Chapter 1102

Chapter 1102 Meeting the Grays

Damien extended his hand in a polite gesture towards Jude.

After exchanging pleasantries with Damien, Jude turned his attention to Cherise, a smile gracing his lips. "Dr. Shaw, it's been a while," he remarked, clarifying he had no intention of glossing over their previous encounter four years ago.

Cherise returned the smile, albeit somewhat awkwardly. "Yes, it has," she replied.

"I must admit, I didn't expect you to remember me, Dr. Shaw," Jude remarked with feigned surprise. "It's a shame that Phoenix didn't live to see us reunite. If she were alive, she would've been thrilled to know you came to our city, Dr. Shaw."

Phoenix was Cherise's patient from four years ago. "Phoenix..." At the abrupt shift of conversation, Cherise was uncertain how to respond. Her lips pressed together. "Mr. Jude, my condolences," she eventually managed to utter.

"I've made peace with it," Jude smiled, indicating the ring on his left ring finger. "I can pretend she's always with me." After pulling his hand back, he continued, "Today, with your presence, we have reason to celebrate, Mr. Lenoir and Dr. Shaw. I've booked a table at the hotel to welcome you both."

"No need," Damien calmly interjected. "We're not here as distinguished guests; there's no need for such formality. I'd rather pay a visit to Gray Residence and have a cup of tea with the Gray family than feast at a hotel. After all, I came as Colin's twin."

Damien's words momentarily rendered Jude silent. "Of course," he responded after a pause, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Regardless, you're now the Gray family's esteemed guests, Mr. Lenoir and Dr. Shaw. Our guests have the freedom to dine wherever they please."

"Then let's make our way to Gray Residence," Damien suggested, a hint of concern knitting his brows as he strolled alongside Cherise. "Are Mr. and Mrs. Gray around?"

"Yes," Jude replied nonchalantly, guiding the way as he continued, "I'm briefed on your strategy, Mr. Lenoir, and I find it agreeable. I've consulted my father, and he's open to publicly acknowledging your relationship with Colin until he's firmly established his presence in the Gray Group."

"After all," the man remarked with a knowing smile, "With Coles's identity, it presents a challenge for the old fogeys at the company. But you, Mr. Lenoir, carry a different weight. Your achievements within the Lenoir clan precede you. And the memory of my past defeat to you, Mr. Lenoir, lingers within the Gray Group. You assisting Coles will reassure many."

Damien nodded subtly. "This was your objective, wasn't it?"

The notion of swapping identities with Colin was preposterous and far beyond Jude's capabilities. The idea of an identity exchange served merely as a façade. His true objective was simply for Damien to understand the complexities surrounding Colin and to enlist Damien's support. Jude was a peculiar character. Despite their interactions, Damien still struggled to unravel his true intentions.

Exiting the airport, the group climbed into the Gray family's van, bound for the Gray family's villa. "Mr. Lenoir, welcome," Anthony Gray, the patriarch of the Gray family, greeted Damien as the vehicle pulled up at the villa's entrance. Upon spotting Damien, he was momentarily taken aback before a smile graced his lips. "Forgive me, you bear a remarkable resemblance to Coles. I forgot my manners."

"No worries," Damien replied, extending his hand. "The first time I met Colin, I was even more taken aback than you."