Chapter 169 Always Together, Making Others Jealous
In the main hall on the first floor, Landon, Simon, and Peter, all dressed sharply, along with Donna and Joyce, welcomed Elbert and Randy at the door.
"Landon, Simon! You two look more handsome every day. Is this your youngest son? Last time I saw him, he was just a cute kid. Now he's so grown up. Where's he working now?"
Elbert, the chairman of the Alexander Group, warmly shook hands with each Taylor family member, full of enthusiasm.
"I'm a police officer now, working in the detective squad," Peter replied with a faint smile.
"A police officer?" Elbert was a bit surprised, his sharp eyes flashing.
To Elbert, being a cop seemed like a lowly job—poorly paid, dangerous, and full of tiring work. Most importantly, even becoming a senior inspector didn't seem as valuable as following in Charlie's footsteps.
"Hope you don't mind," Donna said, a bit embarrassed. Peter's career choice had always been a sore spot for her.
Among Charlie's three wives, Donna had the highest background. She didn't want to compete for control of the Taylor family, but her upbringing gave her a strong sense of family honor. Naturally, she had high expectations for her kids.
But Peter, unfortunately, didn't aim to stand out. He insisted on becoming a detective, ignoring the path she had laid out for him, which gave her quite a headache.
"Donna, you're too modest!"
Susan, straightforward and outspoken, stepped forward and proudly patted Peter on the shoulder. "Peter is excellent. At just twenty-seven, he's already won numerous awards and solved many major cases. He's the pride of the Mugden police force!"
"Not only that, Peter is now the captain of Mugden's first detective squad, and also the youngest captain in the department's history," Simon added, not wanting the Alexander family to underestimate Peter.
"That's truly impressive!" Elbert had no choice but to smile and agree.
Hearing his family praise him so much, Peter felt happier than when he had accomplished something great. He shyly scratched his head with a grin.
"Elbert!" Charlie, accompanied by Joyce and Hubert, walked up to Elbert and Randy, a mischievous smile in his eyes. "It's been so long since you came to see me. I thought you were afraid to meet me."
"How dare you say that?"
Elbert strode forward, retorting with a playful scold, "Two months ago, I invited you to go horseback riding, and you declined, saying you were busy. You used to be so enthusiastic about horseback riding. I wondered if you were getting too old to climb onto the horse, afraid I'd laugh at you."
"You're worrying for nothing. I'm in great shape!" Charlie smirked. "When we're old and in a nursing home, I'll be the one pushing your wheelchair! Just wait and see!"
Everyone couldn't help but chuckle at their banter, just like old times.
Tonight, Elbert wore an exquisite, well-fitted four-piece suit, with a charcoal gray base and a silver-white tie with black fine stripes, looking very sharp.
Meanwhile, Charlie sure knew how to make an entrance, ditching the usual dress code for a snow-white silk robe with intricate embroidery. He looked both noble and casual, not a single gray hair, and stood as straight as a pine tree, just like twenty years ago.
'It's infuriating!' Elbert thought.
Both Elbert and Charlie were always meticulous about their appearance, competing in dressing and skincare for over twenty years, always trying to outdo each other.
"Uncle Charlie, hello," Randy stepped forward gracefully, bowing politely to Charlie.
Randy and Gilbert were half-brothers and didn't look alike. Gilbert had delicate, handsome features, while Randy had more defined features, thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and a sharp gaze like Elbert's. He was tall and rugged.
"Randy, hello to you too!" Charlie smiled kindly at Randy, having watched him grow up. "Elbert, didn't you say you were bringing Gilbert as well? I haven't seen him in years. Didn't he come with you?"
"He had something come up and will be here later," Elbert replied, glancing around. "Charlie, didn't you say Evelyn would be here tonight too? Why haven't I seen her?"
"Evelyn said she had something to take care of and would come after that," Charlie said, unsure of Evelyn's situation but confident she wouldn't break a promise.
"Evelyn wouldn't possibly skip tonight, would she? I came specifically to see her!" Elbert insisted. "If I don't see Evelyn, I'm not leaving tonight!"
Just then, the butler's voice rang out, "Mr. Taylor! Evelyn is back!"
"Look, speaking of Evelyn, isn't that her arriving right now?" Charlie beamed with joy, his eyes full of affection.
Everyone turned to look towards the door.
Elbert's eyes lit up instantly, craning his neck with eager anticipation.
Randy, usually indifferent, also had a flicker in his eyes. Despite being used to big occasions, he discreetly adjusted his tie, suddenly nervous.
"Charlie! I'm back!" A cheerful, sweet voice rang out, lifting everyone's spirits.
The radiant Evelyn, with a face like a peach blossom, walked in lightly, accompanied by Gilbert, into everyone's surprised view.
Except for Landon, everyone, including Charlie, was momentarily stunned.
Elbert and Randy's expressions were quite intriguing. Elbert's brow furrowed slightly, while Randy's lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes dark and cold. A sense of frustration simmered in his chest, making him tug at his tie with a grim face.
"Uncle Charlie, Elbert, sorry we're late," Gilbert said, giving Evelyn a deep look, then bowing politely to Charlie and Elbert.
"Gilbert, did you run into Evelyn at the door?" Elbert's eyes darted between them, probing.
"No, Elbert," Gilbert slowly smiled, his affectionate gaze resting on Evelyn. "I specifically went to pick up Evelyn to come with her."
