Chapter 421

Chapter 421

Marcus scanned the room, his face full of doubt. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Was this beautiful scene just a facade?

Marcus's expression was complicated, as if he had been deceived by the entire world.

Garrett, oblivious to what the guest from afar was imagining, kept nodding to himself.

He shook his head with a pained look.

They had known each other since they were kids; no jokes aside, they knew each other's embarrassing childhood secrets.

Wearing a floral dress was the least of their worries.

The more serious stuff... well, he wasn't ready to talk about that yet.

Anyway, those things couldn't be made public. If they were, they wouldn't be able to show their faces in their social circles.

They'd die of embarrassment!

Aria stayed quiet.

She opened her mouth, looking at Garrett and Marcus, but said nothing.

It seemed like these two were talking about completely different things.

Lewis chuckled softly, not taking it to heart.

Let the rumors spread however they want. They knew the truth, and that was enough.

There was no need to explain to outsiders. As for those who believed the rumors...

Well, if they really believed and sided with one of them to go against the others, it would just make it easier for him to trap them.

Lewis stayed silent, already plotting in his mind.

Simon didn't miss the look on his uncle's face. He shivered, sensing that someone was about to have a bad day.

The last time his uncle had that look, his uncle's brother's entire family had been exiled abroad.

The people around the table had different expressions, chatting away on completely different wavelengths, yet still finding it enjoyable. In a way, it was a miracle.

Suddenly, the door swung open. The newcomer removed their scarf, bringing a chill into the room.

Garrett was momentarily stunned, then quickly pushed Simon off him and eagerly went to greet the newcomer. "What are you doing here? Didn't you say you were busy at work today?"

Penelope smiled and hooked her arm around Garrett's neck. "I was busy, but the important stuff is taken care of. The rest can be handled by the VPs."

In other words, the vice presidents at the Murphy Group, who had just had a brief respite, were about to get busy again.

Aria looked sympathetic. "Penelope, have you thought about sharing some of the pressure with your VPs?"

"I have. I'm currently looking for a new VP."

Adding a fourth VP should help lighten the load.

Lewis nodded in agreement. "If you don't, I think your VPs might start a rebellion."

"It's not that bad."

Penelope dismissed the concern, already holding the tea the butler had brought over.

Her gaze finally landed on Marcus, and she greeted him with a slight smile.

Marcus watched Penelope sit down next to Garrett, pushing Simon to another sofa.

No matter how large the Windsor family's living room was, it couldn't accommodate so many people at once.

Especially since these were all influential people with strong presences.

Even if they showed signs of relaxing in private, they wouldn't be overly approachable.

With so many powerful people in one place, the previously relaxed atmosphere turned tense.

Despite the serious setting, the feeling that the Windsor Mansion was a daycare center lingered.

Why did these people always flock to the Windsor Mansion?

Even if they were close, wasn't this a bit much?

Marcus looked at Aria and Lewis, but they seemed used to it, letting the others chatter away.

Marcus remained silent.

Alright then.

Seeing that it was getting late and his main purpose for coming here was accomplished, Marcus finished his tea and prepared to leave.

He stood up and headed for the door, reminding the others to stay put. "It's cold, no need to see me out."

Despite his words, basic manners prevailed. Simon, following Lewis's gaze, stood up with a smile. "It's just a few steps, no trouble at all."

Taking advantage of the rare clear weather after the snow, Simon saw Marcus off.

Watching the black car disappear from the Windsor Mansion, Penelope touched her chin thoughtfully. "This Marcus is interesting."

Garrett turned his head warily, looking at Penelope with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Penelope casually kissed Garrett's cheek and laughed softly. "I mean, Marcus's relationship with his family isn't as friendly as it seems."

"What do you mean?"

"It's because of Derek," Penelope tapped the table twice. "I heard some rumors when I was in Sylvanor a few days ago. Marcus's mother just passed away, and Derek's mother is already trying to step up and push him down."

"What does that have to do with Derek?"

"Because Derek is useless, but his mother is formidable," Wendy laughed. "Derek's mother is using Marcus's lack of support to persuade Derek's father to change the will, trying to strip Marcus of his inheritance. So, if Marcus is here to discuss business with you, it's likely to gain more favor with his father."

Aria and Lewis exchanged glances.

If Marcus could secure the coastal assets, the Griffith family's quarterly revenue would increase, giving him more influence with his father.

Aria clicked her tongue in admiration. "Derek's mom is so capable, but why is he so useless?"

"Short-sighted and thoughtless," Simon snorted. "The tricks he knows are all low-level. He's just an illegitimate child with no status. The fact that he made it to the Griffith family table without being killed is a testament to his mother's abilities. What are you expecting? A major event from him?"

No, they weren't expecting that.

And now, Derek indeed couldn't cause any trouble.

For someone abandoned by his family and lacking ability, his life was pretty much set.

Aria nodded indifferently, no longer interested in Derek's news.

The living room fell silent as everyone watched the snowy scene outside.

After a while, the silence was broken by the ringing of the landline.

Zachary's voice came through. "Lewis, there's a meeting this afternoon about the economic development zone."

Lewis responded, then paused, glancing at the people gathered in his house. He sighed. "Just me, or are there others?"

Zachary, unsure why Lewis was asking, answered honestly. "Garrett and Ms. Murphy, too."

"No need to call them."

"Why?"

Because they were already at his house.