Chapter 273: Visitors on the Cruise Ship
Esme was all smiles hanging out with Hendrix, and he seemed pretty stoked, too. From a distance, they totally looked like a couple in love.
The sun was about to dip below the horizon, leaving a fiery orange glow in the west. The cruise ship was cruising along, heading deeper into the sea. The bow sliced through the waves, making some deep-sea critters jump and play, adding to the lively vibe.
Ashley and Damian were trailing behind, taking it easy.
Damian was chill, but Ashley was lost in thought. How were they supposed to compete with her being the daughter of a big shot? "Mr. Hearst, you don't seem worried at all. Do you still think that piece of land is a sure thing?"
Damian looked towards the island like he could already see the sanatorium opening and the cash rolling in. "Fifty-fifty."
Ashley rubbed her forehead, "Isn't that obvious? Everything's got a fifty-fifty shot."
Damian soaked in the sea breeze. He'd been swamped with work and hadn't gone sea fishing in ages. Today was a nice change. "Esme and Hendrix didn't just meet today, and he hasn't scored any points, has he? You think Sven built his empire by handing out valuable stuff to people he doesn't trust just to make his daughter happy?"
Ashley's eyebrows arched like the distant mountains, forming a beautiful curve. "Are you saying Sven doubts Hendrix's sincerity?"
Leaning against the railing, Damian faced the direction the ship was heading, letting the wind lift a strand of his hair and reveal his deep-set eyes, "Hendrix has a bad rep. He might be good for business, but definitely not as a son-in-law."
Ashley suddenly got it. Sven let his daughter hang out with Hendrix, but it was just a temporary thing. If he had to pick a son-in-law, it wouldn't be Hendrix. "Then why do you say the chances of success are only fifty-fifty?"
Damian replied, "Sven spoils his daughter. He might cave and agree just to make her happy."
What kind of logic was that?
Esme's cool voice cut through their convo, "Hey! Mr. Hearst, Miss Astor, come over here!"
Ashley grinned, "You could try flirting with Esme. She seems pretty into you."
Damian's face darkened, "What do you take me for?"
Ashley chuckled.
Finally, Sven and Freya, who hadn't greeted everyone yet, walked onto the deck, smiling like they were hosting a cozy family gathering.
But they had another guy with them.
Ashley never would've guessed she'd run into Alexander on this ship!
Freya, dressed in a black gown, smiled and chatted with Alexander, "Didn't I tell you? Tonight's guests are all very distinguished."
Alexander's face suddenly darkened as he looked at Damian in surprise. He felt this guy looked familiar but couldn't quite place him. "What is Bryan to you?"
He'd met Bryan and noticed some resemblance to the young man in front of him.
Freya introduced with a smile, "Alexander, you have a good eye. This is Bryan's eldest son, Damian, the current Mr. Hearst of KM."
A faint smile appeared on Alexander's face, but anyone could see it was just a superficial courtesy. "So, this is the famous Mr. Hearst. Nice to meet you!"
He didn't know Damian, but Damian knew everything about him. Not long ago, he had gotten his hands on Alexander's scandalous video and taught him a harsh lesson. However, Damian showed no sign of it, "Mr. Smith, it's very kind of you. I didn't expect the kingmaker of Rochester City to grace Limehof with his presence."
Alexander's status in Rochester City was kinda like Sven's in Limehof, with deep roots in both legal and shady businesses.
Alexander had been eyeing that island for ages but never managed to snag it. Now, to his annoyance, he had to go up against Damian. "Mr. Hearst, you're young and killing it. The old-timers like us need to keep up and learn from you. Can't wait to hear your thoughts tonight!"
Damian just gave a faint smile and stayed quiet.
Alexander noticed Ashley, but her makeup was so over-the-top that he didn't recognize her.
She was stunning with the kind of beauty that hit right in one's heart.
Ashley felt awkward under his stare and moved closer to Damian, "Mr. Smith, I'm Mr. Hearst's secretary."
Alexander's eyes still sparkled, and he grinned, "Mr. Hearst, did you recruit this secretary from the Miss World stage?"
Damian shot back, "This year's Miss World finals are next month. Mr. Smith can go pick one."
"Ha ha ha!" Alexander laughed heartily.
A few steps away, Hendrix was fuming, "Are your parents tight with Alexander?"
Esme didn't answer directly, "In business, it's not about being close. It's all about interests. Alexander's got some businesses with my dad's shares. He's pretty good at making money."
Hendrix had someone rough up Alexander before, and Alexander still didn't know who was behind it. Hendrix didn't mind if he found out! "Really? So, at least three parties are gunning for that land. Is your dad planning to pick the best one today?"
Esme smoothed her windblown hair, "If you want it, I can help you."
"Do I look like someone who relies on women to get what I want?" Hendrix asked.
Esme hooked her arm around his, leaning in closer, "Am I not better than those big-breasted, brainless women you used to have?"
Hendrix laughed, his mouth curling up at the corners, "Don't overestimate me. I actually like big-breasted, brainless women. Being too smart is exhausting. I've got a big family business, and there's always someone eyeing my spot. It's hard to guard against someone close to you."
Esme's smile faltered but quickly bounced back, "I'll make you change your mind, Hendrix."
Hendrix strolled over with two glasses of wine. "Mr. Smith, I heard you can hold your liquor. Care to join me for a drink?"
Alexander recognized him as someone from the Long family and smiled, "So, it's Hendrix, the attorney." He emphasized his lawyer's title, remembering Sky Balance Law Firm's Ashley and Lucien, and consequently, he also resented Hendrix. A bunch of troublemakers, he'd send them to hell sooner or later.
Hendrix didn't care what he thought, playfully handing him the glass, his eyes curving into a smile, "Mr. Smith, do you know me?"
Alexander swilled the wine around in his glass. "Hendrix is famous. How could I not know?"
"We're all friends. Come on, let's raise our glasses and wish Mr. Bergstrom and his wife a long and prosperous life together!" Hendrix said.
The waiter served drinks to everyone, and soon, champagne was sipped, and laughter filled the air, officially breaking the ice.
Ashley couldn't help but think that Hendrix was surprisingly good at socializing.
Freya smiled, "You are all distinguished guests. Feel free to ask for anything you'd like to do."
Hendrix didn't hold back, "Mrs. Bergstrom, do you have any daggers on board?"
Even at the mention of daggers, Freya stayed cool, "There are plenty in the kitchen. What kind of dagger are you looking for?"
Hendrix played with his glass, his long fingers tapping out a crisp sound, "I want a dagger, of course, that be sharp enough to kill with one strike."
