Chapter 1722:
Matthewâs expression was equally grim, though his tone was slightly more subdued.
âWhatâs the plan, Old man? A big banquet is one thing, but inviting Errol? Why?â
Lexus offered no explanation, simply stating, âTonightâs banquet requires the presence of all notable figures in Uwhor.â
Edward and Matthew exchanged looks, both registering surprise. What was Lexusâ endgame? Was he attempting to shake up the entire city of Uwhor? But⦠since their old friend had his reasons, they resolved to support him without question.
Meanwhile, Errol, aided by Nola, made his way toward Lexus. Lexus remained seated, not even bothering to look up, which only heightened the tension between them.
The crowd watched the brewing standoff and murmured among themselves.
Nola, standing next to Errol with a flawless smile, took the initiative to break the ice, extending a hand toward Lexus in a gesture of respect.
âProfessor Moreno, hello. Iâm Nola Happer, the current acting head of the Happer family.â
Lexus grunted, offering little in the way of a greeting. He was well aware of the recent slapping incident that had stirred the city and knew Nola was at odds with Harlee. Unsurprisingly, he spared Nola no warm looks.
While Lexus disregarded formalities and showed no respect toward the Happer family, Errol, unfazed, maintained his amiable demeanor and took the initiative to greet Lexus.
âProfessor Moreno, itâs been a while.â
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Errol then turned his attention to Ableson beside Lexus, his eyes warm.
âAnd this must be Ableson? Youâve grown so much.â
Errol was adept at playing the gracious guest, using the banquet as an opportunity to enhance his image. He knew well that his disputes with the prestigious Mechuique universities were public knowledge. By appearing conciliatory, he cleverly shifted the blame onto Lexus, leading others to assume Lexus was the cause of their bad blood.
The murmurs around them were largely in Errolâs favor.
Lexus met Errolâs gaze for a tense moment before allowing a slow smile to creep across his face, assuming the role of the gracious host.
Lexus said with a pregnant smile, âIt has indeed been a long time. Perhaps not everyone is aware of why you were banned from the Mechuique universities. It was all a misunderstanding, really. Looking back, itâs clear you were never the kind of person to shirk financial obligationsâ¦â
Pausing to let his words sink, Lexus continued with what appeared to be a kind smile, âOh, look at me, dredging up old stories. Letâs not dwell on the past. Iâve arranged the best seat for you. This waiter will show you the way.â
Lexus then subtly nudged Matthewâs foot under the table.
As a longtime friend, Matthew caught the cue immediately. He stood up and said loudly in front of the guests, âMisunderstanding? What misunderstanding? That incident nearly ruined my experimentâ¦â
Lexus quickly stood, giving Matthew a stern look to silence him, and interjected, âAlright, enough. Letâs leave the past behind.â
Lexus then turned to Errol with an apologetic smile.
âMr. Happer, Iâm sorry. My old friend here still harbors some misunderstandings about you. Iâll make sure to toast to your health later to make amends.â
Errolâs expression darkened as he tightened his grip on Nolaâs hand. These old-timers! Back then, the Happer family had faced financial issues, and he had merely reneged on his promised donation. Was that such a crime?
But Errol forgot he had promised to donate to secure the universityâs lab results. In a bid to reap all the benefits, Errol had convinced Lexus, the university president at the time, to accept only his donation, which had nearly compromised the entire experiment.
Nolaâs resentment intensified. It was all so humiliating.
While Lexus and Matthew hadnât mentioned specifics, those in the know understood why the Happer family had been banned from the prestigious Mechuique universities. Yet, given Errolâs prominence in Uwhor, the guests refrained from openly discussing it, though they undoubtedly scorned him privately.
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