Chapter 1180
Chase and Ida had people out scouring everywhere for Ellinor, but they found a big fat nothing.
Where in the world was she hiding?
“Mr. Blanchet, we’re here.”
Theo snapped back to reality as he peered out the window. They’d arrived at the hotel where the business banquet was being held.
He murmured an acknowledgment, then hopped out of the car.
With a cool swagger, he stepped into the banquet hall.
A curvaceous woman dolled up in a fancy dress was making a beeline for him.
Sophia, with a flirty smile, cooed. “Theo, what took you so long? We’ve been waiting for ages!”
Theo maintained his personal bubble, responding indifferently. “It’s not like this is some big-deal event; there’s no need for me to rush.”
“But it is a big-deal event, Theo.” Sophia retorted. “It’s a business banquet! Everyone’s here to exchange the latest news and resources, both domestic and international. You’re a businessman; how can you have no interest in this?”
The truth was that Theo was entirely uninterested. He already had access to the most cutting-edge global news and resources, so he didn’t need to waste time at such a gathering.
But Jonah and the others had been badgering him over the phone to show up. He’d been constantly blowing off their invites, and it wouldn’t be cool to keep ducking them.
The other parties Jonah invited him to were way too rowdy. This business banquet was comparatively chill, which was why he agreed to come.
Sophia giggled. “Alright, alright. If you don’t feel like mingling, let’s go find Mr. Wyton and Mr. Larios. They’re on the terrace!”
Theo gave a nod and trailed after her.
As Theo followed Sophia upstairs, he crossed paths with Balfour coming downstairs. The tension was thick as they locked eyes, but they brushed past each other without a word.
Once upon a time, due to the feud between the Blanchet and Howard families, even if they weren’t on good terms, they’d still exchange pleasantries.
But ever since the Ellinor incident, the fact that Balfour hadn’t taken a shot at Theo was him showing restraint. Exchange pleasantries? Fat chance!
Six months ago, after a fight over the Ellinor matter, they cut all ties.
Theo couldn’t be bothered with Balfour, so he headed to the terrace.
Upon seeing Theo, Jonah immediately rose with a drink in hand and slung an arm over Theo’s shoulder as he began making jokes. “Theo, you’re a rare sight these days! You planning on becoming a monk or something?”
Theo shot him a cold glare and shoved him away impatiently. “Buzz off!”
Jonah stumbled away, feigning innocence, and darted over to Kemp. “Did you see that? I was just showing some concern, and he tells me to buzz off! What kind of friend does that?”
Kemp was lounging on the terrace sofa, sipping his drink, and watching Jonah. “Serves you right!”
With that, he picked up a glass of liquor from the table in front of him and casually handed it to Theo, who’d just sat down next to him. “How have you been lately? Any news of her?”
Theo accepted the glass, clinked it against Kemp’s in a toast, then shook his head slightly with a mix of indifference and despair on his face.
