Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Chapter 18 “Of course.”

The elders nodded in agreement Families like the Sanchez, the Browns, the Hills, and the Millers, towering financial empires, had patriarchs with unparalleled wisdom and experience. Their ability to evaluate potential. successors was unmatched. Anyone who caught their eye was undoubtedly a promising candidate for inheriting a financial dynasty.

While the Hill family previously groomed Nathan, their recent promotion of Caleb hinted at ambiguity in the Hill Group’s line of succession.

Seeing Caleb basking in the spotlight, chatting animatedly with the family heads, Nathan felt the stirrings of crisis. His face darkened and remained that way.

As if things weren’t bad enough, a mocking voice broke through his thoughts.

“Feeling sidelined, Mr.Hill?”

Nathan turned to see his good friend Guillermo Sanchez approaching with two glasses of drinks. Handing him one, Guillermo remarked, “Nathan, don’t blame me for pointing out 12 13 Chapter 18 17 242 Vouchers the obvious, but your move to replace your wife for your ‘white. moonlight‘ was downright foolish And now, here you are, personally paving the way for your rival to take over your territory. Look at how much the other family heads favor him.”

Nathan retorted, “You’re one to talk. Haven’t I heard your younger brother is back at home?”

Guillermo scoffed. “He’s just a snot–nosed kid, not worth worrying about.”

“A snot–nosed kid? But he has the dual protection of Grandfather Sanchez and Grandfather Brown. If he manages to grow up unscathed, Guillermo, your status will be in jeopardy.”

Guillermo’s gaze darkened as he clenched his glass. “My grandfather and Mr. Brown are relics. Once they step down, their influence will follow.”

Nathan shook his head. “Wisdom comes with age.”

“Wrong. What I’ve heard is that the waves behind always push the ones ahead. Right now, it’s my father steering the ship. He and my mother are the true power couple.”

Just as they spoke, commotion rippled through the banquet* hall.

“Wow, who’s that? So handsome!”

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Chapter 18 zah Mouchers “Which family’s young master is he? I’ve never seen him before.”

“He must be a celebrity hired to enliven the atmosphere.“.

“No way a star has this kind of commanding presence!”

At the entrance stood Theodore, clad in a tailored black suit. His towering figure–like a steadfast mountain–and his calm, refined demeanor turned heads.

Grandfather Sanchez and Grandfather Brown shared looks of approval before stepping forward to greet him.

Theodore, why so late?” Grandfather Sanchez chided with a smile, his affection evident.

Grandfather Brown, too, exuded kindness as he took Theodore’s hand and said with feigned reproach, “You rascal! I was worried sick about you this whole year, thinking you were suffering. I couldn’t eat or sleep properly. But look at you–healthier and taller than before! Seems you had a good year after all.”

He added with pride, “Impressive, true to my Lucian Brown’s bloodline.”

Grandfather Sanchez quipped, “Grandson–in–law, perhaps.”

“In–law or not, he’s still my grandson!”

Chapter 19 The two old friends bickered like brothers, much to the amusement of those around them. However, Theodore’s sharp gaze landed on Nathan, standing not far away.

Nathan was puzzled. Shouldn’t Theodore’s rivalry lie with Guillermo? Why was he staring at him?

Theodore excused himself politely. “Grandfather, Grandfather Brown, please forgive me for a moment.”

He walked directly to Nathan, extending a hand with a faint yet deliberate smile. “Mr. Hill, I’ve long admired your reputation.”

As soon as their hands clasped, Theodore’s voice lowered to deliver a message Nathan least wanted to hear. “I heard your wife is missing. If you need assistance, I’d be happy to help.”

The room fell silent, and expressions shifted as whispers broke out.

“Mr. Hill’s wife is missing?”

“That explains her absence from such an important occasion.”

“So this is why Mr.Hill is suddenly grooming his second son- what a cunning move.”

Nathan felt as if he’d plunged into an icy abyss. He stared at the young man before him, whose innocent smile belied the chaos he had just unleashed.

Chapter 18 1288 Vouchers Feigning calm, Nathan forced a smile. “Not sure where you heard such baseless rumors, Sanchez.”

Theodore feigned seriousness. “Oh, but isn’t it all over the internet? They say your closeness to your Sis–in–law caused your wife to leave in a huff. You even traveled overseas to win her back, only to return empty–handed...”

Nathan regretted asking the question. What possessed him to converse with this socially tone–deaf character?

“Young Master Sanchez,” he said stiffly, “the internet is rife with misinformation. My wife is in America, alive and well. As for Miss Victoria, our relationship is purely professional, I intend to appoint her as the chief designer of my luxury brand.”

Theodore raised a brow in mock surprise. “What a coincidence. I’m planning to launch a luxury brand myself. Seems we’ll be crossing paths.”

chief Nathan ground his teeth, trying to suppress his frustration. This man seemed born to provoke him. “And who is your designer?”

Theodore responded nonchalantly, “Her name is Thea.”

Nathan smirked. “Odd, I’ve never heard of her in the industry.”

Chapter 18 288 Nouchery.

Theodore’s pride was evident. “She’s been busy competing in an international fashion contest. Once she’s free, I’ll make sure to introduce her to you.”

Scoffing internally, Nathan thought, *Introduce her? Some no- name designer? Absurd.*

Maintaining his aloof demeanor, he replied, “How coincidental. My chief designer, Victoria, is also participating in that contest.”

Thus, the rivalry between two up–and–coming companies began.

“Young Master Sanchez,” Nathan said with confidence, “you’d best advise Miss Thea to prepare. My chief designer will spare no effort.”

Theodore’s smile deepened. “We’ll see.”

As their conversation ended, Nathan stormed off, his face thunderous. Passing Guillermo, he patted his shoulder and whispered, “Your brother is something else. Every word he says successfully infuriates me.”

Guillermo nodded in agreement. I told you. That naive brat is no threat. He’s just an idle young master who can’t read the room.”

Unbeknownst to them, Theodore’s lips curled into a sardonic smile.