Episode 17

When Noah had just arrived, three men and a girl, nearly in their thirties, saw him approaching. Alice, Antonius, Alex, and Albert were just preparing to enter.

They didn't pause to greet the young man. Alice and others were aware that their new boss, who was now among them, didn't like to draw attention to himself.

At that moment, an idea sparked in Alice's mind.

More than a week before, Noah had transferred a billion dollars to Alice to acquire several businesses.

Alice used the money to take over several businesses on Silverstone's main street, including Royal Kitchen.

Unfortunately, Noah hadn't paid much attention to the documents he had been signing. To date, he remained unaware that he was the owner of this restaurant.

"Cough... Cough... Cough!"

Noah was immediately seized by a coughing fit as he realized Alice was standing behind him greeting them.

Alice bowed her head slightly upon seeing Noah turn somewhat awkward and continued speaking.

"This evening is special because Royal Kitchen has a special visitor. I just wanted to greet everyone, please enjoy whatever you like, it's on the house."

Recognizing the woman who approached them, Leyton promptly stood up. Seeing Leyton stand provoked the others to do the same.

"Miss Sanders. I'm Leyton Knox. My father is Luis Knox. Thank you for your hospitality," Leyton said, bowing slightly.

"Well, Mr. Knox. Do not be shy. Enjoy your dinner, Miss Ira Banks will assist. I must be off."

As Alice walked away, a commotion ensued. Leyton's sudden nervousness caught his friends' attention.

"Leyton, who is that woman? She seems very influential."

Leyton trembled slightly. "That's Miss Alice Sanders, the right hand of The Ghost."

"Huh?! ..."

"The Ghost?! ..."

"Leyton, who are you referring to as The Ghost?"

Suddenly, Leyton's expression turned serious. He looked around and started to explain.

"Listen carefully. Only a handful of people in this town know this... There's a major shift currently happening in the Silverstone business network..."

Leyton detailed how an investment company had emerged and acquired many significant businesses in Silverstone.

Within a week, the company's network became the largest in Silverstone. Just a few days ago, the firm took full ownership of Silverstone's largest business and entertainment hub, DevilHill.

World Order. It rose from nothing and began making inroads into the big business sector. There were four individuals believed to be the top power holders in the company.

The business people of Silverstone called them the 4A's, as all their names began with the letter A.

Alice Sanders was one of them. Indeed, the woman is considered to be the right hand of the owner of the company named World Order.

Owing to the owner's enigmatic nature and absence from the public view since the company's emergence, people started calling the shadowy figure, The Ghost.

They were all dumbfounded by Leyton's revelation. As students, they knew nothing about it. However, it was public knowledge that every major business in the world was controlled by either Families or Mafia syndicates.

"Leyton, has your family joined the World Order network?"

Leyton shook his head. "Frankly, I don't know. But, my father tried to make contact with their affiliates some time ago."

"Leyton. As Miss Alice personally greeted you, it suggests the Knox family might already be in."

Leyton dared not nod, for that seemed too extraordinary. But his friend may have had a point.

There was no way Alice Sanders would have greeted them without cause, especially as she seemed to recognize his father.

"Wow, Leyton. Your family's future is bright. I envy you."

"Yes. Your family is indeed impressive."

At that instant, Leyton received numerous compliments that made him feel like he was soaring.

"Hey Noah. Where are your manners? Why didn't you stand just now?"

One of Leyton's female friends noticed that Noah remained seated while the others had stood to greet Alice Sanders.

"I... Uh... It was..."

Noah had intended to stand, but Alice's hand had been on his shoulder, urging him to remain seated.

"Leyton. I think this kid has overstepped. He's just embarrassed you in front of Miss Alice, one of the 4A of World Order."

"Noah, I know you're unaccustomed to high-society etiquette. But could you at least follow our lead? All your friends stood up too."

Leyton displayed his irritation. The young man deeply regretted bringing Noah here.

"Leyton, I think Noah remained seated because he didn't want to obstruct Miss Sanders while she spoke," defended Jade.

What Jade said made sense, but it didn't ease the others' concerns. They genuinely did not appreciate Noah and his friends' presence there.

"Alright, Jade. I suppose you're right. Let's continue."

Ultimately, they ordered their food, and dinner proceeded.

During the meal, Noah and his friends were virtually disregarded. Leyton and his friends only spoke among themselves, occasionally glancing at Noah with disdain.

Even though the food was exquisite, it didn't help Noah and his friends enjoy their meal.

Jade felt it too but was powerless to change anything. She also regretted Leyton's inhospitality.

As dinner concluded, they planned their departure, though it was getting late.

As they departed, Leyton sought a moment with Jade. "Jade, allow me to escort you home this time."

"Leyton, there's no need. I'm going in the same direction as the others. We'll hail a cab." Jade declined politely.

At that moment, Leyton shot a look at Barney and the others, signaling them.

Barney quickly understood. "Jade. We plan to escort them. Perhaps you should get a ride from Leyton."

"Noah, what about you?"

"Jade, I'm headed in a different direction. I'll just look for a cab. It's better you go with them."

"Okay, then. Thank you, Leyton."

Knowing that Noah would be leaving alone and he would take Jade home gave Leyton a sense of victory.

"No problem. It's nothing." Leyton replied cheerfully. At that moment, he felt lucky. Noah hadn't acted out and spoiled his plans.

Just a little more effort and persuasion, and perhaps Jade would ask him to stay overnight. At least, that's what Leyton was thinking just then.

"Wow. What car is this?!"

One of Leyton's friends exclaimed, spotting a car parked next to Leyton's BMW.

Everyone's gaze, including Noah's, turned to the vehicle. But Noah's interest wasn't piqued by its model; he seemed to recognize the car now before them.

Seeing Jade also highly intrigued, Leyton approached the car and began, "This is a Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4."

"Wow, Leyton, you're so knowledgeable. It seems this car costs a fortune."

"Yes, obviously, no model from this brand comes cheap. Better keep your hands off it. Its price tags around five hundred and fifty thousand dollars," Leyton said proudly.