Chapter 4 Coming To See Her So Late

Since Lorenzo was standing close to Gerard Davies, the board member, he overheard the news of "Mr. Hughes'" arrival distinctly.

His heart leapt with excitement; he knew it referred to his uncle, whose presence was a surprise.

Although recognized by the Hughes family, Lorenzo had never personally encountered his uncle.

Rumors had always surrounded him, promoting his exceptional status and air of mystery. Lorenzo was sure that his uncle's attendance at the banquet surely signaled his high regard for him!

"Gerard, I'll come with you," Lorenzo suggested eagerly.

Gerard responded, "No need, Mr. Hughes has asked to meet me alone."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Lorenzo's face, yet he quickly grasped the reasoning. Likely, his uncle preferred a private meeting to dispel any notion that his rise was merely due to nepotism.

Excitement swept through the room with the mention of "Mr. Hughes."

"Mr. Hughes is here? Mr. Lorenzo Hughes' uncle? Could we actually see him?"

"Mr. Hughes isn't just the patriarch of the Hughes family. It's said that he's a former special forces operative turned business mogul, influential in both legitimate spheres and the underworld. Even world leaders court his favor. What luck to possibly meet him here!"

Norene approached Gracie again, her tone insistent. "Did you hear? Mr. Hughes' attendance shows the high esteem in which he holds Lorenzo as his nephew."

Gracie barely glanced at her. "And?"

"Gracie, you should consider kneeling and apologizing to me now. Perhaps I'll consider forgiving you," Norene suggested smugly.

Gracie responded with a scoff, dismissing the notion.

Norene's blend of foolishness and hypocrisy made her a fitting partner for Lorenzo.

Suddenly, Gerard reappeared on stage. "Sorry for the confusion, everyone. There was a mistake in the printing of the document. Lorenzo Hughes will remain as the CEO."

A hush fell over the room, then buzzed with whispers.

The smile disappeared from Lorenzo's face as he rushed to catch up with Gerard. "What happened? Why this sudden change?"

The board had confirmed his promotion. How could there simply be a printing error?

Gerard placed a hand on Lorenzo's shoulder, his expression complex as he faced him. "Lorenzo, have you somehow upset Mr. Hughes?"

Lorenzo was taken aback. "No, Mr. Hughes is my..."

He caught himself mid-sentence.

Though recognized by the Hughes family, he hadn't yet been publicly declared part of it. He had to be cautious with his words.

"Anyway, this is Mr. Hughes' decision. I'm just following orders." Gerard shook his head.

It was his uncle's decision?

A flicker of insight crossed Lorenzo's face.

Although he had never personally met his uncle, the legendary tales of his prowess were well-known. Lorenzo admired such a formidable figure and took pride in their shared Hughes lineage.

If his uncle had made this decision, it likely indicated other opportunities awaited him. With this realization, Lorenzo felt a surge of pride rather than panic.

Meanwhile, Norene, oblivious to Lorenzo's internal monologue, whispered in disbelief, "This can't be happening. The documents were already finalized. How could there be an error?"

Gracie arched an eyebrow. "Well, Norene, what's your plan for me now?"

"Don't be so smug, Gracie. They're probably just reprinting the documents. That has to be it," Norene muttered, her confidence waning to despair.

Gracie smirked, her attention turning to Lorenzo. Noticing the hidden delight in his eyes, she could almost read his thoughts.

She was sure his smile wouldn't last.

With that, Gracie exited the banquet hall. A black Bugatti rolled up to her.

The window lowered, revealing a familiar face.

In the car, on their way back, Gracie said, "Thank you, Waylon, for honoring your word."

She was surprised to find Waylon waiting outside the banquet.

"It was merely business."

Merely business? Such ruthlessness, Gracie mused, then asked curiously, "Waylon, why did you come to see me so late? Could it be..."

Her eyes briefly scanned Waylon's lower abdomen, causing him to suppress the urge to throw her out of the car.

"How did you find out where I was last night?" he suddenly asked.