940 René Alejandro (2/2)
”Thank you, my friend. You are very kind.” Then René Alejandro glanced at the female hotel employee who was still waiting behind Wei Lan and Randy. ”You may go now. Thank you for bringing my stepmother and her best friend.”
”It's my pleasure, Mr. Aguila,” she replied, her cheeks turning pink. ”Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything else.”
René Alejandro then turned his attention at the two silent men in black suits.
Noticing where he was looking at, Wei Lan explained, ”These two men are the bodyguards that my son-in-law provided meeeee. I already told you about my son-in-law. He's Jin Liwei, the—”
”Current CEO of Chinese multinational company, Jin Corporation. English name, Liam Jin. One of the youngest multibillionaires in the world.” René Alejandro's expression turned serious as he described Jin Liwei before smiling again. ”I remember him, Mamá. No need to tell me again.”
”Ah, yes.”
He led them to sit at the comfortable couches in the spacious living area that had a panoramic view of the modern city outside. A hotel-provided maid who was tasked to exclusively serve this penthouse suite's guest served them hot tea and pastries.
René Alejandro once again glanced at the two bodyguards who positioned themselves at nondescript but very strategic corners. Then he smiled at Wei Lan.
”Since CEO Liam Jin is your son-in-law, then that makes him a brother of mine, yes? I would like to meet him one of these days and thank him for taking excellent care of you, especially when Papá and I have been unable to accompany you ever since you returned here to China. And of course, I would also like to meet my sister, your daughter Iris Long, who I already know is as beautiful and kind-hearted as you are.”
Wei Lan dabbed the tea moisture on her blood-red lips with a serviette. ”Of cooouuuurse, my dear! I'll certainly introduce you to your sister and brother-in-law soooooon. We'll just have to wait first until the two of them return from their honeeeymooooon.”
He looked surprised. ”Iris and Liam already married? When?”
Wei Lan told him about the secret wedding that happened a few days ago. Randy also provided additional details about the event.
René Alejandro drummed his fingers on his thighs as he thought about what he just heard. ”Ah, it seems that I have to congratulate my sister and brother-in-law for their wedding. Mamá, you must help me choose a belated present for the newlyweds, yes?”
She sighed dramatically. ”Unfortunately, my deeeaaar, they're not accepting any wedding presents at all! But they do accept financial donations to my daughter's foundation, Iris of Hooooope. I already told you about it before, René Alejandro. I help your sister out with her foundaaation.”
”I see,” he murmured. ”I'll make a generous donation, then. Our family and what we represent, the Viscountcy of Castillo de Estrellas, are always ready to help out with any philanthropic endeavours. Iris of Hope sounds like it's in line with our family values. I would love to make a contribution and I'm sure that if Papá were here, he would also feel excited and want to become involved in his new daughter's philanthropic efforts.”
”You're right, my deeeeaaar.” Wei Lan sighed dreamily. ”That's why I fell in loooooove with your father. He's such an honourable man with a great vision for a better wooooorld! He inspired me to become a better persoooon.”
They all chatted for some time until it was time for dinner. They headed downstairs to a secret high-class restaurant exclusive only to VIPs. Even Wei Lan had no idea about this place's existence. And yet her stepson was welcomed with open arms.