In the Lap of Luxury

This place was simultaneously the quietest and most crowded club in Pamore. The rich and the powerful came and went constantly.

It was quiet because it wasn't decorated lavishly, and it was crowded because it was always fully booked. It was hard to get a room here.

In one of the rooms that were further inside, the atmosphere grew quieter and quieter as the meal progressed.

Howard Donegan pulled at his collar and raised his glass. He looked at the rich heirs around the table. "Timothy, I just remembered that I've got something to do. I'll make a toast to you. Happy birthday." He downed the drink and got ready to leave.

Timothy and Frederick exchanged glances. Timothy hurriedly stopped him.

"Mr. Donegan, you've only been here for ten minutes. What's the rush? My parents haven't even arrived yet, and they're dying to see you. Please humor them."

Howard did not say anything, but there was a fiery look in his eyes.

The Donegans had an international chamber of commerce and carried out trade in business. It was inevitable that they would get embroiled in conflicts sometimes. Occasionally, they would ask Howard to help in his capacity as chief director.

However, he never entertained personal requests and kept things strictly official.

As time passed, the Donegan family began to dislike him, even though he was the oldest son of the family.

Howard liked the peace and quiet, and he focused on advancing in his career instead.

That was why he did not believe what Timothy had said.

He put his hands behind his back. "What on earth are you all up to? What do you want from me? Spit it out."

Timothy had already cursed Benjamin a hundred times over in his heart.

He squeezed out a smile. "We just haven't seen you for a long time, and we miss you. Recently, I've been in a bit of a dilemma, and I'd like you to educate me." "Nonsense! If you want education, come straight to the police station and ask for me!"

Howard took a step forward, but he bumped straight into a man who was dressed discreetly and carrying gifts.

The man said respectfully, "Chief Donegan."

He had addressed him by his position.

Howard took a step back and recognized him. "You're... the Hawkins' son. Mr. Hawkins."

"I had an urgent meeting and came late. I was the one who asked Timothy to make you stay. Please don't blame him."

They were all seated once more. Timothy and Frederick left with the rest, and only Howard and Benjamin remained in the room.

"If you want to ask about the development of that case, then save it. Currently, there's nothing I can say."

Benjamin sat diagonally across from him, and there was a shrewd look in his eyes.

"Chief Donegan, I was there that day. I believe that there is someone I need to be concerned about, so you don't need to play dumb." Howard looked up at him, but he continued to play dumb. "I don't understand, Mr. Hawkins."

"Is my older brother back on the team?"

Howard looked sharply at him. "Who is your older brother?"

"... Alexander."

"Oh!" Howard burst into laughter.

"So you remember that you have a brother called Alexander! I thought that you'd forgotten about it long ago!"

Benjamin was embarrassed by his mockery. He continued asking, "Is he really back?"

"Well? Does his return have anything to do with the Hawkins family? You left him for dead long ago, so why not keep up the charade?"

"In the past..."

"In the past, something suddenly happened to Alexander, and there was no corpse.

"The Hawkins family didn't even ask. You didn't even send a servant, and it was the police who arranged for his funeral. What right do you have to interrogate me?"

At the mention of the past, Howard's rage was still intense. Benjamin lowered his head.

That year, after something had happened to Alexander, Benjamin received the news.

He had wanted to go and take care of things, but Susan had threatened to commit suicide.

"He's always had his own mind, and he cut ties with us long ago to become a civil servant. Why do you care about him?

"If you take one step out of this house, I'll kill myself right in front of you!"