The Return of the War Legate

Chapter 32

“Come here and squeeze in with me!”

Noticing that there was no space left in the car, Adaline squeezed herself inward.

“The car is overloaded, Ada. He won’t fit,” said Stella.

“She’s right. It’s packed in here. Let’s not bring along the deadbeat, shall we?” said one of the women.

Adaline pursed her lips. In truth, she felt upset to hear her friends criticizing Adrian in this manner. However, she could not chastise them because her status was inferior to theirs

The driver, Kevan, said to Adrian, “You aren’t going to fit. Sorry, but we have to leave you behind.”

“It’s fine, I’ll walk. Which hotel are you going to?” said Adrian.

“Hahaha!” Kevan and the others burst out laughing. “Sure, you can walk then. I’d like to see which is faster -your legs or my car! See you at Swallowston Hotel!”

Kevan started the engine.

Adaline suddenly tossed fifteen dollars from the window just as the car sped off. “Get yourself a cab and go home! Don’t come! They’re going to make you the laughing stock!”

Adrian smiled bitterly. He bent over and picked up the money from the floor, shaking his head in frustration. In truth, Adaline cared for him and pitied him. However, in light of her personality, she refused to show her true emotions.

Adrian pocketed the money and walked to Swallowston Hotel.

Swallowston Hotel belonged to Donald Kushner, the richest man in Swallowston’s business field. It was listed as a company of the Kushner Group.

Donald was also the chairman and president of the Kushner Group. One could describe the Kushner Group as the biggest company in Swallowston while the richest man, Donald, owned companies in various fields including entertainment, hotel, and many others.

Twenty minutes later, Kevan and his friends arrived at the entrance of Swallowston Hotel in their cars. More than twenty people got out in succession.

Stella held Kevan’s hand and said with a smile on her face, “Didn’t the deadbeat claim that he’s coming too? Where is he now?”

“Hah–hah, I figured he’d get left behind,” said someone while laughing.

Adaline felt upset upon hearing that but she kept quiet. She followed Kevan and the others into the hotel when someone suddenly gasped in astonishment and said, “F*ck! When did this guy get here?!”

The group was stunned. They saw Adrian sitting in the lobby of the hotel sipping coffee.

They were dumbfounded.

‘When did this guy get here?‘

‘How did he get here faster than a car by walking?”

Adaline was astounded too and said, “How did you get here, Adrian?”

Adrian stood up and said, “I hitched a ride.”

“F*ck, you’re quite lucky huh. All right then. Join us since you’re here.” Kevan waved dismissively and behaved as if he was magnanimous.

Adaline was relieved but she glared at Adrian at the same time. “Don’t speak while we’re there.”

Adrian nodded to express his understanding.

A private room had already been reserved in the restaurant.

Kevan wrapped his arm around Stella and arrived at the private room with the group.

They sat down around the table.

Adaline appeared rather reserved and not as outgoing as the other women present. Adrian could see that Adaline did not enjoy occasions like these. She only came to get acquainted with these influential figures to raise her status.

On the other hand, the hosts, Kevan and Stella, were constantly smiling. Everyone began to order their meals and a few bottles of liquor. Meanwhile, Kevan left momentarily and soon returned with a young

man.

“Everyone, please allow me to introduce a new friend,” said Kevan with a smile.

The group stopped talking and looked at the young man next to Kevan.

The young man had a strong, muscular physique that attracted the women’s attention.

Kevan said, “This is Harry Lynch. He’s been a good friend of mine since childhood. He’s the nephew of Bo “Boxchamp” Lynch who used to dominate the underworld.”

“Even though Boxchamp has already retired, he trained Harry and has more than a hundred subordinates in the underworld. If you need any help in the future, you can look to him for help,” Kevan introduced.

The group was shocked upon hearing the word “underworld.”

The underworld referred to the world of organized crime in Southrive. The business moguls controlled that world. They frequently organized boxing matches, and that was where Boxchamp had gotten his

name.

Bo held the champion title for more than a decade consecutively until he established his own company. Harry should be an extraordinary person given he was Bo’s nephew.

“So, you’re Harry. My name’s Skylar Cooper, and it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Harry, we’ll be relying on you for protection in Southrive from now on.”

The group instantly started kissing Harry’s toes, especially the women.

Hearing the numerous greetings, Harry smiled and said, “Don’t mention it. You’re all friends of Stella and Kevan so you’re my friends too. Just let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Harry!”

“Many thanks, Harry!”

The group said in succession.

As the group buttered up to Harry, Adaline sat there and did not speak. Adrian, who was sitting next to her, did not say a word either.

When Kevan was done with the introduction, everyone fell silent. He looked toward Adaline and said,

Ada, you should accompany Harry for a drink today. It’s rare for him to join us, but he heard you were coming today so he came just to meet you.”

Kevan winked at Adaline while he said this. He was insinuating that Harry had taken an interest in Adaline.

Adaline was beautiful and mature–looking. She was a rare specimen of innocent beauty in Southrive. She was naturally beautiful even without any makeup or a fancy outfit.

Harry beamed at Adaline as soon as Kevan said this.

Stella said, “Oh, Ada, Harry fancies you. How lucky. I’m so jealous!”

The rest of the women cast envious glances at Adaline.

Adaline felt slightly embarrassed because she had not expected Harry would take an interest in her. She had heard about Harry before.

Harry was a true scumbag who would ditch the girl when he was done fooling around with her. It was also said that he was arrogant, domineering, and wildly conceited.

Adaline would not be interested in a man like Harry despite his capability.

Adrian smiled and did not utter a word.

“Thank you very much, Harry,” Adaline said to avoid causing awkwardness.

Stella and the others chimed in. In their opinion, Adaline was blessed that Harry had taken an interest in her.

On the other hand, Harry smiled mischievously at Adaline. He knew that Adaline’s sister–in–law, Samantha, was equally beautiful. “Wouldn’t it be awesome to get Adaline first, then get my hands on

Samantha?‘

Harry said, “Ada, you can come to me if you need anything in Southrive from now on.”

Adaline nodded but did not comment any further.