Chapter 28 - Brewing Trouble (1/2)
The Lee Estate
Maxen's convoy rolled up the Lee's driveway, stopping before the mansion's grand entry staircase. The Lee Estate was a thirty-minute drive west of the metro, situated on top of a hill that faced the west side of the country where the main port was located.
From his car window, Maxen could see the glistening lights from the docked sh.i.p.s in the port and the busy logistics below with cranes lifting shipping containers off a ship and transferring it into the port.
It took a while for Maxen to gather himself, seemingly hypnotized by the simple grandeur of the orc.h.e.s.trated light show below the hill before stepping out of the car. He really didn't want to attend this ”Thanksgiving Dinner”; however, the Lees and the Suis had a century old friendship with each generation of Lees and Suis strengthening and maintaining their ties that Maxen would never dare miss a single invitation from them even if he's sick of attending such gatherings. Another reason for him to attend was to see Patriarch Lee, whom he was fond of.
He stood on his spot and took in the French colonial mansion of the Lees. One had to take a long flight of stairs to get inside the mansion. Its four columns, doubled the mansion's height that every inch of the exterior of mansion screamed power and prestige, giving it a vibe akin to the White House.
Just like the Lins, the Lees were one of the oldest and ric.h.e.s.t families in Nisia. Their main business: cargo and shipping.
”I don't think the Lees has an idea about this Lance guy, Your Highness,” Jack whispered as they took a step on the flight of marble stairs. His words made Maxen halt on the landing, his hands dipped into his pockets. He scanned the area and saw a few ushers waiting for the guests by the door. He swiveled around to face Jack behind him and whispered in his assistant's ears, ”I think they know it, that's why they're keeping him.” Maxen smirked and turned around to head to the double oak doors. The ushers knew who he was and did not ask for an invitation, immediately opening the door for the country's prince.
Upon entering the foyer, Maxen was welcomed with a hall filled with people dressed to the nines swaying to the soft jazz music courtesy of a live band and bottomless trays of c.o.c.ktails that made rounds, making sure that the guest would get their fill of alcohol throughout the night. He scanned the area and his gaze landed on the second floor, on top of the double grand staircase, where the King was speaking with the Lee Patriarch.
Maxen gave the two men above a curt nod before grabbing a flute of champagne for himself from a waiter. He took a sip, zeroing in his sight to the commissioned family portrait of the Lees hanging from the wall on the left-wing staircase. If his hunch was right based on what they dug up on Lance Go's trail, then trouble must be brewing under the Sui's noses and one of the Lees were keeping it under wraps.
He walked up to a flight of stairs and joined the group of the most powerful men in the country: The King, Patriarch Lee, and Ava's father; Adler Lee. From an onlooker's point of view, the sheer volume of aristocracy oozing from those men was intimidating enough that nobody would dare interrupt their exclusive small circle, except for a prince like Maxen who was welcomed with a warm smile by Patriarch Lee.
Growing up with no memory of his grandfather, Patriarch Lee was the perfect substitute for the role. His favorite hobby was fishing, so naturally, he taught Maxen how to drive a yacht and how to fish.
”Look who's here, I thought you're going to snub your old man tonight, Your Highness. By the way,” Patriarch Lee nudged Maxen's waist and whispered, ”I heard about a girl. Can show your old man a photo?”