Chapter 284: New Miss Drake

Chapter 284: Chapter 284: New Miss Drake

Vivian Lowell chose to trust Mr. Drake.

Mr. Drake wasn’t a reckless person. Vivian could tell just by how much he missed his granddaughter—he’d even had someone bring back all the things he’d bought for her abroad after he returned to the country.

A man like that would surely have considered the very issues they were now pondering.

"Mm."

Julian Faulkner nodded. "I agree. I’m sure Master Drake has thought everything through. For now, all we can do is wait and see how things unfold."

"Vivian..."

Julian’s expression suddenly turned serious. He turned to Vivian and added earnestly, "If, when the time comes, you have any ideas or want to help Master Drake, you can tell me."

"I’ll do everything in my power to help you."

’Help Mr. Drake?’

Vivian glanced at Julian in surprise. She had a feeling he knew something more about this matter—something he wasn’t telling her.

"Okay," Vivian agreed.

Seeing his confident expression, she thought that perhaps she didn’t need to press him for details. ’Maybe he just wants to help Mr. Drake, same as me?’

She, too, would certainly help if Mr. Drake ran into trouble.

’Julian is probably just worried I’ll find myself in a difficult situation!’

「They soon arrived at the Grand West Aethelburg Hotel.」

After the group got out of the car, Eleanor Rhodes came over to help Vivian up, craning her neck to see if her parents’ car had arrived yet.

Tonight’s banquet had drawn nearly everyone from Aethelburg’s high-society circles. Even those without an invitation were likely crowding the entrance, hoping to get a glimpse of the action or find a way to slip inside.

Becoming a familiar face to the Drake Family was an investment that couldn’t possibly lose. If it led to future business collaborations, it would be more than worth it.

Eleanor’s parents had also received an invitation, but they had other matters to attend to earlier in the day, so Vivian had simply asked Julian to pick Eleanor up on the way.

"Oh, over there!"

Eleanor spotted her parents and said to Vivian, "I’m going to find my mom first. I’ll come find you in the banquet hall later, Vivian!"

"Julian Faulkner, I’m entrusting Vivian to you now! Make sure you take good care of her for me!"

With that, Eleanor shot Julian a stern glare before turning and hurrying off.

"..."

Julian was exasperated.

He would have done that even if Eleanor hadn’t said a word.

"Let’s go."

Julian took Vivian’s hand, and they entered the hotel.

At the hotel entrance, the person responsible for greeting guests was a familiar face. A true social butterfly, she was dressed stunningly tonight, weaving through the crowd with effortless grace.

It was Joy Drake.

"President Faulkner, Mrs. Faulkner."

Joy Drake had a sharp eye and naturally spotted Vivian and Julian from a distance. She walked over and greeted them with great enthusiasm.

Her enthusiastic demeanor made it seem as if she had completely forgotten the unpleasantness between them, as well as the warning she had received to stay away from Julian and Vivian.

Or perhaps...

Joy believed that, at an event like this, Julian and Vivian would have to give her some face.

Vivian merely shot Joy a cool glance.

"Mm."

Vivian gave a soft, perfunctory response, showing no intention of engaging further. But Joy, true to form, pressed on despite the cold shoulder.

"Mrs. Faulkner, you’re looking wonderful. I’m sure you’ll be very happy with tonight’s banquet as well."

Joy spoke with a meaningful smile playing on her lips, giving Vivian the distinct impression she was hinting at something.

!?

Vivian didn’t quite understand Joy’s intention.

’What on earth is Joy trying to say?’

Vivian frowned at Joy and said coolly, "I am, of course, very happy that Mr. Drake was able to find his granddaughter. I suppose... it would be a good thing if the future Miss Drake could take charge of the Drake Family’s development and carry on Mr. Drake’s ideals, wouldn’t it?"

Joy faltered for a moment when she heard Vivian say "Miss Drake." Clearly, most people here today used that title to refer to Joy herself.

But that was obviously not who Vivian was referring to.

Moreover, Vivian’s meaning was clear...

’Now that Mr. Drake has his own flesh-and-blood granddaughter, you, Joy—the one who usually just handles odd jobs—will probably be pushed out of the Drake Family’s core business very soon.’

Joy understood Vivian’s implication perfectly. Her expression shifted slightly, but she didn’t seem angry at all.

"Is that so?"

Joy’s gaze remained profound. She spoke slowly, deliberately. "If that’s really how it turns out, perhaps it would be a good thing, yes? It’s just... I wonder about such a situation..."

"Heh, it seems I’ve said too much. In any case, Mrs. Faulkner, when you see ’Miss Drake’ later, I guarantee you’ll be in for quite a surprise."

’I’ll be in for a surprise when I see Miss Drake?’

’What does that mean?’

’Does the new Miss Drake have some sort of special identity?’

’Is she someone I know? Or something else?’

Vivian had no leads for now, but she had no intention of staying here playing riddle games with Joy, so she left with Julian.

The banquet hall was crowded.

As soon as Julian and Vivian arrived, some people from their social circle came up to greet them and exchange pleasantries, making small talk and building connections.

Since marrying Julian, Vivian had grown accustomed to all sorts of social scenes. She handled them with ease, and soon she had greeted almost everyone.

Before long, Mr. Drake appeared.

His arrival immediately made him the center of attention, but Mr. Drake seemed to have no intention of speaking with the crowd. Instead, he came over to where Vivian was.

"Julian, Vivian, how have you two been lately?"

Mr. Drake sat down beside them, his tone gentle as he asked.

Vivian wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt that while Mr. Drake’s question was directed at both her and Julian...

...he seemed to be more concerned about her.

It made sense when she thought about it. She was pregnant, after all, which made her the more "fragile" of the two. Mr. Drake showing a little extra concern for her only proved his good character.

"We’re both doing well, thank you for your concern, Mr. Drake. By the way, will Miss Drake be here tonight?"

Mr. Drake nodded.

He glanced toward the back of the banquet hall, where the red carpet began. His gaze grew very, very deep, his emotions becoming much more complex.

Seeing Mr. Drake like this, Vivian’s heart skipped a beat.

She suddenly had a feeling.

The emotion Mr. Drake was showing right now didn’t seem like doting affection for his own granddaughter. It was more like... a complicated mix of feelings.

There was vigilance, caution, and even...?

Vivian couldn’t put her finger on it. All she knew was that it felt very strange.

’Why would he feel that way?’

Vivian didn’t understand.

But Mr. Drake had already turned back to her, chuckling as he said, "Speaking of which, her identity is a bit special. Vivian, you should know her."

"When she comes out in a little while, try not to be too surprised. And if... if you have any questions, please don’t show it tonight, alright?"

"I’ll explain everything to you afterward."

Vivian was completely taken aback.

’What does Mr. Drake mean by that?’

Instantly, the memory of Joy’s complex and provocative gaze flashed through her mind. ’Could it be that Joy also knows the identity of "Miss Drake," and knows that she and I are acquainted?’

’And is our relationship... unusual in some way?’

’Is there anyone I know who fits the description of Mr. Drake’s granddaughter?’

Vivian thought hard for a while but still couldn’t come up with anyone.

But that didn’t matter now. It was already seven o’clock. The banquet was officially starting, and the legendary "Miss Drake" would soon be walking out from the other end of the red carpet.

All she had to do was wait with bated breath and watch.