edwards.
With the presence of Duan Liu and his two sons, it was a very hard thing to do. So, when Edmund Edwards announced he wanted to use the restroom, Benjamin followed him after some minutes, his heart filled with hope.
Now that he had the chance, he wouldn't let it slip, or his company would crumble.
They arrived at the balcony and for some minutes, no one said anything. Edmund Edwards clearly remembered Benjamin Chen earlier, but he didn't want to admit it.
Seeing Ariana Chen some minutes ago almost made him not want to say anything now.
Edmund Edwards wasn't really interested in investing in Benjamin Chen's company.
He believed Romeo was in charge and everything was supposed to be handled by Romeo, but after making some findings about Benjamin and his daughter, he then decided he would only agree to Benjamin's demand if he agreed to his request.
Benjamin Chen cleared his throat as he took the initiative, "Grandpa Edwards, I apologize if my appearance is bothersome, I...."
"I remember our last conversation at the tea house," Edmund Edwards interrupted.
Benjamin Chen released the breath he never knew he was holding. As he made an attempt to speak, Edmund Edwards interrupted, "I will only agree to your demand if you accept my request."
Benjamin Chen paused for a while.
He has known these old folks to be cunning, not wanting to make reckless moves. He asked, "Grandpa Edwards, what is your request?"
"Your daughter marries my grandson!"
Benjamin Chen froze.
What?
"Marriage?"
Edmund Edwards nodded, his mind already ma
de up.
Feeling conflicted, Benjamin asked hurriedly, "Which of my daughters?"
"Your heir."
What?
Eloise Chen?
- Writer
