Lance and Eula's collaboration did not end after achieving their desired results. Once they stabilized their situation, they began to reorganize Espuenia's underground forces. In less than five years, they completed their goal, uniting the scattered forces of Espuenia into one of the most formidable organizations globally.
Eula was the apparent leader of this force, but Lance was the true decision-maker. To avoid unnecessary trouble for his family, he chose to remain behind the scenes. Lance listened to Eula's words, frowning slightly. "If they don't listen, just beat them. If once doesn't work, do it a few more times. They'll learn eventually."
Eula laughed, "I knew you would say that. We're on the same page." She looked at the man in front of her and sighed, "It's a pity you don't fancy me. With our intelligence, we could have had an exceptional child to manage all this for us."
She said this deliberately, partly to test if Lance had any feelings for her and partly to gauge his feelings for Deanna, so she could decide her next move. Lance was unaware of Eula's intentions. He frowned deeper and disagreed, "Don't say things like that in the future. It can cause misunderstandings, and we are not suitable for each other."
Why are we not suitable? Eula questioned in her heart. She looked at Lance with deep resentment and unwillingness. In her view, they were perfect for each other, understanding each other's thoughts with just a glance. But she dared not voice these thoughts or show them.
"Alright, I was just joking," Eula shrugged, brushing off her earlier probing. Lance didn't take it to heart, knowing his partner's quirky personality. He nodded and asked coldly, "Anything else?"
His tone implied that if there was nothing more, he would leave. Eula knew he wanted to find Deanna. Her heart ached with unwillingness. "I know you're eager to see your fiancee, but unfortunately, you can't leave yet. There's more to discuss."
"What is it?" Lance asked. Eula's eyes flickered as she brought up some trivial but troublesome matters to keep him around longer. She did this to spend more time with Lance, as opportunities to see him had been rare over the years.
As the apparent leader of the organization, she was considered dangerous by Chiaz. If she wanted to go to Chiaz, she had to go through layers of procedures, explain her purpose clearly, and accept supervision from Chiaz's people. Such a high-profile visit would expose their relationship, which was against Lance's intention of staying behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Deanna, separated from Lance, took some food from the dessert area and found a corner to enjoy it quietly. She ate while admiring the handsome men and beautiful women at the center of the banquet. Unexpectedly, she saw two familiar faces among the crowd: Raphael and Emily mingling with top-tier billionaires.
As new faces unfamiliar with Chiaz, many assumed they were newly promoted talents from a first-class family in Chiaz and engaged them politely. Some looked down on them and refused to interact. Even so, Raphael and Emily were satisfied. Given their status, they had no right to attend such a banquet or even speak to their guests in the past.
Emily became increasingly elated and showcased her social skills, befriending several noblewomen. Deanna watched in shock and confusion. Based on what she learned from Lance about the qualifications for this banquet, Raphael and Emily did not meet the criteria. How did they get in?
Deanna found it strange but had no intention of investigating further. Everyone has their secrets as long as they don't bother her. With that thought, she turned her attention back to the desserts in the dining area. The desserts were delicious, and worthy of an international chef.
Deanna soon forgot about Raphael and Emily and focused on exploring the banquet's delicacies, unaware that Emily had been secretly watching her every move.