His Lordship Alexander Kane

Chapter 0356 Could that foul-mouthed woman really be Miss Chesire’s aunt?

The bodyguards shared a look, then faced Carmela again, unswayed. “Apologies, but family or not, rules are rules. Minister Kane’s orders-no invite, no entry.”

“You'll regret thisi

Carmela was livid, yanking out her phone to call Susanne. “Sis, what’s this about? You knew we were coming with the matriarch. Did you set up these goons to tickoff on purpose?”

In that instant-

At Villa Number One in Baltimore, Susanne was bustling around with the nanny, getting everything ready for the family feast. The phone call with Carmela was getting heated, so she quickly ended it and called out to the living room, “Amber, Alex, head to the door, will you? Grandma and your

aunt's family are here!”

In the living room, Alex shared a knowing grin with his wife. Hand—in-hand, they made their way to the entrance. “Hold up.”

Patrick, lounging on the couch with his coffee, spoke up in a low voice, “The matriarch’s here, sol

better go say hello too. Con.”

It was a good two kilometers from Villa Number One to the base of the mountain. Luckily, the community had those nifty little tour cars. Alex was at the wheel, with Amber and Patrick tagging along, as they rolled up to the mountain’s security booth.

“Uncle, didn’t expect to see you here!” Down at the base, Cirroc was already out of his car, spotting them from a distance. He and his dad, Gavin, cup all smiles, bypassing Alex and Amber to zero in on Patrick.

“Bringing the old lady over today, and I’ve got a little something to ask of you,” Cirroc said with a chuckle. “Just got back from overseas and my job situation’s a bit up in the air...”

He was already pulling Patrick off to the side for a private chat. Alexander just arched an eyebrow and kept quiet. +15 BONOS

He and Amber approached Carmela, who was practically steaming with two bodyguards in tow. With a casual smile, Alex asked, “Something got you worked up?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Carmela snapped back, her face twisted in anger as she jabbed a finger at the bodyguards. “I told you to open the door earlier, but no, you wouldn't listen! Now look at this mess. Amber, you're going to do as | say today and fire these twol”

Amber gave the bodyguards a nod, a silent cue to head back to their post. With a calm and even tone, she said, “Aunt, decisions about who stays or goes should be up to HR to decide. | might be the general manager, but | can’t just do whatever | want.

“And besides, these guys haven’t done anything to deserve being fired. They’re part of the security team, and Alex is their boss. They've been following his rules and doing their jobs faithfully. If anything, they should be getting a pat on the back, not the boot.”

What?!

Carmela’s face registered shock, then she whipped around to face Alexander, her anger almost palpable. “These two blockheads were in my way. What's the point of keeping them around? Alexander, you're in charge of them. | want them gone today!”

Alexander just chuckled. He glanced over at Cirroc, then back at Carmela with a smile. “If they were as useless as you say,

just causing trouble around here, then sure, they'd be out. We have to keep standards high, after all. Even family and friends don’t get a free pass if they’re not up to snuff. You agree, right?”

Carmela’s complexion went from flushed to pale in a heartbeat. She had not cfor a family reunion or to reminisce about old times with Susanne. She was. there on a mission to land her son Cirroc a job.

She got the hint loud and clear from Alexander’s words. Trying to sneak in through the back door on family ties was not happening.

“Cough, cough!”

Ashort distance away, Gavin was keeping Cirroc and Neil company. He glanced over at Alexander and gave a strategic cough. “You're not wrong, but isn’t that out of your hands? We do want Cirroc to join your company, and it doesn’t really matter if you're on board or not. |...”

“Who says it doesn’t matter?!”

Before Gavin could even get his last word out, Patrick’s expression turned to stone. He marched. right up to Alexander, clapped a hand on his son—in-law’s shoulder, and let out a dismissive snort.

+15 BONOS

“Gavin, show srespect. Don’t think you can push Alex around just because he’s the younger one! In New Chesire Group, Alex’s word is law. He calls the shots on everything, big or small!”

Gavin clamped his mouth shut, his complexion cycling between shades of green and pale.

He remembered all too well Alexander’s formidable presence at Missus Thompson's birthday bash and knew better than to mess with that influential son-in-law.

Back when Patrick’s family was down on their luck, Gavin's folks had their fun at their expense. Thus, Patrick was not about to let bygones be bygones.

“Brother—in-law, you're being too stiff!”

Carmela, sensing the tension, quickly plastered on a smile, took her son Cirroc by the arm, and buttered up Patrick. “We're family, after all, aren't we?

“Cirroc’s just returned from his studies abroad and Deen job-hunting. He’s even been offered

manager roles at ssmall firms. But honestly, with Cirroc’s talent, those places are a waste. He’d be such an asset to your company, right?”

All the while, she was signaling Cirroc with her eyes.

Catching on, Cirroc bowed respectfully to Patrick and offered a sheepish grin. “Uncle, | promise, once I’m in the company, I'll give it my all and live up to your and Aunt’s expectations!“