"What's so complicated about it, boss? You're offering such a great opportunity. People who don't have the right qualifications or background wouldn't even get a chance to look. Two experts in the same field setting aside their differences to work together isn't that suspicious. What this really comes down to is you being upset that your relatives are only reaching out now, instead of when you and Mrs. Lena were struggling."
"Alright, fine, it's not that complicated. I admit I'm frustrated. Why should I help relatives I've never even met, just because I've become successful? But you did say something right: whether I acknowledge them or not, I'll see how things go first. If it doesn't work out, I'll say goodbye. These days, friends often mean more than family."
Although William said this, he fell silent. Upon learning that the Chen family only had one child left, his heart, influenced by his past life as a Tianchao native, felt blocked.
His mind kept drifting to why those relatives of his had met their demise. Even if there were no emotional ties, William couldn't help but feel curious. He might not want to acknowledge them, but it didn't mean he wished for their deaths. What if those relatives were reasonable and good people?
There was a 50-50 chance, but now there was only one person left. The rest were all gone, and he wasn't even given a chance to meet or interact with them.
Thinking about this, William became even more irritated. If he couldn't feel at ease, why should anyone else? Otherwise, it would be a disservice to the blood he carried.
As the convoy arrived at the Gordon Restaurant in Chelsea, William's previously somber expression turned into a smile when he saw his mother waiting outside the restaurant.
As soon as he got out of the car, he practically jogged over to her, hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He complained, "Why didn't you come to the airport to meet me?"
Lena pulled him back for a moment, checking him over to make sure he hadn't changed much, then gave a warm smile. "I didn't want to. If I had, I would've been treated like a spectacle. And let's not forget that someone went ahead and publicly announced the purchase of Chelsea and the plans for a grand birthday party without even telling me first."
Then she gave William's ear a light twist in mock anger. "Do you know how many people have been pestering me these past few days? You even made me leave Devonshire Manor to come to London and manage everything for you."
William chuckled. "No, Mom, that horse is named 'Black Coal,' only my son could be called 'Junior.' I wanted to surprise you by announcing everything suddenly. Plus, it was to generate momentum for my future inheritance of the title. Now that the news about the Earl of Oxford's failing health hasn't spread yet, I wanted to build up some anticipation so that it doesn't look too obvious once the news gets out. Otherwise, people might gossip."
Lena thought for a moment and nodded. "Fair enough. Since you're so thoughtful, I'll let it slide this time." She straightened William's tie and then turned to look at Abigail, who was standing nearby, looking both nervous and stunning. "Aren't you going to introduce me to the lovely lady by your side?"
Before William could speak, Abigail introduced herself. "Mrs. Devonshire, I'm Abigail Chase, an art consultant working for Mr. Devonshire. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lena rolled her eyes at the title "art consultant." She didn't buy it for a second. But she extended her hand and shook Abigail's. "Nice to meet you, Miss Chase."
Afterward, William introduced his mother to the five experts from Tianchao. Once the introductions were complete, the group entered the Gordon Restaurant.
As soon as they stepped inside, head chef Gordon, accompanied by a few of his chefs, greeted them warmly. From a distance, Gordon waved and called out, "Welcome, Mr. Devonshire! It's an honor to serve you again."
"Thank you. It's great to see you again too, Chef Gordon," William replied, shaking the chef's hand. "Sorry to trouble you today."
"No trouble at all. It's my honor. Right this way, ladies and gentlemen."
"Thank you," William said, leading Abigail alongside his mother as they walked toward the private dining room. On the way, he asked, "Mom, have the guests arrived yet?"
Noticing her son holding Abigail's hand, Lena shook her head in resignation and leaned in to whisper, "Aren't you afraid Ambrosio in New York will find out?"
"Uh, Mom, let's talk about something else," William said awkwardly. "It feels weird discussing this with you."
"I'm your mother. If you don't talk to me, who else can you talk to?" Lena replied, giving him a stern look. But seeing William's genuine discomfort, she let the subject drop. "The guests arrived long ago. Only someone as lacking in noble etiquette as you would invite guests and then make them wait."
"Who cares," William said with a grin. "If I weren't curious about the treasures this so-called baron has, I wouldn't even bother meeting him. Seriously, does France still have nobility? It feels more like he's a self-proclaimed aristocrat than anything else."
"Alright, alright," Lena said with a sigh. "Though Cabore no longer holds a title, his ancestors were indeed nobles, and they have a connection to the Devonshire family. So, watch what you say. Not everyone is as indifferent to titles as you, with an earldom waiting for you. If you insult the Cabore family, Daniel Cabore might even challenge you to a duel."
"Relax, Mom. I'm not an idiot. I have no interest in dueling anyone, though I could take down that Baron Cabore with one hand."
As they entered the private room, William's attention was immediately drawn not to Cabore, but to the striking beauty standing beside him. She had long black hair, wore clear glasses, and donned a revealing gown that showcased her impressive figure.
After staring at the woman for a few moments, William finally acknowledged the man standing beside her, about the same height as himself, with neatly combed hair, clean-shaven face, and dressed impeccably in a tailcoat.
William extended his hand to Cabore, saying, "Apologies, your wife is so beautiful I couldn't help but stare for a moment. Mr. Cabore, I must say you're a very lucky man."
Initially annoyed by William's blatant admiration of his wife, Cabore's irritation vanished when he heard the compliment. Shaking William's hand, he laughed heartily. "Thank you, Mr. Devonshire. Your companion is equally stunning. I'm honored to meet both you and Mrs. Lena. Honestly, I didn't expect to meet Mrs. Lena here. It's a bit overwhelming, as I feel this first meeting with her should have been at a more formal event."
William shook his head. "My apologies. That was an oversight on my part. I didn't expect to see my mother as soon as I landed."
A few coughs interrupted the polite conversation, and Cabore quickly smiled and said, "It seems my dear wife is growing impatient. Forgive my rudeness, Mr. Devonshire. This is my wife, Anna Louise Cabore."
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