Chapter 199

Alexander slipped away unnoticed, and Amber’s old classmates were too wrapped up in their revelry to care. They were toasting

and laughing, lost in the joy of the reunion. Gael, in particular, was laying it on thick with Amber, egging her on to drink.

“I've had enough.” Amber protested.

The clock was inching toward eight, and the party was winding down. Amber’s cheeks were flushed with a rosy glow from the

wine as she gently refused Gael. “Alex is waiting for me downstairs. It’s about time we all

called it a night.”

With that, she made to leave.

“Come on, we don’t see each other that often. What's the rush?” Gael protested.

He darted from the table and blocked Amber’s path, his eyes smoldering as he swept over her. “Amber, the

night's not over. I’ve got us a spot at Rectewald Mall for some karaoke. I snagged a VIP room-the sound

system's top-notch!”

“Rectewald Mall?”

The classmates’ ears perked up, and they swarmed closer, buzzing with excitement. “For real, Gael? You got

us a private room at Rectewald Mall?”

Gael’s laugh was smug as he soaked in their amazement.

Truth be told, Gael did not have the clout to book a swanky private room at Rectewald Mall on his own.

However, his father-in-law was the big shot of the Yablon family in Woolpackton, who had just taken his company public,

catapulting it to worth in the 1.5 billion. Thanks to that, Gael had just barely managed to rub

elbows with the city’s business elite.

Tonight's karaoke setup was all thanks to his father-in-law’s influence.

“Rectewald Mall was Mister Hardy’s pride and joy.”

Gael flashed a triumphant thumbs-up, his grin wide with pride. “For our class reunion, I pulled some strings with the manager on

duty. We've got the biggest VIP room waiting for us!”

Turning to Amber, he puffed his chest confidently. “And Amber, I’m not just blowing smoke. If the Chesire family ever wants to

branch out to Province Town, one call from me, and Rectewald Mall will back you up all

the way!”

Amber paused, her mind racing. New Chesire Group’s roadmap had them expanding from Woolpackton to the entire province,

and eventually nationwide. A partnership with Rectewald Mall could be a game-changer.

“I knew you'd see it my way!”

Gael’s eyes lingered on Amber’s face for a moment longer than necessary, then he turned to the rest of the group, his

excitement palpable. “Alright, everyone, let’s move out to Rectewald Mall!”

With a flurry of activity, the group scattered. Some hailed cabs, others jumped into their cars, and a few adventurous souls

zipped off on electric scooters, all converging on Rectewald Mall.

At the top of Rectewald Mall, the Kingsley private room awaited.

The private room was set with an array of fresh fruits and a colorful selection of drinks, all courtesy of Rectewald Mall. They had

even brought in six charming college girls to act as hostesses, greeting everyone

with a bow at the door.

“Let's not just sit around-time for some music!”

Gael, with a drink in hand, was rallying the old gang to sing. He shot a quick, mocking glance at Alexander and Amber, a smirk

hidden in his gaze.

He had not planned on Alexander joining them, but Amber hopped into the Porsche waiting outside the hotel. clearly not keen on

leaving Alexander behind.

At Rectewald Mall, Alexander naturally found his seat next to Amber.

“So, you think I’m out of options with your hubby here? We'll see about that.” Gael chuckled darkly to himself. then rose and

approached Amber with a gesture of invitation. “Amber, it's pretty loud here. Your Chesire family’s looking to branch out to

Province Town, right? Let’s step outside for a chat.”

Amber paused, then turned to Alexander. “Should I go and have a word with Gael?” she whispered.

Alexander gave Gael a brief, indifferent look, then turned back to Amber. “Sure, go ahead,” he replied gently. Just be careful, and

if anything comes up, just call.”

With a soft acknowledgment, Amber stood and made her way out of the room.

Gael’s eyes followed her, alight with a fervent intensity, as he quickly followed in her footsteps.