Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
In the evening, Palace Restaurant.
An ancient-styled building sat in the middle of Chicago. The ground was paved with bluestone roads and there were trees on both sides. The night breeze blew and there was a calm silence.
In the Summer Pavilion, John sat beside the master seat while Betty sat to the left of John.
The master seat was occupied by the one in power of the Quin family, Brandon. His wife, Patricia, sat to the right of him.
Outside the private room, there were no fewer than twenty bodyguards and assistants. Their protection was flawless.
Opposite the four elders sat Susan and Brad next to each other.
Such a unique dinner between the two families was solemn and steady.
“John, it’s my first time seeing you. I’ve long heard about you.”
Brandon was wearing a grey suit. Although there were traces of weather and frost on his cheeks, he was still calm and elegant.
He proposed a toast to John. His eyes carried sophistication from his glory years.
John was flattered and he complimented, “Brandon’s too polite. I’ve heard that you have both the courage and wits and to manage the Quin family well. I’m honored to meet you!”
Betty held up her glass towards Patricia at the same time and the scene was harmonious.
Susan, who was sitting on the opposite side, watched how the elders from both families proposed toast after toast to one another. Her lips curved slightly, but her eyes were cold and without temperature.
She felt that she was a commodity for sale and the people who put her up for sale were her biological brothers.
An unspeakable sourness spread in her heart. She lowered her eyes to hide her desolate look.
The sound of plates clashing rang in her ears. From the corner of her eye, she saw a black set of cutlery being retracted in front of her.
The bowl on the table had been added with a few fresh salmon slices.
Susan turned her face and her gaze met Brad’s. She was shocked by the man’s deep gaze and looked away, with the tips of her ears becoming hot.
The elders saw this scene and there was a momentary silence. Then, Brandon smiled lightly. “Our Brad has always been lonely and arrogant. I didn’t expect him to know how to take care of others now.”
Brad widened his eyes and gave his eldest brother a look of warning. Then, he picked up the wine glass and sipped lightly.
Betty took the opportunity to continue the conversation. “It’s inevitable that this generation of young people is used to freedom. However, I have to say that after our Susan learned she’s going to marry Brad, she had been happy for a few nights.”
Susan exclaimed.
Brad’s gaze was dim. He looked at the little woman next to him, who had her head lowered and was fiddling with her hands. His thin lips raised almost imperceptibly.
After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere at the table became more harmonious with Betty’s exaggerated words.
Not long after, Patricia received a pre-prepared box from her assistant and placed it on the table. She pushed it towards John and Betty. “Since the children are satisfied with this marriage, this is the betrothal gift from our Quin family. Take a look and see if it’s ok?”
John’s slightly flushed face after the alcohol was obviously stunned. He subconsciously looked at Betty. The question was on his lips, but he didn’t say it.
He thought that the funds previously were the betrothal gift. His gaze landed on the box again and he started to have doubts. Could it be that… there was more?!
Betty pinched him below the table and urged him in a low voice, “Hurry up and take a look.”
John opened the box, which was the size of a book, with a face full of doubts. There was a check inside.
As he looked down, the corners of his eyes wrinkled more because of his smile.
Indeed, they were a big family. Their betrothal gift was comparable to half of the Yates family’s entire fortune.