Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 128: Bad Feeling

"Never thought you’d be invited to this party too, Arthur!"

Suddenly, a voice rang out behind Arthur and Ashley, freezing them in their tracks. Confusion clouded Arthur’s eyes as he turned around.

But when he saw who had called his name, his expression shifted from bewilderment to shock; the wine glass he was about to sip seemed to freeze in mid-air.

Standing before him was a vision draped in a gown of midnight silk that hugged her curves like shadows come to life.

The daring V-shaped back of her dress revealed smooth, snow-white skin dusted with a subtle shimmer.

Her black hair cascaded over one shoulder in loose waves, adorned with a cerulean hairpin that sparkled like a distant star.

High cheekbones framed her face,one that could launch wars,with violet eyes gleaming with intelligence and mischief.

Arthur quickly regained his composure, clearing his throat as he managed a smile. "Ophelia! What are you doing here?!"

Ophelia rolled her beautiful eyes at him and slid into the seat beside him without waiting for an invitation.

Ashley, sitting on the other side of Arthur, raised an eyebrow and nudged him playfully. "Arthur, who is this?!"

"Oh! I almost forgot," Arthur said sheepishly, patting his head as if trying to jog his memory. "Ashley, meet Ophelia Sinclair! Ophelia, this is my cousin Ashley!"

"Nice to meet you, Ashley!" Ophelia beamed.

"Nice to meet you too, Ophelia! Wow! You look absolutely stunning!" Ashley exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Thank you for the compliment!" Ophelia replied graciously.

"Arthur never mentioned he knew someone as beautiful as you!" Ashley teased under her breath.

"Ahem...!" Arthur coughed slightly while shooting a glare at Ashley.

Unfazed by his annoyance, Ashley turned her attention back to Ophelia with genuine curiosity. "So how do you know my cousin?"

"We first met at your family’s real estate company," Ophelia explained with a soft chuckle. "Then we ran into each other at a park a few months ago,he looked so pitiful sitting alone that I took pity on him."

Arthur was momentarily speechless before retorting defensively, "Pitiful? I was just being brooding and mysterious!"

"You were pouting," Ophelia corrected playfully as she took a sip from his untouched drink.

Ashley cackled softly and leaned closer to Arthur. "I like her; hurry up and make your move!"

Arthur shot her an incredulous look but shook his head in disbelief.

Now fully invested in the conversation, Ashley propped her chin on her hand and asked Ophelia eagerly: "So what brings you to this den of snakes?"

Ophelia’s gaze swept across the grand ballroom, her expression a blend of amusement and disillusionment.

"Just like every other gathering," she remarked, gesturing toward the lavish buffet. "Politics masquerading as celebration." S

he paused, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I must admit, the caviar is exquisite. And those Voidfin pearls? Absolutely divine."

Arthur found himself momentarily distracted by the graceful curve of her neck as she turned to him. "You’ve tried it?" he asked, genuinely intrigued.

"Of course," she replied with a playful smirk. "I never pass up an opportunity for luxury, or interesting company."

Arthur coughed awkwardly, his cheeks flushing as he shifted his gaze away from her piercing stare.

Across the table, Ashley’s eyes darted between Arthur and Ophelia, a knowing glint sparking in her gaze as a mischievous smile danced on her lips.

Suddenly, the hum of conversation faded into silence as the harmonium’s haunting melody came to an end.

All eyes turned toward the raised podium at the center of the room where Mayor Damien Armitage stood, a figure who commanded attention effortlessly.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored deep sapphire suit that seemed to shimmer under the floating chandeliers,

Mayor Armitage exuded authority and charisma. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back neatly, while his sharp features softened under the warm glow of ambient light.

Beside him stood Jessica Armitage, poised in an ice-blue gown that starkly contrasted with the vibrant colors surrounding them.

Raising a flute filled with Starlight Nectar, the bioluminescent liquid casting a soft blue hue across his face,he began:

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice rich and resonant echoed through the hall, "tonight we gather not just to celebrate another year of my life but to honor what makes Neo-Luminara truly shine,the bonds we share."

His gaze swept over key figures in attendance, Senator Orla Drake, Madame Rose,and lingered just a moment longer on Arthur Osborn.

"This city thrives because of its visionaries and innovators; those who dare to dream beyond ordinary limits."

He paused for effect before continuing, "To all who have contributed to our shared success, I raise my glass in gratitude."

The guests lifted their flutes in unison as he concluded: "To prosperity! To unity! And to our collective future!"

A chorus of agreement rippled through the hall as glasses clinked together and everyone took their first sip of nectar.

The mayor’s smile was polished,a perfect blend of warmth and calculation,as he descended from the podium and navigated through mingling guests with practiced ease.

Arthur observed this from his corner seat while tracing idle patterns along his glass rim.

Ophelia arched an elegant brow beside him. "Looks like you’ve caught his eye," she murmured teasingly.

Ashley, mid-sip of her third flute of nectar, nearly choked. "Oh, this should be good!"

Just then, the mayor approached their table, his smile unwavering and infectious. "Arthur Osborn," he greeted warmly, extending a hand. "I’m honored you could join us tonight."

Arthur stood to meet him, accepting the handshake with a firm grip. "Mayor Armitage, I’ve been looking forward to this meeting for quite some time. And that was a fine speech you gave!"

"Flattery will get you everywhere," the mayor chuckled before turning his attention to Ophelia. "And Miss Sinclair! Always a pleasure to see you."

Ophelia inclined her head gracefully. "Mayor, congratulations on another successful year."

"Ah, if only success came without the headaches," he sighed theatrically while gesturing to a server who promptly delivered a fresh bottle of Solaris Vintage.

"A toast!" he declared as he poured the golden liquid into sparkling glasses.

Arthur accepted his glass but eyed the mayor with mild suspicion.

"To new connections," Veyne said, raising his glass high, "and the possibilities they bring!"

The four of them,Arthur, Ophelia, Ashley, and the mayor, clinked glasses together. Arthur took a measured sip; the wine’s crisp citrus notes danced across his tongue like sunlight through leaves. freewebnoveℓ.com

"Tell me, Arthur," the mayor began in a conversational tone, "how are you finding Neo-Luminara these days? I hear your family business is doing remarkably well and expanding rapidly."

Arthur kept his expression neutral. "The city has been very... accommodating after all my family has been entrenched here for many years."

"Modest as ever," the mayor chuckled. "Though I suspect ’accommodating’ is an understatement! Your Osborn Family’s expansion,especially with that AMHP-9 Emerald Rebirth pod,is truly impressive."

With that comment came a faint glance filled with deep meaning from the mayor towards Arthur.

A slight frown crossed Arthur’s brow at that look but quickly faded as Ashley chimed in mischievously. "Oh please! Arthur’s just being humble; he’s got plans to buy up the whole district next!"

Arthur shot her an incredulous glare while the mayor laughed heartily.

"Ambitious! I like that." His gaze flicked briefly toward Ophelia before returning to Arthur. "Perhaps we should discuss potential collaborations; after all, this city could greatly benefit from Osborn innovation."

Arthur’s fingers tightened imperceptibly around his glass as he replied coolly, "I’m always open to conversation."

"Excellent!" The mayor’s smile widened even further. "I’ll have my office reach out."

With a final nod to Ophelia and Ashley, he declared, "Ladies, enjoy the evening. Arthur,until next time."

And just like that, he vanished into the crowd, leaving behind an air of mystery and a table brimming with unanswered questions.

Ashley didn’t waste a moment; she pounced after exactly three seconds.

"Sooo," she drawled, swirling her wine like it held the secrets of the universe. "The mayor wants to collaborate now? How suspiciously convenient."

Ophelia’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Politics, Ashley. Everyone wants something."

Arthur exhaled through his nose, his gaze fixed on the Mayor’s retreating figure. "But the real question is, what does he want?"

Ashley flashed a mischievous grin. "Well, whatever it is, at least you’ve got us to keep you from stumbling blindly into a trap!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow and shot back, "And when have you ever stopped me from doing something reckless?"

Ashley opened her mouth to respond but paused for dramatic effect before shrugging nonchalantly. "Okay, fair point."

Arthur rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smirk tugging at his lips, a mix of amusement and challenge.

He turned looked at Mayor Armitage as his brows furrowed, he have a bad feeling that the mayor have ulterior motives towards him, but he can’t point his fingers at what is exactly suspicious.

He quickly came back to his senses and shook his head. Whatever the mayor have towards him he have to wait and see.