Chapter 3 Why Are You Here

The abrupt hush in the atmosphere hung uncomfortably.

Brennen wore a perplexed expression, trying to make sense of it all.

Dolores, with a determined stride, chimed in, "Excuse me? Did I hear that right? Did you just say this stinky delivery man is your significant other?"

Brennen, on the brink of offering an explanation, bristled at the mention of "stinky delivery guy."

"Hold on, 'stinky delivery guy'? What's that supposed to mean?"

Dolores, seething, shot back, "Zip it! I wasn't addressing you. Emilee! Spill it. What's the deal here?"

Emilee met Dolores' anger with a bitter smile. "Mom, I was just messing around. Why take it so seriously? I twisted my ankle, and this delivery man helped me out."

Dolores, breathing a sigh of relief, patted her chest. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! You're about to marry into the Patel family soon. We can't afford missteps; the Lewis legacy hangs in the balance."

Emilee, with a bitter smile, replied, "I get it, Mom."

Dolores clasped Emilee's hand and said, her tone earnest, "Emmie, I understand you're facing a tough time, but consider the Lewis family's current standing. The Patel family's support is our lifeline. They've assured us that once you tie the knot, they'll secure that important project and share with us. The Lewis name will shine once more!"

Emilee's complexion paled as she managed a rueful smile. "I know, Mom."

Dolores, removing her scarf, continued, "Good that you do. You always enjoy giving me a scare. Claiming a delivery guy as your beau--talk about keeping me on my toes."

"Excuse me, but what's wrong with being a delivery guy?" Brennen asserted with an air of authority.

Dolores shot him a frigid glare. "What's the issue? You're just a person from the lower rungs of society. Entertaining thoughts of being with my Emmie, the daughter of a wealthy family, is nothing more than wishful thinking for someone like you."

Sensing Brennen's mounting frustration, Emilee swiftly intervened, "Brennen! You should go back for now. I appreciate your help today."

Observing the pleading look in Emilee's eyes, Brennen grumbled and made his exit.

Once Dolores had ascended the stairs, Emilee sank wearily into a seat.

Her closest friend, Clare, looped arms with her, inquiring, "Emmie, what's the connection between you and that delivery guy just now?"

"We have no ties," Emilee responded tersely.

Leaning in, Clare whispered to Emilee, "You might be able to fool your mom, but you can't fool me."

Emilee sighed, her hand on her stomach. "I'm pregnant with his child."

"Damn!"

Clare exclaimed, incredulous, "Seriously? You're not messing with me, are you?"

Emilee shook her head. "I'm not kidding."

Clare, astounded, questioned, "Are you out of your mind? If you were looking for a fling, did it have to be a delivery guy?"

Emilee gently caressed her belly, explaining, "I was drunk, and by the time I realized it, it was too late."

Lowering her voice, Clare pressed, "So, what's the plan? You can't keep this under wraps forever. It's not sustainable!"

Emilee declared with determination, "I plan to keep the baby!"

"No way! Are you out of your mind?" Clare's voice escalated a notch.

Emilee, maintaining her seriousness, countered, "I asked him repeatedly today if he would assume responsibility for the child, and he affirmed that he would."

Clare cupped Emilee's face and implored, "This is no joke, okay? You're the heiress of the Lewis family! He's merely a delivery man! He brings nothing to the table! You exist in disparate world! Can't you see?

And, at the very least-- have you thought about what your family would think? One can fathom the incredulity they'll harbor at the prospect of embracing a delivery man as their prospective son-in-law!

More significantly, consider the Patel family! Given the inherent disposition of the Patels, you're sure to find yourself ill-equipped to navigate their expectations. The repercussions for the Lewis family, entangled in the association with this delivery fellow, could be nothing short of catastrophic. And as for the delivery guy, he may find himself ensnared in a web of formidable predicaments with no discernible escape route!"

Emilee deftly shifted the conversation. "Let's table my affairs for now. Why the sudden return to Enceridge?"

Clare elucidated, "My grandfather expressed a desire to meet a notable figure in Enceridge and decided to attend the bidding tonight. I tagged along. Now, Miss Lewis, enough with the questions. It might be wise to contemplate your own predicament first."

Emilee's eyes welled with tears. The prospect of marrying someone she didn't like and actually even harbored disdain for stirred a profound resistance within her. It amplified her determination to bring this unexpected life into the world.

Clare's eyes sparkled with excitement, "I've got a brilliant idea!"

"What is it?" Emilee inquired.

Clare chuckled before continuing, "If your secret gets out, just assert that you were a victim of assault by this food delivery man. The Patel family won't be able to cast a single stone at you!"

...

As Brennen exited the residential enclave, he gave the security guards stationed at the gate the middle finger, an unmistakable gesture of defiance.

The dismissive attitude towards delivery personnel was a lingering issue he couldn't ignore.

Intent on returning to the delivery service station, his path intersected with an elongated limousine pulling up before him.

Stepping out of the vehicle, a distinguished grey-haired man addressed him, "Mr. Roberts, please join me in the car."

Brennen stood momentarily stupefied before the elderly gentleman identified himself. "I'm Archie Ward, the president of the Enceridge branch of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce. I've come to escort you to the bidding conference."

It finally clicked for Brennen; his father had alluded to this individual during their earlier phone conversation.

"Please, do board the car, Mr. Roberts."

Archie graciously opened the car door, bending down with respect.

Without further ceremony, Brennen stepped into the waiting luxury vehicle.

En route, as the car deviated from the expected path to the bidding conference, Brennen couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Where are we headed?"

Clayton responded calmly, "There's still some time before the bidding conference. We're making a detour to District A of Wyvern Villas first. New attire has been arranged for you. You can freshen up and change there before the bidding."

Upon arrival, Brennen found himself standing before the most imposing villa in Enceridge, valued at a staggering 170 million.

"Impressive. Quite the gem," he casually remarked, offering a nonchalant compliment.

Archie extended the keys to him, saying, "Mr. Roberts, these are for you."

Brennen dismissed the gesture with a wave, stating, "It's too grand; I'm not accustomed to solitary living."

Despite Brennen's protest, Archie didn't retract the keys.

Others might be oblivious to this young man's background, but Archie was well-versed in the details.

The formidable influence wielded by Brennen was unparalleled nationwide. No one dared to cross him.

Even the haughty young elites of Sotrith, when confronted by Brennen, obediently assumed an air of respect.

To the outside world, Archie was known for his wealth and influence, yet in the presence of Brennen, he assumed the role of a humble steward.

Brennen proceeded to take a shower.

He opted against donning the suit Archie had arranged and instead chose to dress in comfortably loose casual attire.

Archie, astute in his understanding, had a chef prepare an elaborate spread, culminating in a satisfying meal.

Post-feast, they made their way to the Elite Building.

The majority of today's bidders hailed from the distinguished families of Enceridge.

Despite the allure of this gathering, Brennen's interest waned; he was here solely at his father's behest.

Owing to his position, Archie needed to maintain a low profile, hence abstaining from direct participation and waiting in a designated room.

With some time to spare before the proceedings commenced, Brennen took a detour to the restroom, emerging later to wash his hands.

From the restroom diagonally across, a striking woman emerged.

Her burgundy hair was elegantly tied into a high ponytail, and her office attire accentuated her alluring curves. Clad in black silk stockings that enhanced the length of her slender legs, she strutted in red high heels, exuding confidence.

Brennen dried his hands and turned around, coming face to face with her.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized her as Clare, the one he had encountered earlier at Emilee's villa.

Spotting Brennen, Clare was momentarily stunned before composing herself with a scowl. "What brings you here?" she demanded.