"I’m heading back" was just an offhand remark meant for Wesley Foley, yet Titus Zane took it seriously. Upon reflection, Alder Locke realized that since both the old man Evander Lancaster and his wife were occupied with entertaining guests, it would just be him and Titus Zane alone back at the mansion...
Such a perfect opportunity for some alone time, how could he possibly let it slip away.
So he readily agreed, "Sure, I’ll go over and say goodbye to Grandpa Lancaster."
After saying this, he strode towards Samuel Zane’s position, and after a few steps, he turned back, grabbed Titus Zane’s hand, and mumbled as they walked.
"Better to take you with me, otherwise who knows which fly might start buzzing around you."
Being able to leave early, Titus Zane wasn’t too fussed and accompanied Alder Locke to the elder’s presence. Samuel Zane was sitting in a chair, surrounded by several others, laughing heartily at whatever was being shared with him.
"Grandpa Lancaster, Titus is feeling unwell, so I’ll take her home now," Alder Locke said with a smile, nodding to the uncles gathered around Samuel Zane.
"Come here, let me introduce you," Samuel Zane, however, motioned for them to come over. Alder Locke obediently pulled Titus Zane along, and not wanting to refuse in front of others, she complied reluctantly.
The two stood next to Samuel Zane as he started to introduce them one by one.
"Gentlemen, this is my granddaughter who has been studying abroad. She has only returned home after completing her studies this year..."
Facing the flattering surprise and praise of the others, Titus Zane couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. So it turned out that her grandfather was just as hypocritical, boasting about her return from abroad. Why not mention that she had always been adrift instead!
"This is Alder Locke’s grandson; his grandfather and I were old comrades-in-arms,"
"We know, we know," the others agreed and nodded before Samuel Zane could finish, "Back in the days, the Zane and Locke families were legends in Capital City. How could we not know."
Samuel Zane smiled proudly as he continued, "He’s also my granddaughter’s fiancé."
"Oh my, Mr. Lancaster, congratulations indeed..." As soon as Samuel Zane finished speaking, the group laughed and offered their blessings. Titus Zane’s expression wasn’t too pleasant, but Alder Locke kept smiling and gratefully accepted the good wishes.
"Grandpa, I’m going to head back now," Titus Zane spoke out of turn. As Samuel Zane laughed and thanked the others, he nodded in agreement, "Go on, go on. Return with Alder, and if you’re early you can even watch a movie together before you head back."
"Grandpa Lancaster’s idea doesn’t seem too bad," they said their goodbyes to the crowd politely, and the two of them walked together towards the entrance of the banquet hall. Alder Locke’s mood lifted at the thought of being called a grandson-in-law by the elder.
"You’re sick!" Titus Zane glared at him disdainfully and quickened her pace to the door.
Going to watch a movie in evening gowns, and not afraid of being considered insane.
As he watched Titus Zane’s hastening figure, Alder Locke quickened his pace to catch up, realizing that this woman cared a lot about her image. Despite her clear displeasure earlier, she hadn’t let it show.
Standing at the hotel’s entrance, Alder Locke took off his jacket and draped it over Titus Zane’s shoulders. The valet brought the car around, and only then did Alder Locke step down to the sedan.
The black Bentley leisurely pulled away, and in the darkness, another sedan also left, disappearing into the night in the opposite direction.
The heat in the car was turned up high enough to be cozy. As soon as she got into the car, Titus Zane handed the coat back to Alder Locke and took her seat in the back; Alder Locke was now the de facto driver.
Looking ahead, Titus Zane held a light-colored, compact handbag, which contained only her phone.
There was a vibrating sensation in her palm; she had set her phone to vibrate.