Chapter 1450 Rendezvous
Jepherson stared at the invitation in a daze. After putting it down, he went to take a rest. The following day, after breakfast, he went to visit the Moore family.
The Moore family had decorated their home with lights and ribbons. When Jepherson just got off the car, he immediately sensed that something was not right; the Moore family seemed to be celebrating something.
Upon entering, Jepherson saw a couple standing at the door waiting for them. Seeing him, Colston led Louisa to Jepherson.
Although Colston was not a significant figure in the Moore family, Jepherson knew who he was.
He had already investigated all the members of the Moore family, so he knew people like Colston.
He was among the Moore family’s fifth generation, Johan’s great-great-grandson, the same generation as Flynt.
However, Flynt was of noble background, the first wife’s son, while Colston’s father was of collateral kin; as his grandmother was a concubine, his father was barely acknowledged. Colston’s mother was also a concubine, and Colston wasn’t even born inside the Moore family.
A memory flashed across Jepherson’s mind. The Moore family took Colston in at two when his mother had passed away because of illness.
His father was already not favored and even got another wife after his mother’s death; it was a miracle the young child could grow up with no one to rely on.
Jepherson was slightly moved to see Colston before him, knowing he was no simple man. The Moore family had a long history in Capital City, and many talented individuals were in hiding; it would not be easy to force them to retire.
“Mr. Richards,” Colston greeted as he walked over, his tone neither haughty nor humble, and he had an imposing air about him.
Jepherson smiled. “Colston Moore?”
“That’s me.” Colston smiled warmly. He had always been an amiable man. Jepherson’s eyes were calm as he tried to conceal the emotions inside him.
The Moore family would never allow any ordinary man to welcome their guests, and Jepherson knew Colston was no ordinary man. He observed Colston smile and wondered if he was honest or only pretending.
“Colston, you are too polite. I came in a hurry today, so I didn’t bring any gifts for Old Master Moore. I hope you don’t mind.”
Colston immediately said, “Please, don’t worry. It was abrupt of me to send the invitation at such a late night; forgive me for my lack of courtesy. Please come in, Mr. Richards. It’s cold outside.”
“Alright.” Jepherson stepped forward without hesitation, all under his control.
Colston was aware that if he didn’t win this battle, there would be nothing left between him and Louisa.
He turned back to look at Louisa and said, “Louisa, please stay here and wait for Mr. Whalen.”
“Alright.”
Louisa was wearing Colston’s clothes. They didn’t have time to put on nice clothes because everything happened all too suddenly, but they didn’t care about it either.
Jepherson’s eyes gleamed when he overheard their conversation, but he pretended that he didn’t hear them.
The girl, Louisa, was Colston’s weak spot.
Jepherson and Colston entered the main hall. After they settled down onto their seats, Ronard dismissed the other people in the room and tended to them himself.
It didn’t take long for Zorion to arrive at the Moore family’s manor. He got out of the car and straightened his clothes, then turned around and stretched out a hand to Rossie. She withdrew her hand after getting out. Looking around, she asked, “Where is this?”
“The Moore family’s manor,” Zorion said as he looked at the entrance. Louisa walked out, dressed in Colston’s shirt he wore to school. There was nothing showy about her outfit, but Zorion frowned when he noticed her calm demeanor, then glanced at the people around her.
He wondered if something was about to change in the Moore family.
Louisa walked toward the entrance and greeted Zorion and Rossie, “Welcome, Mr. Whalen.”
She nodded at Rossie and smiled politely, then looked at Zorion and said, “Colston is with Mr. Richards. He specifically asked me to wait for you two here. Please, come in.”
Louisa gestured for them to enter and walked forward. Rossie stole a glance at Zorion as he strode forward. The three of them walked into the main hall together.
When they arrived at the door, a servant came up and helped take their coats while Louisa invited them into the house.
Colston immediately stood up to welcome Zorion when he saw him.
“Mr. Whalen.”
Zorion sized Colston up; although they were about the same age, he did not know who Colston was.
He saw Jepherson drinking tea calmly from the corner of his eyes, then asked directly, “Who are you?”
“I am Colston Moore, seventh son of the fifth generation in the Moore family.”
Zorion thought for a moment, then said, “I’ve never heard of you.”
“I’m not worth mentioning in the Moore family, so it’s understandable if you have never heard of me. Please have a seat, Mr. Whalen,” Colston said, gesturing at the empty seat beside Jepherson on one side of the square table. As he hadn’t expected Zorion to bring someone along, he motioned for Louisa to arrange a seat for Rossie. Louisa sat beside Colston on the other side of the table, and there was no seniority between them.
Colston turned to look at Louisa and said, “Louisa and I go to college together; she’s a sophomore. She has an amazing knowledge of tea. Today’s a big day for us; we’re legally married. So, this gathering is a private wedding invitation.”
Jepherson sat unmoving, and Zorion raised his eyebrows. “Interesting.”
Louisa began to make tea while Rossie watched quietly as if she was learning, but in fact, she was also well-versed.
After Louisa served them tea, Colston went straight to the point.Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.
“I’m honored to have you two here today. I believe you know very well why I invited you here.”
Jepherson and Zorion did not speak. Colston continued, “I’m a nobody in the Moore family, so I do not have a say in my own marriage.”
“But Louisa and I are in love, and we do not wish to be separate from each other.”
“Hence, I had to take a risk and assume some responsibility when my family’s in trouble in exchange for our happiness.”
“The Moore family is currently in troubled times, and it is collapsing.”
“I’m aware that our family has lost its reputation, but the two of you are beginning to rise in Capital City.”
“So, I invited you two here today, hoping to befriend you. What do you say?”
Zorion turned to look at Jepherson. Jepherson cooled his cup of tea and took a sip.
Zorion, too, did the same. If Jepherson weren’t going to speak, he wouldn’t either.
Rossie sat aside, unmoving. She was already experiencing insomnia. Drinking tea would only make it worse.
“How may I address you?” Louisa asked. Rossie replied, “Lautner.”
Louisa said, “Miss Lautner, do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?”
Zorion was drinking his tea when the two women spoke. Looking over, although the intention was clear, he was willing to try as long as it would help Rossie.
Rossie answered, “Yes, a little.”
“Will you let me help you, Miss Lautner?” Louisa asked. Rossie turned to Zorion, and he asked, “How?”
Setting down the teacup, he stared at Louisa intently.