Lexus was a little confused when he was pulled into a sudden hug by a man named Leon Dawson who was introduced by Lis as an old friend.
At first, Lexus reached out, about to shake hands like two people who met each other for the first time and maintain a formal atmosphere, because what else should two people do on their first encounter?
Hugging was the last thing on Lexus's mind and therefore he didn't expect this sudden turn of events at all when Leon pulled him close and hugged him tightly, as if they were old friends.
Instinctively, Lexus wanted to push Leon away from him, because it was a normal reflex, where his brain thought he was being attacked, but unexpectedly, this man was very strong and Lexus soon thought that this person might not be an enemy.
"You are a big man now," Leon said, patting Lexus on the back gently.
"Yeah, I guess I am not a kid anymore..." Lexus thought he could even make a child now. So what did this middle- aged man's words mean?
On the other hand, Lis's eyes widened when she saw what Leon did while her second son looked at her questioningly.
Of course, Lexus was confused about how to respond to the man he just met. And, he was not used to being hugged by a man. Even in his entire life, Lexus did not remember that Ramon had ever hugged him.
Lis frantically looked around and found several people staring in wonder at Leon and Lexus, while the others still didn't notice this oddity.
"Looks like you guys caught the attention of the other guests," Lis said softly as she patted Leon's shoulder, as a warning for him to let go of Lexus.
When Leon loosened his embrace, Lis quickly pulled Lexus to her side and stood between them, lest this man stretch out his hands again and do more crazy things.
"You have met," said Lis stiffly. "You can go now."
It was what Lis had agreed with Lexus earlier. Lexus didn't need to stay back for long, because Lis didn't want Leon to ask or say things that shouldn't be said.
"I think I will just be here with you," said Lexus, his tone sounding serious. He didn't care what his mother said a few minutes ago, all he knew and saw now was; Lis looking scared in the face of this man, therefore, it was impossible for Lexus to leave his mother alone.
Who exactly is this man and what is his relationship with his mother? Because Lis wasn't usually afraid to face people.
Maybe it wasn't fear, but… panic? What is that mean?
"Leave Lexus," said Lis in an impatient tone. She didn't want Leon to be near Lexus any longer.
She didn't want that past story to be unfurled to Lexus.
Ramon already knew it and Lis wasn't sure how deep her first son had already dug out.
However, Lis felt that she couldn't face it anymore, so if Lexus also behaved like that and looked at her differently… Lis really couldn't afford to lose her sons and accept their accusing and blaming stares.
"No," said Lexus firmly, but a smile was still evident on his lips. He looked at Leon probingly, not hostilely.
"Yeah, just leave him be." Leon offered Lexus a glass of red wine which he accepted with a nod, as an expression of gratitude. "We can talk about some business together."
Lexus raised his eyebrows subtly, he wasn't sure what kind of business they would talk about, considering that Dawson's company was now under Giana Dawson's control while her divorce trial was still ongoing.
"How about you continue welcoming the arrived guests?" Lexus said to Lis before turning to Leon. "So, where do we start?" asked Lexus, then took a sip of his red wine while Lis stood between the two of them, looking like someone who was about to faint.
=================
Ramon arrived at the hotel just before the event started and the first thing he noticed was Lexus talking to someone who had his back to him, while Lis was beside him.
This was odd according to Ramon, because the two of them should not be in the same place and ignore the other guests.
Who was this man? Was he so important that Lexus and Lis had to greet him at the same time? However, from his back profile, Ramon did not remember if he had ever met a businessman like him.
With firm steps while ignoring the curious stares directed at him, he walked over to his mother and brother, while Danny took Ramon's job to greet the guests and make sure their wishes were fulfilled.
The guests seemed reluctant to approach Ramon, because the cold expression on his face seemed to leave them freezing in place and dare not approach.
Ramon's steps quickened when he saw Lis finally sensed his presence and her shocked face made Ramon's suspicions deepen about the man who was talking to Lexus.
Lis looked more and more panicked as Ramon got closer, she seemed to pat the mysterious man's arm and said something, which from the movement of her lips, Ramon knew that his mother was calling his name.
After Lis, Lexus finally noticed Ramon's arrival. A familiar smirk tugged at the corners of his brother's lips.
"Where have you been?" Lexus exclaimed as he approached his brother. "You are almost late, the party is about to start."
"Hm," Ramon mumbled. He walked past Lexus and approached the man who still had his back to him. "Who is this?" asked Ramon, as he walked up to the man.
His conjecture proved correct. It was the same man he was investigating. Leon Dawson, or Herbert Long.
"Good evening, Mr. Tordoff," Leon greeted kindly. "Nice to finally meet you."
Lis looked pale, even her exquisite make- up couldn't help to cover up the anxiety she was feeling when she witnessed Ramon and Lexus finally meeting Leon.
**************
THE ORIGINAL STORY BELONGS TO WEBNOVEL.
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