Chapter 9 She’s from Valentine family
As Elaine opened the door to the private room, she found herself face to face with someone exiting the opposite room. Their eyes met, and they both paused for a moment.
Out of politeness, she was about to greet him with a “Mr. Mason,” but the words got stuck in her throat.
Jackson gave her a brief glance, walking past her as if she were a stranger, his eyes not lingering for even a second.
Watching his tall, straight figure retreat, she awkwardly rubbed her nose. Noticing he was headed toward the restroom, she decided against going herself.
She walked down the hallway to the end, lingering in a quiet corner near the stairs, where she distracted herself with her phone. When she saw it was nearly time, she tucked her phone away and made her way back to the private room.
As she neared the room, she saw Cordell standing in the hallway just outside.
He wore a V–neck shirt and brown casual trousers.
Just like years ago, his style was simple and relaxed, but it made him
look effortlessly handsome.
A cigarette hung between his fingers, and the smoke curled lazily around him. The light from the crystal chandelier above made his striking features look even more defined.
When he saw her return, he took a long drag from his cigarette, extinguished it, and tossed it into the nearby trash can. He shot her a quiet glance before pushing open the door and stepping inside.
Given the sensitive nature of their current relationship, it would have been too obvious if they had entered together, so she waited outside for a moment before finally entering.
At the dinner table, Constance noticed Elaine’s slight frame and was overly attentive, constantly serving her more food. Elaine’s appetite was small, but not wanting to disappoint Constance, she forced herself to finish what was on her plate, feeling stuffed and uncomfortable.
After dinner, they all left the private room.
At the same time, a group of sharply dressed men emerged from the opposite room.
At the head of the group was a man who exuded charm, with an exceptional presence.
Marcelo stepped forward and extended his hand to greet him. “Mr.
fikoupitne & citiem from Vilardiris Family
Mason, long time no see.”
Jackson took his hand with a polite but somewhat distant smile.
His gaze briefly swept over the people standing behind Marcelo. “Mr. Valentine, is this a family gathering?”
Jackson’s heart skipped a beat. ‘So, this woman is the daughter of the Valentine family?‘
Marcelo, ever the gracious host, responded, “Yes, we’re welcoming my father home.”
Jackson’s eyes flicked over Elaine and landed on Abraham, who was standing beside Stacy.
Though they hadn’t met before, Jackson, raised with good manners, offered a polite greeting. “Good evening, Mr. Valentine.”
It was just a brief glance, but for a fleeting moment, Elaine felt a sharp chill in his gaze.
‘What did I do to upset him?‘ she wondered.
Abraham, hearing Marcelo call Jackson “Mr. Mason,” quickly deduced that the man before them was the renowned head of the Mason family.
Having been involved in business in his younger days, Abraham had some old connections with Jackson’s grandfather. He smiled, though his face remained deeply lined with age.
“The last time I saw you, you were just six years old. You’ve grown up so much since then.”
The attempt at small talk was awkward and forced.
Jackson raised an eyebrow, offering a polite smile but saying nothing. The crystal lighting in the hallway highlighted his sharp, handsome features, making him look even more striking.
Cordell stepped forward to greet him, extending his hand. He briefly scanned the people behind Jackson, recognizing some of them as executives from various companies. “Mr. Mason, are you here to discuss a project?”
Jackson gave a slight nod, his dark eyes reflecting the lights, adding a touch of mystery.
The men with Jackson exchanged pleasantries and handshakes with Cordell, the entire interaction formal and courteous.
Once the greetings were done, the two groups filed out of the restaurant, one after the other.
