The Goodwin family's banquet was the talk of the town, drawing an exclusive crowd thanks to their elder
daughter, Tracey's engagement to a member of the prestigious Hilton family. It was a strategic move designed to
cement the Goodwin family's rising status in high society. It didn't surprisethat Richard got an invite. Had it
not been for Claude's schemes that landed him in prison for two years, his startup would likely have gone public.
After all, his backing cfrom the Hilton family themselves.
Richard said, "It's a toss-up. Alan arranged the engagement himself, and his trust fund backed Ms. Tracey up.
The current head of the Hilton family isn't too involved. Rumor has it he's not keen on the match, which is why
he's still single at thirty, possibly looking for a way out."
"Do you think the Hilton guy will show?" | asked, seeking a glimpse into the truth.
As Richard explained, | nodded, half-understanding. "Why doesn't he just call off the engagement then?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"That's beyond me. Few have seen the head of the Hilton family in person. He maintains a low profile but makes
bold business moves, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Crestview Metropolis. Despite his
substantial investment in my venture, I've never met the man, though I've sent him his share of the profits,"
Richard spoke with an almost reverential tone.
Leaning back, | pondered, "When did he take over?"
Richard answered, "About three years after your parents passed away. When Alan died, he stepped up, and the
Hilton Group's already formidable wealth doubled, leaving their nearest competitors far behind."
I hummed in response, wondering if the current head of the Hilton family would be more amenable than Alan
had been in returning my parents' ashes.
"Lost in thought? I'm heading to the
Hilton Group for an investment meeting soon. | could try talking tox Mr. Hilton's assistant about your parents
ashes if you want." Richard knew my true feelings well. On the but
surface, | seemed indifferen
deep down, | longed to lay my parents to rest.
Richard chose a simple yet elegant blue gown forand a casual updo for the Goodwin family's banquet. We
weren't there to dazzle. My only wish was to see the elusive Mr. Hilton.
.n
When Richard and | entered, Richard was recognized immediately despite his taway and bombarded with
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmhandshakes and talks of future ventures. It seemed his stint in prison hadn't dented his reputation.
QUMS
"Richard, I'm going to grab something to eat," | said, feeling too conspicuous by his side.
He quickly arranged for an assistant to keepsafe, always protective.
Sipping on a drink, | watched Claude and Kate descend the staircase, arm in arm, greeted by warm smiles that
quickly turned to hidden smirks once they passed. "That's Mr. Hart, right? | heard he ditched his fiancée, a girl
who saved his life, for a shot with the Goodwin family. Now he's with Ms. Kate."
"Shameless."
"Indeed. Even though Claude's mother is from the Hilton family, | heard she had cut ties with them years ago
after a nasty fallout with Alan, even leading to people's deaths."