Noticing his mother’s difort about revealing his middle name, Paul offered a polite smile and said, “Everyone, please enjoy the gathering. Excuse me.”


    Jacob quickly interjected, “Hey, Paul, where are you rushing off to? How about joining us for lunch?”


    His intention was clear: by engaging Paul in conversation, he was hinting to the others that they shared a bond, implying that he had met Matilda prior to the reunion.


    This was also a subtle way to indicate to the crowd that they had a special connection, potentially warding off Matilda’s admirers.


    As the others listened to their exchange, they found it curious and somewhat strange. They began to question how Jacob and Paul had formed such a close friendship.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Paul replied with a smile, “Thanks, but I have to pass; I have a meeting this afternoon.”


    He then added in a measured tone, “I’m meeting with Charlie. He’sing to my new office to assess the Feng Shui, so I need to be there to entertain him.”<fne428> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fne428>


    Jacob nodded, grinning. “My son-inw is no expert, but he sure has a good eye for Feng Shui. Let him take a look; I doubt he’ll charge you afterst night’s dinner and the wine.”


    Then he continued, “Wait a second, let me call him and see if he can waive your fee!”


    Greyson listened to their banter with a frown of confusion and disappointment.


    What was happening? Had Paul, Jacob, and his son-inw already shared a drink together?


    When did that ur? Was it yesterday?


    Hadn’t Matilda just arrived in Aurous Hill yesterday? Did that mean she had already met Jacob upon her arrival? This was quite unusual!


    Greyson felt increasingly upset and troubled. He couldn’t shake the thought that Matilda might still have feelings for Jacob.


    Paul interrupted Jacob with a smile, saying, “Uncle Wilson, please don’t do that. It wouldn’t be very nice or professional to ask Charlie to waive the bill; there’s no need for that.”


    Matilda chimed in with a smile, “Yes, Paul’s right. Jacob, let the kids manage their own matters.”


    Jacob nced at Greyson during the conversation, grinning at the hint of disappointment on his face. Knowing he had seeded in his goal, he nodded at Paul and said, “Alright then. You go ahead; I’ll make sure to take care of your mom, don’t worry about it.”


    This remark only fueled Greyson’s irritation. ‘What do you mean by that? Why does it feel like you’re Paul’s stepfather?’ he thought angrily.


    ‘Oh, Jacob Wilson, you took Matilda from me twenty years ago. If you dare to ruin my happiness again, I swear I’ll make you pay!’ Greyson threatened silently, wishing he could eliminate Jacob with his thoughts.


    In an effort to provoke, he said loudly, “By the way, Jacob, where’s your wife? You know, the notorious shrew from our college days. What was her name again? Herst name is Parker, right? What’s her first name?”


    An old friend chimed in, “ine!”


    “Oh yes! ine Parker!” Greysonughed mockingly, “Jacob, I’ve heard you and ine have quite the affectionate rtionship. Where is she? Why didn’t you bring her along today?”


    Jacob’s expression twisted into a grimace at the mention of ine. He replied, visibly irritated, “Greyson, cut it out. ine isn’t from our ss; she has no business being here!”