Chapter 14
Ken had been waiting for a while when Lenore finally walked over, completely ignoring Troy and his family.
Silas casually shoved Troy aside, took a handkerchief from his subordinate, Chuck, and wiped his long fingers clean. Once done, he tossed it away and strolled toward Lenore, hands in his pockets.
He didn’t say a word, but his mere presence made everyone feel on edge.
Wayne, losing interest in the scene, glanced at Lenore and Silas as they walked off. As he passed Troy, he smirked. “You want your daughter’s inheritance but still look down on her? Some father.”
Wayne’s smile might’ve seemed carefree, but his eyes were anything but friendly. In any other situation, he would’ve fired back at Troy without hesitation.
Wayne was from the notorious Garcia family—always known for stirring up trouble—while Silas was the feared heir of the Faulkner family. And yet, they were being called ‘questionable people’?
Tsk. These people better be careful. Who knows if they’ll live to see tomorrow after talking like that? Wayne mused.
Chuck, surprised to see Silas and Wayne standing up for a girl, kept quiet. However, he shot a look of disdain at Troy before following the others.
As soon as they left, the heavy tension lifted. A cold breeze sent shivers down Troy’s spine, making him realize just how terrified he had been.
Esther clenched her jaw as she watched Lenore and Silas leave, jealousy and resentment flickering in her eyes.
What was supposed to be a simple welcome dinner had completely gone off track. Both Stephen and Rachel looked visibly displeased.
Sharon, sensing the growing tension, pinched Darren’s arm as a warning. Then, forcing a smile, she said, “It’s getting late. Let’s head inside for dinner.”
Rachel scoffed but didn’t argue, heading straight for the restaurant.
Silas and Wayne were in Jinslenburg for business that day—well, technically, Wayne had business and had dragged Silas along. Their destination was Culinary Ascent. As they parked and walked toward the entrance, they had stumbled upon the scene.
Ken didn’t know Silas, but he instantly recognized Wayne from the tabloids. Nervously, he greeted him. “Hello, Mr. Garcia.”
Wayne nodded, intrigued, as he casually circled Lenore. “Lenore, was that guy outside really your dad?”
Lenore, her expression cold, replied, “Maybe.”
Maybe? Wayne frowned. That’s neither a yes nor a no. What does she mean?
Before he could ask further, someone grabbed his collar and yanked him back.
“Aren’t you supposed to be dealing with your grandpa’s mess?” Silas’s voice was smooth, yet laced with an unspoken threat.
Wayne gritted his teeth in frustration. “You jerk.”
Ignoring him, Silas focused on Lenore, intrigued by the rebellious fire in her eyes. His lips curled into a faint, mischievous smile.
“Ms. Smedley, until next time.”
Lenore simply raised an eyebrow before turning away, following Ken into a side hallway.
Once inside, Ken let out a sigh of relief. “Do you even know that little tyrant from the Garcia family in Denisville?”
Lenore arched a brow. “Fixed their car once.”
Ken was speechless.
On the third floor, in a private dining room, several members of the traffic police were already seated. The group was diverse in age, chatting casually.
As Ken walked in, someone asked, “What took you so long, Mr. Sharpe?”
Ken kept his answer brief. “Ran into something downstairs.”
No one pressed further. Instead, their eyes lit up as they glanced toward the entryway. “Did Ms. Smedley arrive?”
“She’s here.” Ken stepped aside, allowing Lenore to enter.
Dressed in all black, a bag slung over her shoulder, hands tucked in her pockets, Lenore strode in with an effortless mix of confidence and rebellion.
“Wow…” Some of the men, already familiar with her photos, were still taken aback by her striking presence.
Ken cleared his throat, pulling out a chair for her.
Lenore sat down boldly, propping one leg up on the chair, radiating confidence. “Alright. What’s this about? Let’s hear it.”
