Chapter 33

The boisterous young man was Michael Laurier, heir to the LnF Group and Theodore's childhood friend. He had organized tonight's gathering at the request of the others, all of whom were desperate for an introduction to Theodore. After sharing his story, he plopped down in the empty seat next to Theodore.

"Theodore, my man, you're looking radiant as ever. It does my heart good to see it. Allow me to toast your glorious return." Michael filled his glass to the brim and downed it in one go. He then grinned slyly at Theodore.

Theodore shot him a cool glance. "Three glasses.”

Michael's eyes widened. "In a glass this size? That's like a whole bottle of hard liquor! Are you trying to kill me?"

"You were the host, yet you were the one who arrived late."

Michael scratched his head, his attempt to get off easy having failed spectacularly.

Just then, another man saw his chance to shine. He sidled over with a smile. "I'll drink the three glasses on Mr. Laurier's behalf."

The moment the words left his mouth, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. He looked at Theodore and saw that he had lowered his gaze, now idly tapping his cigarette against the ashtray.

"Well, I..."

"What are you drinking for?" Michael snapped. "Theodore was punishing me, not you!"

He then poured himself three full glasses and drank them one after another.

Only then did Theodore raise his eyes to the man who was now standing awkwardly by the table. "And you are?" he asked, his tone mild.

The man, momentarily stunned, quickly recovered. "My name is Ethan. My family owns the E Group."

Theodore gave a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment.

"It's an honor. A toast to you, sir," Ethan said, barely containing his excitement as he drained his own glass. To connect with the future head of the Zenith Group, even just to be acknowledged by him, was a massive victory.

As Ethan returned to his seat, glowing with success, the others grew restless. But

a single sharp look from Michael kept them in their places.

Theodore finished his cigarette. As he stubbed it out, Michael immediately offered another. He was met with a cold, silent stare.

Michael quickly withdrew the

cigarette. "Look, they wouldn't stop

begging me,” he explained in a low

voice. "I couldn't say no. And I figured now that you're back, you

have to get involved in these circles eventually, so I put this dinner together."

"You're wrong."

"Huh?"

"It's not about me joining their circle. It's about them joining mine. And my circle has rules. For example," Theodore's gaze drifted across the table find men who have served.

time for rape... distasteful

Michael understood immediately. Across the table, Kevin Lancaster, who had just gotten out of prison for that very crime, was whispering lewdly to the men on either side of him.

"Damn it, who invited him?"

Michael shot up from his seat and marched over, unceremoniously kicking Kevin out of the room.

"Theodore doesn't like filth," he announced to the remaining guests. "So if any of you have a dirty past, don't bother trying to get close to him."

Not everyone was like Kevin; in fact, most of them looked down on him. With him gone, the atmosphere in the room visibly relaxed.

After dinner, Michael took everyone

to a bar. Theodore had planned to

ет

stay for just one drink, but as he walked in, he saw Penelope perchèd at the bar, downing a glass of

whiskey His brow furrowed

as he chose a table with a direct view of her.

His phone buzzed. It was his father.

"You met Penelope yesterday, didn't you? See? Your father has excellent taste."

Theodore glanced at Penelope at the bar. "Not particularly."

"Don't be like that. Penelope is a wonderful girl. You'll see once you get to know her."

“All I need from her is the ability to bear a child."

"While that is the goal, it's not the only goal. You understand what I mean, don't you?"

"Her body can be healed."

"Well, see? That's good news, isn't it?"

"Her physical condition may be salvageable, but.....”