Chapter 607 So the Jordan Family Is Actually Like This
Aqua Vista City's downtown area was a maze of roads and overpasses, and every evening during rush hour, traffic would come to a standstill.
When Catherine left the office building, the traffic was still moving, but as she drove further, it became gridlocked. The line of cars stretched for what seemed like miles without moving an inch.
Catherine's car was ahead of Sebastian's, and as she drove, the traffic came to a complete halt. Waiting for it to clear would take at least an hour, and she didn't have that kind of time.
Frustrated, Catherine slapped the steering wheel. "Damn it, I should've seen this coming. I was so eager to meet Sebastian that I totally forgot about the traffic."
With no other choice, she called Sebastian, but his line was busy. "Right, he's in a conference call."
If she didn't hurry, there wouldn't be time to get ready. She couldn't show up looking like this.
She sent Sebastian a message, then turned her car onto a side road, taking a shortcut to a boutique.
Behind her, Bill looked at the traffic jam ahead and turned to Sebastian. "Mr. Kingsley, what should we do? At this rate, we'll be late."
Sebastian glanced back. "No problem. Turn around and take another route. Get on the highway. Ms. Cooper has already gone ahead. We're not in a rush."
"Got it."
Sebastian adjusted his phone settings back to normal and rubbed the ring on his finger. "How are Miguel and Bruce's personal relations?"
"They're pretty good. Every year, Miguel invites Bruce to his birthday party, and Catherine attends too. They're said to be good friends."
So, it seemed Bruce was covering for Miguel's dirty business, laundering his money clean. Without a powerful backer, it wouldn't be possible.
Sebastian tapped the back of his hand. "Are the gifts ready?"
"Yes, three of them, all in the trunk, as you instructed."
"Good."
At Nightfall Hotel, penthouse suite, Brooklyn slipped into a royal blue gown that cascaded to the floor, making her look like she was draped in starlight.
The dress hugged her tall, slender frame, accentuating her curves.
She already had a great figure, and with a little dressing up, she was stunning.
This high-end custom dress was a masterpiece by an international designer, tailored to her body's strengths, perfect in every detail.
She applied a light makeup and a soft rose lipstick, looking breathtakingly beautiful.
Tonight, she would make sure to show Sebastian the utmost respect.
She took out the suit she had prepared for Sebastian from her suitcase, folded it neatly, and placed it in a large tote bag. Her long, slender legs carried her through the hotel doors.
Coming from Aucester to Aqua Vista City, Brooklyn couldn't drive. Taking a cab to the event seemed too shabby, and it was too late to pick up a car from the dealership.
Brooklyn called Kelly, who often attended fashion shows and had friends all over the country. Kelly would be able to help.
"Hey, girl! It's been forever since you called! Finally remembered me?" Kelly's signature high-pitched voice made Brooklyn hold the phone away from her ear.
After Brooklyn explained her situation, Kelly scolded her, "You heartless thing, calling just to ask for a favor. Wait a bit, I have friends in Aqua Vista City. Borrowing a luxury car is no problem, but you owe me a dinner when you get back!"
"Thanks, Kelly."
Kelly was reliable. In less than twenty minutes, a white, high-end Maybach pulled up beside Brooklyn.
The driver, knowing she was Sebastian's wife, was very polite and even mentioned wanting to have dinner with her sometime.
Brooklyn wasn't one to accept just any invitation, but she was pleased with the car.
Following Bianca's directions, Brooklyn entered the address into the navigation system. The location was in a large private estate on the southern outskirts of Aqua Vista City, surrounded by horse tracks and several luxurious golf courses. After passing through some outdoor recreational facilities, she arrived at an old Gothic building.
Catherine arrived a bit earlier than Sebastian. She parked her car and admired her reflection in the rearview mirror, feeling quite pleased with her appearance.
With no one around, Catherine carefully took out her handbag. Among the various female items, she had hidden a small white bottle.
She couldn't stand Sebastian's hot-and-cold attitude any longer. She wanted him to be hers, and only hers, from now on.
She would have him completely tonight.
Closing her handbag, Catherine's expression returned to normal. She had never failed to get what she wanted.
Even if he got the project, she could make him lose it.
Seeing Sebastian's car approaching, Catherine walked forward a few steps.
The headlights illuminated her pink evening gown, making it sparkle. The tight, waist-hugging dress accentuated her curves, and her wavy hair, blown by the wind, added a touch of delicate beauty. The guests who hadn't yet entered were mesmerized by her.
"Sebastian, I've been waiting for you. Finally, you're here." She swayed her hips as she walked towards him, slipping her hand into his arm, lifting her chin, and showing off her neckline and cleavage.
The seemingly gentle pink dress took on a different flavor when she wore it.
Sebastian's face remained impassive, his arm slightly bent. "Ms. Cooper, sorry to keep you waiting."
"I'd wait forever for you." She clung to his arm, moving closer.
The strong scent of Chanel filled the air, making it hard to breathe.
Guests entered the luxurious Jordan Villa, decorated in an opulent, aristocratic style.
In the grand hall, a long table was set under a crystal chandelier, its diamond-like light reflecting the room's extravagance.
Miguel, leaning on a mahogany cane, his silver hair neatly combed, couldn't hide his age despite his good maintenance.
His face was lined with wrinkles, making his scheming eyes even more cunning.
This was Sebastian's first time seeing Miguel in person. His deep eyes narrowed. Miguel was indeed a sly businessman, every move revealing his years of ruthless business acumen.
Beside him was Dione, Peregrine's ex-wife, smiling and welcoming guests with grace.
"Mr. Kingsley, I didn't expect you to honor us with your presence. It's a great pleasure!" Miguel's sharp eyes met Sebastian's from across the room.
Instantly, the guests turned to look at Sebastian and Catherine.
After a moment of silence, whispers filled the hall, speculating about Sebastian's presence and his relationship with Bruce's daughter.
Sebastian calmly removed Catherine's hand and walked forward confidently, his polished shoes echoing his strong presence. He smiled faintly. "Mr. Jordan, I hope my uninvited presence isn't a disturbance."
Miguel's face briefly showed a hint of malice before he laughed. "Of course not, Mr. Kingsley. As the CEO of MBK, you're most welcome! Please, come in."
Catherine quickly moved forward, affectionately holding Miguel's arm. "Mr. Jordan, I brought him. You won't be mad, right? Sebastian is managing the branch in Aqua Vista City, and we'll need your guidance."
"Of course, Catherine. Your friends are my friends. Everyone, please sit."
Sebastian sat down gracefully, his eyes scanning the twenty or so guests, all prominent figures in Aqua Vista City's political and business circles.
Catherine sat close to Sebastian, their proximity noticeable.
Miguel observed them, his eyes narrowing. "Catherine, you seem very close to Mr. Kingsley. Care to introduce him?"
Dione's eyes lingered on Sebastian, admiring his allure.
Catherine smiled sweetly. "Mr. Jordan, you're teasing me. You already know, but you still ask. You're too much."
"Shy? You brought him here, and now you're shy? Fine, if you won't say, I'll ask Mr. Kingsley…"
Before Miguel could ask, a clear voice rang out from the second floor. "What a lively night! Not only are Miguel's old friends here, but Mr. Kingsley from Aucester too!"
Sebastian's eyebrows raised slightly.
Susie descended the stairs, her tone mocking. "Mr. Kingsley, long time no see. Didn't my sister Brooklyn come with you? Or should I say, Mrs. Kingsley?"
Susie's words shocked everyone.
Catherine's eyes widened. "Susie, what did you say? Sebastian is your brother-in-law?"
Susie crossed her arms, looking at Sebastian with a smirk. "Yes, he's my brother-in-law! But I'm surprised, Mr. Kingsley, you're here with Ms. Cooper. What's your relationship? Is it what I think?"
Sebastian twirled his wine glass, his gaze icy. "I'd like to know what you think."
Susie gritted her teeth. "Mr. Kingsley, we all know what's going on. No need to spell it out. It's embarrassing if we do."
Sebastian remained calm. "What's embarrassing? I don't understand."
"Don't play dumb! Ms. Cooper is Mr. Cooper's daughter, young and beautiful. You're interested in her, right? You have a wife at home and a young mistress outside. Isn't that it? Too bad I caught you! No wonder you're tired of Brooklyn after all these years. I knew she wouldn't end well!"
Sebastian's eyes turned sharp, his gaze piercing Susie. He addressed Miguel. "Mr. Jordan, your daughter-in-law is slandering my wife and defaming me. I'm not sure what to do. Could you advise me?"