499: Chapter 494 Everything is Business

Julian's expression turned solemn.

"Grandfather, what do you mean..."

"This Kevin is either a supreme schemer who has endured for over a decade, or he is merely a puppet pushed to the forefront."

The Old Duke's eyes grew deep.

"Whichever the case, he is a hundred times harder to deal with than the foolish and arrogant Andrew."

"Contact the younger generations of the Roche Family and the Astoria Family."

"Tell them to find an excuse and throw a party."

"I want you to probe the depth of this new master of the Hossen Family."

The top-floor office of the Roche Family.

Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows was the financial center of Saint-Ludo.

Marcus Roche, the current head of the family, a financial titan renowned for his ruthless methods, was fiddling with a cigar in his hand.

Sitting opposite him was his proudest daughter, Isabella.

A woman as beautiful as a rose with thorns.

"Father, this drama in the Hossen Family is truly interesting.", Isabella said, her red lips slightly parted.

"Interesting?"

Marcus exhaled a ring of smoke.

"This is an opportunity."

"When Old Hossen was alive, none of us could even bite off a piece of the fat meat that is Hossen Heavy Industry."

"Now, the opportunity has arrived."

"This kid named Kevin is the breakthrough point."

A sharp glint flashed in Isabella's eyes.

"You mean, win him over?"

"No.", Marcus shook his head.

"We mean, control him."

"A king who has just ascended the throne and whose foundation is unstable is easiest to control."

"Isabella, your mission has arrived."

He looked at his daughter as if admiring a perfect weapon.

"Use your charm, use your methods, go get close to him and understand him."

"Find his weakness."

"Is it greed, lust, or... something else?"

"Everyone has a price."

"I want you to help me find Kevin Hossen's price tag."

The morning tea party at the Astoria Estate.

Madam Eleanor, the social queen of Saint-Ludo, was elegantly holding a porcelain teacup.

The noble ladies and socialites beside her were all chattering about the gossip surrounding the Hossen Family.

"I really didn't expect Andrew to be that kind of person."

"Has anyone seen that Kevin? What does he look like?"

Madam Eleanor put down her teacup, making a crisp sound.

The noisy living room instantly fell silent.

All eyes focused on her.

"Ladies.", Madam Eleanor's voice carried an unquestionable authority.

"The social circle of Saint-Ludo hasn't been this lively in a long time."

"A new king deserves a coronation ceremony worthy of his status."

She looked around, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

"In the name of the Astoria Family, send an invitation to the new master of the Hossen Estate."

"Just say, it's to celebrate Mr. Kevin's return, and also so that the young people of Saint-Ludo can get to know each other."

"Next weekend, we will host a welcome party at our lakeside estate."

A socialite's eyes lit up, "Madam, that is a brilliant idea!"

Madam Eleanor smiled faintly.

A party?

No.

It was a trial ground.

It was a collective interview for this new king by the entire young elite of Saint-Ludo's high society.

Is he a fierce tiger, or a paper tiger?

It would be known after one test at the party.

The news quickly spread.

The Van Der Lin Family, the Roche Family... every renowned family in Saint-Ludo tacitly reached a consensus.

Exquisite invitations, stamped with gold edges, were sent out from the various family estates.

They all had only one destination.

The Hossen Estate.

A Hongmen Banquet specifically prepared for Kevin Hossen was quietly beginning.

At this moment, Kevin stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of the master bedroom in the Hossen Estate.

Overlooking the vast estate, both familiar and strange to him.

The butler respectfully presented an invitation to him.

"Young Master, this is a party invitation from the Astoria Family."

Kevin took the invitation and opened it.

His gaze fell upon the line, "Welcome Mr. Kevin Hossen Home."

His face showed no expression.

Only a cold glint, colder than the Saint-Ludo night, flashed across his blue eyes.

He knew.

His first battle was coming.

At that very moment, in a guest room on the other side of the estate, Shen Yan was placing his last shirt into his suitcase.

His movements were crisp and clean, without any hesitation.

The door was knocked gently.

"Come in."

Kevin pushed the door open, still holding the invitation in his hand.

"You are leaving?"

His voice was somewhat dry, as if confirming a fact he already knew but was unwilling to accept.

Shen Yan zipped up his suitcase, making a light 'click' sound.

"My business here is done."

He did not look at Kevin, merely picking up the coat draped over the back of the chair.

"But..."

Kevin stepped forward, seemingly wanting to say something.

The words of retention reached his lips, but he swallowed them back down.

What right did he have to ask him to stay?

What qualification did he have to ask him to stay?

Shen Yan finally turned his head and glanced at him.

His gaze was as calm as a deep pool of water.

"This is your battlefield, not mine."

"I helped you clear the miscellaneous soldiers outside the chessboard, but the game itself needs you to play."

Shen Yan's words were direct as always, devoid of any warmth.

Kevin clenched the invitation in his hand, the edge of the paper digging painfully into his palm.

"I understand."

He took a deep breath, as if making some kind of decision.

"Wait for me..."

He paused, seemingly searching for a suitable word.

"Wait until I can truly secure this position, and hand over what I promised you completely."

"Can I... come to your country to find you?"

When he asked this, there was a barely perceptible hint of expectation in his tone.

Not as a supplicant, but as an equal partner.

A very slight curve seemed to appear on Shen Yan's lips, flashing and disappearing instantly.

"You are welcome anytime."

"However, I hope that by then, you won't be coming to find me for a drink and a chat."

He walked up to Kevin and paused for half a second.

"But to discuss a much bigger business deal."

With that, he lingered no more, picked up his suitcase, and walked straight out of the room.

Kevin stood in place, watching his retreating figure disappear at the end of the corridor.

After a long while.

He looked down at the invitation in his hand, the last trace of confusion in his eyes completely dispelled.

What replaced it was an unprecedented calmness and sharpness.

Business.

That's right.

Everything was business.

And he needed to win the biggest bargaining chip for himself.

The lakeside estate of the Astoria Family was brilliantly lit tonight.

The light from the crystal chandeliers spilled onto the meticulously adorned faces of every guest, reflecting the shimmering jewelry and the elegant attire.

The air was filled with the bubbles of champagne, the fragrance of expensive perfume, and beneath the elegant chatter, the silent scrutiny and subtle contention.

When Kevin Hossen's figure appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall, almost every sound dropped by an octave in an instant.