Chapter 164 Maintain Distance
In the digital realm of Cyberland, Fiorello was a name that commanded respect. A young man of remarkable stature, he was the object of matrimonial aspirations for many an aristocratic family. A union with the Flores family was a ticket to shared resources and mutual growth for both family enterprises.Bart, the patriarch of the Hars Group, finally regained his composure. His gaze fell once more on the wedding band adorning Fiorello's finger.
"Mr. Flores, did you really get married?"
Fiorello smiled gently. "That's right."
Intrigued, Bart pressed further. "When did this happen? Mr. Flores, you've done a good job keeping it a secret; we had no idea."
The head of the Tataro Group, standing nearby, joined the conversation with a jest. "Mr. Flores, why didn't you bring Mrs. Flores along for introductions?" The room was abuzz with curiosity and surprise.
"Mr. Flores, how did you manage such a clandestine marriage?"
"Many young ladies must be heartbroken."
"Mr. Flores has always been a ladies' man, yet without a hint of scandal. Which fortunate lady from which family has captured Mr. Flores's heart?"
The gentlemen present were all eager for the details of Fiorello's marriage.
Most of the young ladies attending the party had come with hopes for Fiorello. The news of his marriage left them visibly disappointed. Just as Fiorello was about to speak, a sweet voice called his name. "Fiorello." It was Jenny, her skirt in hand, approaching with a charming smile. She moved gracefully to Fiorello's side, their pairing seeming particularly well-suited, and inevitably leading to misconceptions. Jenny had cleverly concealed her ring finger, adding an element of mystery and further fueling the speculation that she was Fiorello's wife.
Bart's gaze darted between Fiorello and Jenny, a realization dawning on him. "Mr. Flores, so it's you and Ms. Holmes, or should we now say, Mrs. Flores?" Bart's words delighted Jenny, who had already begun to see herself as Fiorello's wife. She responded with a shy smile, offering no correction or explanation.
Fiorello glanced at Jenny, his voice dropping an octave as he spoke. "My wife prefers her privacy. When the time is right, I'll introduce her to everyone."Fiorello's clarification left Jenny feeling somewhat awkward, her smile faltering. She had assumed that Fiorello, given their acquaintance, would not put her in such an uncomfortable position.
Bart, realizing his mistake, laughed it off. "I misunderstood, Mr. Flores. We'll have to invite Mrs. Flores to our home sometime."
Fiorello raised his glass in agreement. "Certainly."When Fiorello was a bachelor, no woman dared approach him. Now, as a married man, they naturally kept their distance. Fiorello was the epitome of their ideal partner—wealthy, handsome, and loyal, a true gentleman. Though none had yet met Mrs. Flores, they were already green with envy. What a fortunate woman to have won Fiorello's heart.As Fiorello mingled, George also made his rounds, exchanging pleasantries with the crowd.
Despite the falling shares of the Quixote Group, who could guarantee they wouldn't rebound? Astute businessmen never burn bridges; networking with industry leaders was basic etiquette.Jenny trailed quietly behind Fiorello. After exchanging a few words with Bart and others, Fiorello made his way to the rest area. Jenny followed, offering to fetch him some snacks. "Fiorello, are you hungry? Let me get you something.""Ms. Holmes," Fiorello replied, "I hope we can maintain a certain distance. I wouldn't want my wife to misunderstand." Fiorello was not one to mince words, even with a lady. "In the future, I hope you won't do anything that could be misconstrued in front of my wife."Embarrassed, Jenny forced a smile. "Fiorello, I won't." "Ms. Holmes," Fiorello corrected, "please call me Mr. Flores in the future. We are not that close."